Working inclusively - a bus trip to inclusion companies in the district of Warendorf

What perspectives are there for people with and without disabilities, for employers and employees? This question was explored last week by 20 interested people from labour and business-related institutions who visited three companies in Ahlen, Telgte and Everswinkel on a bus trip on 8 April. They were invited by the Münsterland Regional Agency, the G.I.B. in Bottrop and the Landschaftsverband Westfalen-Lippe.

At Metallwerke Renner GmbH, the participants gained insights into the surface finishing, galvanising and coating of various recyclable material collection containers. They were also able to see the workplaces of employees with and without disabilities. The company had received the North Rhine-Westphalia Inclusion Award for special commitment in summer 2018.

"Many disabilities are not congenital, but only appear in the course of life," explained Alexandra Poppenborg from the Münsterland Regional Agency. "Afterwards, some people are no longer able to carry out their previous occupation in the fullness that was the case before the disability. Inclusion companies are a good way for these people to find their way back into working life."

Afterwards, the tour continued by bus to Café Clemens of St. Nikolaus GmbH in Telgte. Commercial Director Daniel Freese described to the participants how people with and without disabilities can work well together in everyday life. Over a small lunch, the group was able to see for themselves that not only the cooperation, but also the quality at Café Clemens was right.

"Many companies have reservations about hiring people with disabilities, but the projects presented today are encouraging and show how inclusion can succeed," said Gustav Bölke from G.I.B., drawing a positive conclusion.

www.regionalagentur-muensterland.de