Inclusion and Participation: How Lingen Empowers People with Disabilities

Inclusion in Practice: How Lingen Empowers People with Disabilities

The inclusion of people with disabilities is a central aspect of social justice and participation. In March 2026, the Committee for Family, Social Affairs, Integration, and Inclusion in Lingen (Ems) discussed several measures aimed at improving the status and quality of life for people with disabilities. The establishment of a municipal advisory board, the work of the Disability Ombudsman, and the barrier-free design of the city were central to the discussion.

Establishment of a Municipal Advisory Board: A Step Toward Participation

A central topic was the establishment of a municipal advisory board for the participation of people with disabilities. The proposal was submitted by the Bündnis90/Die Grünen/FWL parliamentary group and envisioned a board with representatives from Lebenshilfe, inclusion initiatives, disability organizations, the municipal administration, and the city council factions. The goal is to involve people with disabilities more strongly in political decision-making processes and to promote inclusion in education, work, leisure, culture, and housing.

An amendment proposed instead commissioning the municipal administration to develop a concept for greater participation. This proposal was unanimously accepted. The administration will now work with the Christophoruswerk Lingen to draft a concept aimed at advancing political participation and barrier-free urban development.

The Disability Ombudsman: A Bridge Between Politics and Everyday Life

Mr. Klaus Egbers, the city's Disability Ombudsman, plays a central role in implementing inclusion policy. He supports people with disabilities and chronic illnesses in administrative matters, in claiming benefits under the Ninth Book of the Social Code (SGB IX), and in determining a care level. Egbers works closely with the employment office, the integration office, and the medical services of the nursing insurance funds.

A key focus of his work is barrier-free access. He supports projects such as the redesign of traffic lights, the installation of tactile paving, and the introduction of apps like "LOC.id" and "Auracast" for people with visual and hearing impairments. In addition, he promotes barrier-free design of playgrounds, training equipment, and sports facilities, which will be equipped with height-adjustable benches in the future.

Barrier-Free Access and Infrastructure: From Traffic Lights to Toilets

The city of Lingen is committed to comprehensive barrier-free access. In March 2026, for example, it was examined whether a new radio system from RTB could be used for the redesign of the pedestrian traffic light at the corner of Waldstraße and Am Telgenkamp. In addition, public disabled toilets are equipped with Euro key functionality, although not every toilet has a bench for changing protective clothing.

These measures show that Lingen is not only active on a symbolic level, but also in concrete infrastructure, to enable people with disabilities to enjoy a better quality of life.

Foundations for the Future: Concepts, Participation, and Planning

By commissioning the administration to develop a concept for greater participation by people with disabilities, a central step toward a more inclusive city life is being taken. The involvement of the Christophoruswerk and the integration into the EU Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Rhineland-Palatinate State Action Plan show that Lingen is not acting in isolation, but is thinking in a national and international context.

The establishment of a disability advisory board or at least a stronger participation model will remain in focus in the coming months. In addition, a wheelchair course is planned for the "City in Children's Hands" day, which is intended to raise awareness of barrier-free access.

Conclusion: Inclusion as a Task for the Entire City Society

The discussions in March 2026 show that Lingen (Ems) is on the right track to promote inclusion and participation. The establishment of an advisory board, the work of the Disability Ombudsman, and the barrier-free design of the city form a strong framework. The next steps—especially the implementation of the participation concept—will determine whether these political initiatives lead to sustainable change.

Inclusion is not a one-time decision, but a process in which politics, administration, civil society, and the population must work together. Lingen has set an important impulse with these measures.