Moers is Focusing on Inclusive Social and Housing Policy – Emphasis on Accessibility, Senior Support, and Disability Rights

Inclusion and Safety in Focus: Moers Strengthens Social and Housing Policy

In the city of Moers, social affairs and housing policy were central during the week of February 2026. The Advisory Board for People with Disabilities and the Advisory Board for Older People discussed current challenges such as improved accessibility, funding for social services, and greater participation. At the same time, the city addressed the future of senior work, inclusive housing planning, and the role of volunteering.

Accessibility and Participation: Many Topics on the Agenda

Discussions in the Advisory Board for People with Disabilities highlighted how extensive the requirements for an inclusive urban development are. A central topic was the situation of sidewalks in Meerbeck, where water-bound paths and overgrown bushes were criticized as obstacles. In addition, there was a lack of tactile traffic lights, which significantly restrict the mobility of visually impaired and blind citizens.

Shortcomings were also identified in public buildings. For example, inappropriately designed accessible toilets in Kapellen and the cultural center Rheinkamp were pointed out. In the VHS Moers, tables were described as not wheelchair-friendly. These complaints show the need for consistent implementation of DIN standards and regular checks for accessibility.

Another important topic was the inaccessibility of disabled parking spaces, particularly at locations such as the Bollwerk, Bendmannstraße, and Meerstraße. The lack of visibility of pictograms, which could serve as orientation aids, was also criticized.

Funding of Social Services: Challenges and Approaches

The funding of social measures emerged as another central discussion point. ENNI refused to fund a mobile pool lift at the Moers outdoor pool due to cost reasons. With a cost of around 18,700 euros, the project was not financially feasible for the municipal budget. Nevertheless, a proposal was made to continue the matter with the administration.

In addition, funding difficulties for the On-Demand Service (ODI) were highlighted. The Advisory Board for People with Disabilities called for more in-depth discussions on the topic in future meetings. These discussions show how sensitive the funding of inclusive services is and how important it is to include long-term planning in the budget.

Senior Work and Security: Moers Builds Bridges

During February, the Advisory Board for Older People addressed the structure of senior work. An important project is the compliance with safety standards, particularly in terms of prevention of fraud and crime. The council rejected the creation of a comprehensive security concept, but implemented targeted measures such as information events, warning flyers, and phishing training.

Another focus was the funding of the Moers-Scherpenberg Meeting and Advisory Center, which has been funded through grants since 2015. At the same time, the role of volunteering is crucial. Over 80 volunteers contribute to the diversity of offers – from senior afternoons to Repair Cafés. Nonetheless, challenges remain, especially in church structures, in attracting new volunteers.

Future Perspectives: Inclusion, Self-Determination and More

The advisory boards also discussed future topics, such as violence prevention, personal budgets, and the redesign of the city center with consideration of barrier-free standards. In the field of labor market policy, the necessity of integration into the first labor market was emphasized. People with disabilities should no longer have to work in "protected" workshops, but should have opportunities in regular working life.

Another important topic was the planning of living space for young adults with disabilities. Inclusive offers for becoming independent are lacking here, leading to significant restrictions in life planning. At the same time, shortcomings in advisory services were discussed – both in the application for integration support and in the classification as severely disabled.

Conclusion: Moers Focuses on Dialogue, Structure and Inclusion

The political discussions show that Moers is relying on broad participation, structural security, and inclusive planning. The advisory boards for people with disabilities and older people are important actors here, pushing for dialogue, transparency, and co-determination. Although there are challenges in funding and implementation, a clear trend toward promoting participation, self-determination, and security is evident.

In the coming months, it will therefore be particularly important to intensify cooperation between the administration, advisory boards, and citizens. Only in this way can Moers continue to develop as an inclusive and livable city.