Hey everyone,
here is the german Pirate Party Part for “Inclusion” from our Workinggroup:
Greetings From Germany!
Antonia
Preamble:
The European Pirate Parties are committed to collaborating internationally and sharing best practices in the field of inclusive participation in order to jointly create a more inclusive and just society. By recognizing and promoting the rights and needs of people with disabilities, the European Pirate Parties make an important contribution to the creation of an inclusive and just society in which all people can participate equally. We are convinced that such a society will ultimately benefit all Europeans and help to realize the fundamental values of the European Union - freedom, equality and solidarity.
Implement accessibility in its fullest
The Pirate Parties of Europe demand full accessibility for all people in all areas of society. We advocate for an inclusive and equal life for all, regardless of their limitations. We call for the implementation of the following minimum requirements:
1. Accessibility in all public buildings and facilities
The demand for complete accessibility in all public buildings and facilities is an important core demand of the Pirate Parties in Europe. This means that people with disabilities must no longer be excluded from public places.
Accessibility here includes not only easy access to buildings, but also the ability to move freely and independently within them. This includes, for example, ramps and lifts, but also sufficiently wide doors and corridors, as well as well-placed handrails. In addition, the interior design must also be barrier-free, such as a sufficient number of handicapped-accessible toilets or the absence of trip hazards.
Another important aspect of accessibility is the accessibility of information and communication. Public buildings and institutions must ensure that their information and communications are accessible to all, regardless of the type of impairment.
This includes, for example, accessible websites, Braille or sign language translations of texts and videos, or easy-to-understand language for people with learning disabilities (including easy-to-use language).
Concrete examples of accessible public facilities include wheelchair-accessible swimming pools with lift facilities and barrier-free changing rooms, public transportation with ramps and special seating for people with disabilities, or barrier-free concert and event venues with sufficient space for wheelchairs and walking aids. But so do guidance systems and signs with Braille.
The demand for complete accessibility in public buildings and facilities goes beyond mere equality for people with disabilities. Rather, it is about an inclusive society in which all people can participate on an equal footing. Accessibility also means taking into account the needs and abilities of all people, regardless of impairment.
2. Accessibility in all means of transport
The demand for accessibility in all means of transport is an important part of the election program of the Pirate Parties in Europe. The aim of this demand is to enable people with disabilities and e.g. limited mobility to participate fully in public life and to facilitate their mobility in the transport infrastructure.
In concrete terms, accessibility in the transport infrastructure means that all means of public transport, such as buses, streetcars, subways and trains, must be designed so that they can be used by all people without restriction.
This includes, for example, barrier-free access, elevators and ramps, wide doors and aisles, and sufficient space for wheelchairs, strollers and walking aids. There must also be sufficient seating available that is suitable for people with disabilities. But ticket counters must also be accessible.
One example of barrier-free transportation is buses that have ramps or lifts to allow wheelchair users and people with limited mobility to get on and off easily and safely. There are also already subways equipped with special wheelchair lifts to ensure barrier-free access.
Furthermore, some cities have accessible cabs that have a ramp or fold-out seat to transport people with disabilities and reduced mobility. These cabs must not be charged an extra flat rate, otherwise this constitutes discrimination.
Similarly, bus stops information must be designed barrier-free and accessible.
The demand for accessibility in means of transport goes beyond a mere equality of people with disabilities. Rather, it is about an inclusive society in which all people can participate equally in public life, regardless of impairment. Accessible design of means of transportation is thus an important step toward an inclusive society. Accessibility in public spaces: Public spaces must be accessible to all people in order to enable them to live a self-determined life.
3. Accessibility in the digital world
The demand for accessibility in the digital world is an important part of the election program of the Pirate Parties of Europe. The goal of this demand is to ensure that all people, regardless of their abilities or impairments, can fully participate in digital life.
Accessibility in the digital world encompasses many aspects.
On the one hand, this includes the accessibility of websites and apps. Websites and apps must be designed in such a way that they are accessible to all people. This includes, for example, the use of alt text for images to ensure that blind or visually impaired people also know what is in an image. Subtitles for videos should also be available to include people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Another important aspect of accessibility in the digital world is the accessibility of online content for people with cognitive impairments, such as autism or learning disabilities. This includes the use of clear, simple and easy-to-understand language and corresponding symbols.
Concrete examples of accessible digital offerings include websites that can be adapted to different needs. And so, for example, can be read aloud via special screen reader tools. There are also already apps available in sign language to include deaf or hard-of-hearing people.
The demand for accessibility in the digital world is of great importance here, as the digital world plays an increasingly important role in people’s daily lives. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, it became apparent that the use of digital offerings is crucial for many people to be able to participate in social and cultural life.
In this context, accessibility in the digital world goes beyond mere equality for people with disabilities. Rather, it is about an inclusive society in which all people can participate equally in digital life, regardless of their abilities and impairments. Barrier-free design of digital offerings is thus an important step toward an inclusive society.
Overall, the demand for accessibility in the digital world is an important focus in the election program of the Pirate Parties of Europe. We demand that this requirement be implemented in the future in order to create an inclusive society in which all people can participate fully.
4. Accessibility in education and work
The demand for full accessibility in education and work is an important part of the election program of the Pirate Parties in Europe. The goal of this demand is to ensure that all people, regardless of their abilities or impairments, can fully participate in the education system and working life.
Accessibility in educational institutions means that daycare centers, schools, universities and other educational institutions must be designed so that they are accessible to all pupils, students or teachers. This includes, for example, the ability to enter all classrooms and lecture halls and move around freely and safely. Materials such as textbooks and learning content should also be available in a variety of formats to meet different needs.
Another important aspect of accessibility in educational institutions is the promotion of inclusion. This means that schools and universities must be designed to welcome and support a wide diversity of students.
This includes providing specialized learning methods and materials and hiring teachers and tutors with a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
Accessibility must also be ensured in the workplace. Employers must ensure that their workplaces are accessible to all employees. This includes, for example, providing accessible workstations and spaces and the ability to accommodate special needs. Employers should also ensure that their job advertisements and working conditions are accessible and understandable for all applicants.
Concrete examples of accessible education and workplaces are schools that have barrier-free entrances, wide corridors and elevators for wheelchair users. There are also universities that have special rooms for students with disabilities where they can use special learning and communication aids.
In the world of work, there are already companies that offer barrier-free workplaces and flexible working conditions to meet the individual needs of their employees. Participation also includes the provision of sign language interpreters and assistants, for example.
The requirement for complete accessibility in education and work is crucial, as education and work are decisive factors for participation in social life. Here, accessibility means that all people can participate equally, regardless of their abilities or impairments. Barrier-free design of education and workplaces is thus an important step towards an inclusive society.
With their demand for complete accessibility in education and work, the Pirate Parties in Europe are calling for an inclusive society in which all people have the same opportunities and can make full use of their abilities and talents. Accessibility in education and work is a fundamental human right and should be strived for equally by all countries and societies.
Inclusive education enables all students, regardless of their abilities or impairments, to reach their full potential. Such education should take into account individual needs and abilities, and teachers should be able to use a variety of learning styles and methods. Including students with disabilities or other impairments promotes empathy, understanding, and acceptance of differences and strengthens the entire student community.
Accessibility must also be ensured in the workplace to promote equal opportunity and equality. Employers should be able to adapt their workplaces to meet the individual needs of their employees in order to create a productive and supportive work environment. Adapting workplaces and work conditions can be of various natures, such as installing accessible restrooms, providing assistive technology devices, or hiring sign language interpreters.
Overall, the demand for complete accessibility in education and work is an important focus in the election program of the Pirate Parties in Europe. An inclusive society in which all people can participate on an equal footing, regardless of their abilities or impairments.
5. Accessibility in healthcare
The demand for accessibility in healthcare is an important part of the election program of the Pirate Parties in Europe. The aim of this demand is to ensure that all people, regardless of their abilities or impairments, can fully participate in the healthcare system.
Accessibility in the healthcare system means that all facilities in the healthcare system, including hospitals, doctors’ offices and pharmacies, must be accessible to all people. This includes, for example, barrier-free entrances, waiting areas, examination rooms and treatment rooms. Also, all medical equipment, instruments, and supplies should be accessible to and appropriate for people with disabilities or other impairments.
Another important aspect of accessibility in healthcare is the availability of medical information in different formats. For example, medical information should be available in plain language or in sign language to enable all patients to communicate effectively with medical professionals.
Concrete examples of accessible healthcare facilities include hospitals that have ramps or elevators for wheelchair users and barrier-free design of examination rooms and treatment rooms. There are also already doctors’ offices that have special medical equipment and instruments to meet the individual needs of patients with disabilities or other impairments.
The requirement for accessibility in health care is of great importance, as health care is a basic human right and should be accessible to all. Making the healthcare system accessible ensures that all patients have the same opportunities to receive quality healthcare. Inclusive healthcare also means that special needs and requirements of patients with disabilities or other impairments are considered and met.
The demand for accessibility in healthcare goes beyond mere equality for people with disabilities. Rather, it is about an inclusive society in which all people can participate equally in the healthcare system, regardless of their abilities or impairments. Barrier-free design of the healthcare system is thus an important step towards an inclusive society.
Overall, the demand for accessibility in the healthcare system is an important focus in the election program of the Pirate Parties of Europe. It is hoped that this demand will be implemented in the future in order to create an inclusive society in which all people can participate fully in the healthcare system. Accessible healthcare not only ensures equal rights and opportunities for all patients, but can also help improve the overall quality and efficiency of the healthcare system.
Various measures need to be taken to improve accessibility in healthcare. One way, for example, is to provide continuing education for healthcare professionals to ensure a better understanding of the needs and requirements of patients with disabilities or other impairments. Another way is to work with patient organizations and other stakeholders to provide feedback and insight into the experiences of patients with disabilities or other impairments.
It is also important to continuously review and improve accessibility in healthcare. Feedback systems or regular reviews by specialized assessors, for example, can be used to do this. Authorities and governments should also ensure that the implementation of accessibility in healthcare is monitored and enforced.
In summary, the demand for accessibility in healthcare is an important focus in the election program of the Pirate Parties of Europe. Inclusive healthcare is a fundamental human right and should be accessible and barrier-free for all people. By implementing accessibility measures, an inclusive society can be created in which all people can participate equally in the healthcare system, regardless of their abilities or impairments.
6. Accessibility in recreational activities
The demand for accessibility in leisure activities is an important part of the election program of the Pirate Parties in Europe. The aim of this demand is to ensure that all people, regardless of their abilities or impairments, can fully participate in leisure activities.
Accessibility in leisure activities means that all leisure facilities, such as parks, swimming pools, museums, theaters and cinemas, must be accessible to all people. This includes, for example, barrier-free entrances, pathways, restrooms and other facilities. Also, all recreational activities and events should be designed to be accessible to all people.
Another important aspect of accessibility in recreation is the availability of special aids and assistance for people with disabilities or other impairments. For example, audio guides should be available in museums or special seating should be available in theaters and cinemas. There should also be swimming aids or wheelchair-accessible paths in parks and other recreational facilities.
Specific examples of accessible recreational facilities include parks that have accessible pathways, wheelchair accessible restrooms, and seating. There are also museums that have special audio guides or Braille lettering to enhance the experience for visitors with disabilities or other impairments. In the theater and cinema scene, there are already companies that offer special seating and support for people with disabilities or other impairments.
The demand for accessibility in leisure activities is of great importance, as leisure activities are an important part of social life and should be accessible to all people. Accessible design of recreational facilities and activities ensures that all people have the same opportunities to enjoy their leisure time and pursue their interests. Inclusive recreational design also means that special needs and requirements of people with disabilities or other impairments are considered and met.
In this context, accessibility in leisure activities goes beyond mere equality for people with disabilities. Rather, it is about an inclusive society in which all people can participate equally in leisure activities, regardless of their abilities or impairments. Barrier-free design of leisure facilities and activities is thus an important step towards an inclusive society.
Overall, the demand for accessibility in leisure activities is an important focus in the election program of the Pirate Parties of Europe. We demand that this requirement be implemented in the future in order to create an inclusive society in which all people can enjoy their leisure time without restrictions. Accessible leisure not only ensures equal rights and opportunities for all people, but can also help strengthen social inclusion and a sense of community.
To improve accessibility in leisure activities, various measures need to be taken. For example, one option is to promote accessible design standards for recreational facilities and activities. Special training and education could also be provided to staff at recreational facilities to ensure a better understanding of the needs and requirements of people with disabilities or other impairments.
It is also important to continuously review and improve accessibility in recreational settings. Feedback systems or regular reviews by specialized assessors, for example, can be used for this purpose. Authorities and governments should also ensure that the implementation of accessibility in recreation is monitored and enforced.
In summary, the demand for accessibility in leisure activities is an important focus in the election program of the Pirate Parties of Europe. Inclusive leisure activities are a fundamental human right and should be accessible and barrier-free for all people. By implementing accessibility measures, an inclusive society can be created in which all people can participate equally in leisure activities, regardless of their abilities or impairments.
The Pirate Parties of Europe are committed to full accessibility to enable an inclusive and equal life for all people. We demand the implementation of these minimum requirements in all areas of society and advocate for a barrier-free and inclusive society.
Protection against violence for all: Inclusion in the focus of the European Pirate Parties
The Pirate Parties in Europe are committed to an inclusive society in which every person, regardless of gender, origin, religion or disability, is equally protected and has the opportunity to develop their full potential. In the European election, we advocate for comprehensive measures to protect against violence in order to create a Europe of diversity, justice and security for all.
Protection from violence for vulnerable groups
First and foremost, we must focus on those who are at increased risk of experiencing violence due to their circumstances. These include women, children, the elderly, people with disabilities and members of minorities.
The Pirate Parties in Europe call for:
The strengthening of prevention programs that address the specific needs of these groups.
The establishment of barrier-free shelters and contact points for victims to ensure quick and effective help.
Improving cooperation between the various competent authorities at European and national level in order to implement violence protection measures more efficiently.
Raising awareness of violence in all its forms Violence has many faces, and often those who need help the most are the least able to seek it.
The Pirate Parties in Europe are committed to a broad awareness campaign that educates about:
- Physical, psychological and sexual violence in all its forms.
- The various causes of violence, including social, cultural and structural factors.
- The role of institutions and organizations in preventing and combating violence.
Expansion of social infrastructure
In order to effectively prevent violence, it is essential to build an inclusive society in which all people feel safe. The Pirate Parties in Europe demand:
- The creation of more meeting places where people from different backgrounds and life situations can talk to each other and better understand each other.
- The improvement of access to education and further training in order to create perspectives and opportunities for all.
- Promoting social cohesion and mutual understanding.
Strengthening victim rights
Existing victim protection policies need to be strengthened. Good victim protection reduces costs to society as a whole. Victims of violence must be effectively protected from retraumatization and revictimization. State victim compensation procedures must be in line with human rights.
The judiciary must be trained on psycho-traumatology, forms of violence and consequences of violence, including abuse of power through sovereign action.
Victims of violence must have effective ways to receive adequate compensation, similar to railroad customers and airline passengers. The professional standard of psycho-traumatology must be adhered to.
The principle must apply: When in doubt, give the victim the benefit of the doubt. Expert witnesses must be appropriately qualified in psycho-traumatology and selected at random. Recognized victims must be protected from further arbitrariness by authorities.
Strengthening fundamental and human rights
To strengthen human rights, each member state must have a national institute for human rights. These must be equipped in such a way that they receive an A rating. In order to effectively protect human rights, these institutes must be able to accept individual complaints.
Public authorities and the judiciary must be obliged to undergo training on the validity, application and protection of human rights. The “Guiding Principles on Access to Justice for Persons with Disabilities” and Resolution “Right of Victims of Gross Violations of International Human Rights Law and Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law to Legal Protection and Reparation” must be fully recognized.
Each Member State must have an independent oversight body to protect persons with disabilities from abuse of power and human rights violations.
The Pirate Parties in Europe are committed to an inclusive Europe where protection against violence is equally guaranteed for all people. With targeted measures, awareness raising and the expansion of social infrastructure, we want to create a Europe where everyone can live in safety and develop freely. Together we can make a difference and build a Europe of diversity, justice and security for all.
Promoting inclusive media and communication platforms
In a digitalized world, media and communication platforms play a crucial role in raising awareness of violence prevention and promoting inclusion.
The Pirate Parties in Europe are committed to:
The support and promotion of media projects that provide inclusive content and address the needs of different target groups. The implementation of policies that combat hate speech and discrimination on communication platforms without restricting freedom of expression.
The introduction of digital education in schools and adult education institutions to increase the media literacy of the population and thus promote the responsible use of digital media.
Cooperation with civil society organizations
The fight against violence and the promotion of inclusion can only be successful if it takes place at all levels of society.
The Pirate Parties in Europe would therefore like to intensify and support cooperation with civil society organizations:
The networking of organizations and initiatives working for violence protection and inclusion in order to promote the exchange of knowledge, experiences and resources. Providing financial and logistical support to civil society projects that aim to prevent violence and promote inclusion. Engaging civil society actors in policy-making processes to incorporate their expertise and perspectives into the design of laws and policies.
Summary
The Pirate Parties in Europe advocate for an inclusive Europe where protection from violence is equally guaranteed for all people. Through targeted measures, awareness raising, the development of social infrastructure, the promotion of inclusive media and communication platforms, and cooperation with civil society organizations, we want to create a Europe where everyone can live in safety and develop freely. Together, we can send a strong signal for a peaceful, inclusive and just Europe.
Inclusive parenting: empowerment and support for all families
The European Pirate Parties are committed to promoting inclusion and equal opportunities for all people in Europe. One area that requires special attention is parenthood. We believe that all people, regardless of their individual abilities or limitations, should have the right to start a family and raise their children in a loving and supportive environment.
Parenthood and intellectual disability
Mentally disabled people often have a desire to have children that is as strong as that of people without disabilities. Yet they can face many barriers due to prejudice, discrimination, and lack of support. The European Pirate Parties recognize that it is important to support mentally disabled people in fulfilling their desire to have children and to give them the opportunity to fulfill their potential as loving and responsible parents.
Rights and support for mentally disabled parents
Right to family planning: Mentally disabled people have the right to decide about their family planning. This means that they should have access to information, education, and resources regarding contraception, pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting. This should be done in a way that meets their individual needs and abilities.
Right to support: To enable people with intellectual disabilities to make the most of their parenting skills, they should have access to support services and interventions. This includes, for example, early intervention, specialized parent training programs, assistance services, and psychosocial support.
Right to non-discrimination: People with intellectual disabilities should be protected from discrimination in all aspects of parenting. This includes protection from unfounded deprivation of custody or parental responsibility on the basis of intellectual disability.
Awareness and education: The European Pirate Parties are committed to raising awareness of the rights and needs of mentally disabled parents and to creating the social environment in which these parents are recognized and supported as equal members of society.
Conclusion
The European Pirate Parties are committed to ensuring that mentally disabled people have the same rights, opportunities and support in the area of parenthood as people without disabilities. We believe that an inclusive society that supports all parents, regardless of their abilities, will lead to a stronger, more diverse and inclusive community that is in line with the core values of the European Union.
To achieve this, the European Pirate Parties call for all Member States to work together and create a common agenda to promote inclusion and equal opportunities in parenting. Some of the concrete measures we propose include:
Financial assistance for all:
The call for the provision of financial assistance and subsidies to ensure access to support services and interventions for parents with intellectual disabilities.
These include, for example, subsidies for child care or financial assistance to access assistance services.
Funding research and innovation in inclusion and parenting:
To promote research and innovation in the field of inclusion and parenting to develop better solutions and practices that help people with intellectual disabilities to fully utilize their parenting abilities.
Inclusive Education:
Creating inclusive education systems that address the needs of all children, regardless of their abilities or the background of their parents, must be possible. This should be achieved through collaboration between schools, parents, and support services to ensure that every child receives the best education possible.
1 Like
Hello Antonia,
look, I am sorry, I know it is very late. But I just had the time, to look over everything and I would like to have your inclusion Chapter in the CEEP. The problem with it is - it is just much too long. You have at the end a short description, how victims of violence should be in a safe place - there you mentioned almost everything, which is important for the inclusion part too. Would you and could you work on this during this week, if you want, we could make a short jitsi meeting? But I would find it very important and precious, to have this Chapter in the CEEP. Thank you and sorry, best best, Mia
Hello dear Mia,
Thank you for your reply. Yes, I know that the chapter is damn long, but our Inclusionpirates from Germany found it very important that the chapter is as detailed as possible, and that everything about it IS important and MUST be included. You and I can hold a Jitsi meeting together, of course. Do you have twitter? That’s where I’m almost best available for small arrangements. My Nickname there is : The_MysticXD ( https://twitter.com/The_MysticXD ) Greetings Antonia from Germany