Suche
Mein Konto
Future of inclusion in Lower Saxony: Parents demand support for Tim!
Nicole Brammerloh reports on the journey of her son Tim, who receives individual support at an inclusive school in Gifhorn despite trisomy 21.
Future of inclusion in Lower Saxony: Parents demand support for Tim!
In Lower Saxony, the topic of inclusion is more in focus than ever. Developments in schools are particularly important for families who have children with special needs. A striking example is the story of Nicole Brammerloh from Wahrenholz, whose son Tim lives with trisomy 21. Nicole decided to enroll Tim in a mainstream school, but after just two weeks there was a crisis discussion. The school management had to admit that the necessary support for Tim could not be guaranteed. This circumstance led to the decisive step that Tim moved to a day school that is considered the “school of the future”. Here he receives the tailored support he needs, which will benefit his development enormously. kurt-gifhorn.de reports that Tim receives individual encouragement and support there, which helps him move forward in concrete terms.
But the positive experience could soon be in danger. Because there is a threat of serious change on the horizon: the state of Lower Saxony plans to stop funding for day education centers on July 31, 2027. A decision that worries not only Nicole, but many other affected parents. In the last three years, Lebenshilfe Gifhorn has founded a special needs school with a focus on intellectual development. But the future of this facility in Gifhorn and Wittingen remains uncertain. Parents have already made an appeal to the public to draw attention to the precarious situation.
Inclusion as an educational mission
In Lower Saxony, inclusion is considered a central component of the educational mission. The state government is pursuing an expanded understanding of inclusion, which includes everyone's participation in social life. Every child has the right to education, which is guaranteed by Article 24 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. No child is denied access to a particular school due to disabilities, which is a significant advance in the educational landscape. According to niedersachsen.de, inclusive schools have been mandatory since the start of the 2013/14 school year and are continually being expanded.
At the same time, special schools that had a focus on learning had to be phased out year by year since 2013/2014, while prospects remain for other special schools, such as those with a focus on intellectual development. However, the challenges remain noticeable, especially since parents have a right to inclusive education, but implementation is not yet ideal in many places.
An urgent appeal
The situation for affected families like Nicole Brammerloh's is tense all around. The appeal to the public emphasizes that the rights of these children should not only exist on paper. Tim's personal story is representative of many others who also rely on adequate support. Parents, specialists and politicians are called upon here - it is important to create a fair and supportive educational landscape.