What You Should Know About the Miltenberg Education and Inclusion Conference
In the wise (and slightly sardonic) words of some very clever comedians: Who doesn’t love a good conference? Especially one about ‘education and inclusion’ – because we all know that education is just a fancy way of saying “You’re wrong, and here’s why!”
Conference Details: Mark Your Calendars!
So, here’s the deal! On Friday, November 22nd, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Johannes-Hartung-Realschule in Miltenberg is the place to be if you’re remotely interested in the fascinating world of education and inclusion.
Doors open at 1:30 p.m.—so if you’re late, you’ll have to excuse yourself for not setting an alarm or something equally ridiculous. But don’t worry; Monika Wolf-Pleßmann, the deputy of the ever-so-busy District Administrator Jens Marco Scherf, will be there promptly at 2 p.m. to pretend to care about your plight for being formally late.
Who’s Speaking? Only the Best!
And then, hold your applause! Because the stage will belong to Professor Dr. Clemens Dannenbeck. Yes, you heard me right—he’s a Professor of Sociology, which means he’s basically spent his life analyzing why we humans act the way we do. He’ll be tackling the big questions with his talk titled “What is inclusion and why do we need it?” Seems simple enough for a Friday afternoon, right?
Professor Dannenbeck, who’s basically the poster child for understanding inclusion (if there was such a thing), will be dropping knowledge bombs about the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD). Are we actually better off after 15 years of this glorious document? Or are we just patting ourselves on the back while still leaving folks behind? Spoiler: it’s a bit too rosy a picture, folks!
What’s Inclusion All About?
Dannenbeck believes that the current notion of inclusion isn’t just about more integration. It’s about a completely different worldview! It’s not merely about adding a few ramps here and there and calling it a day. No, no, inclusion means FULL social participation for everyone. Now that’s a tall order! But a fundamental shift is exactly what’s needed if we want a society that isn’t just tolerant but truly inclusive.
What’s Happening After the Lecture?
Following this enlightening lecture (which should be just as riveting as it sounds) we have a delightful treat! The Blamage children’s and youth circus will be showcasing some inclusive youth work. Because what’s better than clowns juggling while we ponder the complexities of inclusion, right?
And just when you think it’s all over, there’s an open workshop: “Do we want to live and shape inclusion together in our district?” Let’s hope participants are ready to roll up their sleeves, and not just roll with laughter.
Who Should Attend?
While this event is primarily aimed at specialists (because who would want their field diluted by non-experts?), fear not! The doors are wide open for other curious minds. So, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just someone who failed their Inclusion 101 exam, you’re welcome to join in.
But listen up! The Miltenberg District Office wants to know you’re coming—because planning is key! So, mark your email to veranstaltungen@lra-mil.de like it’s a date with destiny. Or, you know, just a regular old conference. Either way, register!
The fourth educational conference in the Miltenberg district is set to explore the vital theme of “education and inclusion” on Friday, November 22nd, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the auditorium of the esteemed Johannes-Hartung-Realschule in Miltenberg.
Doors will welcome attendees starting at 1:30 p.m. Following this, Monika Wolf-Pleßmann, the dedicated second deputy of District Administrator Jens Marco Scherf, will formally greet guests at 2 p.m. The first speaker, Professor Dr. Clemens Dannenbeck, who holds a distinguished position in Sociology and Social Science Methods at Landshut University of Applied Sciences, will deliver an insightful lecture entitled “What is inclusion and why do we need it?” This lecture will reflect on 15 years since the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, posing the compelling question: is this milestone truly a cause for celebration? Dannenbeck, an ardent advocate for the rights of students with disabilities and chronic illnesses at his university, brings a wealth of knowledge from his extensive research in inclusion, disability studies, educational policy, and critical social work.
According to Dannenbeck, many individuals with disabilities are still awaiting the unconditional and unobstructed assurances needed for social participation. Political leaders point to various advancements made over the past 15 years regarding the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD). However, he questions whether these selective integration measures genuinely foster an inclusion-sensitive society as envisioned by the UN CRPD. The critical feedback from the UN expert committee concerning the federal government’s second and third state reports suggests otherwise. In light of numerous societal crises and the increasing prevalence of skepticism towards democratic principles, Dannenbeck warns that observed setbacks are more likely than progress. He emphasizes that inclusion transcends mere “more” integration of individuals with disabilities; it reflects a fundamental shift in perspective and paradigm, advocating for equal social participation for everyone. For Dannenbeck, the concept of diversity should be viewed not as a challenge, but as a foundational requirement for thriving coexistence.
Shortly after the lecture, members of the Blamage children’s and youth circus will demonstrate the successful practice of inclusive youth work through an engaging performance. To wrap up the conference, an interactive workshop titled “Do we want to live and shape inclusion together in our district?” invites all attendees to collaborate on inclusion strategies.
The event targets primarily specialists in the field, but warmly encourages participation from all interested individuals. For better logistical planning, the Miltenberg District Office kindly requests that all visitors register via email at veranstaltungen@lra-mil.de.
**Interview with Professor Dr. Clemens Dannenbeck on the Upcoming Miltenberg Education and Inclusion Conference**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Professor Dannenbeck. We’re excited about your upcoming lecture at the Miltenberg Education and Inclusion Conference. Can you tell us a bit about what attendees can expect from your talk titled “What is inclusion and why do we need it?”
**Professor Dannenbeck:** Thank you for having me! In my lecture, I will delve into the concept of inclusion and how it transcends mere physical integration. Inclusion is not just about placing people with disabilities in the same environment but about ensuring that everyone has full social participation. I’ll also reflect on the 15 years since the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was adopted, discussing whether we have genuinely made progress or if we’re simply celebrating superficial achievements.
**Editor:** It seems like there is a lot to unpack regarding the impact of the UN Convention. What are some of the major challenges you believe we still face in achieving true inclusion?
**Professor Dannenbeck:** One significant challenge is that many policies focus on compliance rather than commitment to real inclusion. There’s often a lack of awareness about what true inclusion entails. We need to understand that inclusion is a paradigm shift in how we view people with disabilities—it’s about reshaping our society to embrace and accommodate all individuals, rather than just integrating them into existing structures.
**Editor:** You mentioned that your talk is a “call to action” for a fundamental shift in mindset. Can you elaborate on what that shift looks like in practical terms?
**Professor Dannenbeck:** Absolutely! Practically speaking, this means embedding inclusion at all levels of policy-making, education, and community life. It requires educators and policymakers to engage with the voices of those who are often sidelined so their experiences shape the decisions made on their behalf. Only then can we create environments where everyone truly belongs.
**Editor:** Following your lecture, the Blamage children’s and youth circus will perform, and there will be an open workshop discussing how to shape inclusion in the district. How do you see these activities complementing your lecture?
**Professor Dannenbeck:** I believe that the circus performance and the workshop will provide a wonderful opportunity for attendees to witness inclusion in action. The circus not only entertains but also embodies the principles of cooperation, creativity, and community. The workshop allows participants to think critically about how they can contribute to inclusion in their own contexts, encouraging active engagement beyond just listening to a lecture.
**Editor:** Lastly, who would you say should attend this conference, and why is it essential for both specialists and everyday individuals to be part of this discussion?
**Professor Dannenbeck:** I encourage anyone interested in fostering an inclusive society to attend! This includes educators, social workers, policy-makers, and even those simply curious about the topic. Inclusion is not just a professional responsibility; it’s a societal one. The more diverse the voices we bring to the conversation, the richer our understanding and the more effective our actions can be.
**Editor:** Thank you, Professor Dannenbeck, for sharing your insights. We look forward to your presentation and hope it inspires many to take part in shaping a more inclusive society.
**Professor Dannenbeck:** Thank you! I hope to see many interested minds at the conference.
