Germany's Disability Commissioner Jürgen Dusel Says Inclusion Lags Behind

Federal commissioner for people with disabilities Jürgen Dusel visited the Hotelpark Hohenroda in Hersfeld‑Rotenburg on July 26, meeting roughly 20 families of children with life‑shortening illnesses and about 100 participants. In a two‑hour Q&A, Dusel said Germany’s inclusion of people with disabilities is far from the level many assume, citing persistent barriers such as inadequate legal support, insufficient accessibility, and a lack of understanding among politicians. He highlighted that families often endure lengthy battles for entitled assistance and must confront frequent medical appointments and caregiving burdens. Dusel condemned the notion held by some politicians that inclusion is merely an “ideology project,” stressing that democracy requires genuine inclusion.

The meeting was part of a week‑long workshop titled “Time for me, time for you, time for us,” organised by the DKHV and other disability organisations. Dusel, who has served as the federal disability commissioner since 2018, urged greater interaction between decision‑makers and people with disabilities to improve policies and daily life support.