Inclusive city of Bochum

Bochum sees inclusion as a task for society as a whole. The city is committed to ensuring that all people - regardless of their physical, mental or social circumstances - can participate in life on an equal footing. Education, work, leisure, housing and mobility: inclusion affects all areas of life.

At school, this means that all children and young people should be able to learn, play and develop together. Education is for everyone. And Bochum ensures that no one is excluded.

Inclusion at school

Inclusion is actively practiced in Bochum's schools. Teachers, special needs teachers, school assistants and other professionals work closely together to enable individual learning paths. The aim is to break down barriers and create an environment in which every child feels welcome and valued. This is not about egalitarianism, but about fair opportunities. Every child should receive the support they need - in the classroom, in the playground and in everyday school life.

The city of Bochum supports this approach with concrete measures:

• Advice centers help parents with questions about inclusive schooling.

• Training courses strengthen teachers in dealing with diversity.

• Cooperation projects between schools and social institutions promote participation beyond the classroom.

Structural barriers are also being removed. Many schools are already barrier-free or on the way to becoming so. Digital aids and individual support plans complement the educational work.

Inclusion in everyday life

Bochum also promotes participation in a variety of ways outside of school. The city of Bochum's inclusion portal offers information in easy language, up-to-date information and an interactive map on the accessibility of public places. The so-called Wheelmap shows which places in Bochum are accessible - a practical tool for people with mobility impairments.

A common goal

Inclusion is not a special case in Bochum, but the norm. The city sees diversity as a strength and is committed to ensuring that all people - with and without disabilities - can live, learn and create together. All children - with and without disabilities - should learn together and benefit from each other. The goal: a school for all, in a city for all.