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Europa:Kontakt 2007 - Successful conference on participation matters
In may 2007 BAG WfbM hosted a three-day conference in Cologne to discuss workshop matters and ways of integration in work-life. Amongst the audience were representatives from over 200 non-governmental organisations dealing with integration matters for persons with disabilities. The first day of the conference was created by speeches given from politicians and civil servants dealing with issues on disability.
At the beginning of the seminar the Federal Commissioner highlighted the main strategies for the German federal government to raise the number of employees with disabilities in ordinary working environments. The regional minister of work, health and social affairs of Nordrhein-Westfalen concentrated on the positive aspects of German workshops, particularly in the variety of the services offered to the benefit of persons with disabilities.
The second day of the conference was dedicated to the participating workshops. The participants were transferred to four workshops sites where they got an insight look in participation models. Different projects were shown. All efforts of the workshop staff are focussed to contribute to a more self-determined life through work. The participants from abroad enjoyed the experiences they made during their stay in Germany. The last day of the conference was used from a European non-governmental organisation "Workability Europe" to host an annual conference.
At the beginning of the seminar the Federal Commissioner highlighted the main strategies for the German federal government to raise the number of employees with disabilities in ordinary working environments. The regional minister of work, health and social affairs of Nordrhein-Westfalen concentrated on the positive aspects of German workshops, particularly in the variety of the services offered to the benefit of persons with disabilities.
The second day of the conference was dedicated to the participating workshops. The participants were transferred to four workshops sites where they got an insight look in participation models. Different projects were shown. All efforts of the workshop staff are focussed to contribute to a more self-determined life through work. The participants from abroad enjoyed the experiences they made during their stay in Germany. The last day of the conference was used from a European non-governmental organisation "Workability Europe" to host an annual conference.
