A wheelchair is meant to give people with mobility impairments more mobility and thus a better quality of life. Does this also work in Saarlouis during a ride through the city?
The local chapter of the Greens in Saarlouis wanted to know more and invited the state association for self-help of physically disabled persons (LSK) to an inclusive city tour.
Nicole Schmitt and Uwe Wagner from LSK, both wheelchair-bound for a long time after an accident, led the participants on a approximately three-hour tour through the Saarlouis city center following a 15-minute keynote presentation.
They themselves had to manage in a wheelchair with the many obstacles that one, as a person not dependent on these important aids, does not even notice:
Curbs, cobblestones, potholes, parked cars were the barriers that had to be overcome without external help. The participants were thus able to experience how difficult mobility is in many parts of the city center for people using wheelchairs, walkers, or even strollers.
Johannes Falk, board member of the local Green Party chapter and initiator of the campaign, summed it up succinctly: "There are really tricky spots that you don't even notice in everyday life with two healthy legs. Our city center is not truly barrier-free." Markus Farawell, deputy representative for people with disabilities in the city of Saarlouis, also participated in the event. He wants to discuss the identified weaknesses with the city council factions and present suggestions for improvement.
"We thank our board member Johannes Falk for his initiative, but especially Ms. Schmitt and Mr. Wagner from the LSK, who provided us with these important insights into the everyday lives of our fellow citizens with mobility impairments. This experience is very important for us as a local association to further strengthen our commitment to a barrier-free Saarlouis," said the local association spokesperson duo Kiymet Göktas and Hubert Ulrich.
