SENSATION: Easy language in Sachsenheim – breaking barriers!

SENSATION: Easy language in Sachsenheim – breaking barriers!

In a fascinating yet depressing move that is shaking society, Ulla Staiber and Katrin Saalbach have taken on the incredible task of translating complex texts into easy language! These heroic women are making the world a little more accessible and reaching people who are often excluded by difficult texts. Bietigheim newspaper reports on their tireless efforts and describes the shocking complexity of this mission!

The Lebenshilfe homepage is now also being translated into understandable language - a step that has the potential to transform the lives of thousands. However, these translations are anything but simple! Staiber describes the immense challenge of formulating the core statements clearly and understandably. No one can imagine how much effort goes into a simple sentence!

The cruel reality of barriers

The testing group, encouraged by people with learning difficulties, takes it upon itself to ensure that the texts are understandable - a practice that has now become essential. Because accessibility not only affects people with disabilities, as Staiber emphatically emphasizes, but all of us! It's hard to believe that many people still get the idea that easy language is "children's language". In reality it is an essence for adults!

The scandal continues: Germany has made considerable progress within the framework of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN-BRK), but the stumbling blocks are numerous! There is a demand that people with disabilities be treated equally in society. But how far have we really come? Life support reports that many adults with disabilities do not even know the rights to which they are entitled. How are they supposed to live a self-determined life if they are not informed about their own rights?

On to the great revolution!

The state's obligation to provide information in plain language remains a hot topic - but this simple measure could change lives! BITV 2.0 demands it unequivocally! The provision of information, as incomprehensible as it often was, is being revolutionized by easy language. This formulation, which uses simple words and short sentences, makes access to information possible for many people!

But let's imagine the cruel truth: social barriers still exist that make it impossible for people with disabilities to participate in society. The UN CRPD may be in force, but implementation remains bumpy and chaotic. The Federal Agency for Civic Education warns that access to information in plain language is vital for self-determination!

In addition, a traveling exhibition on the subject of easy language can be admired in Café L’ink in the Sonnenfeld retirement home until July 14th - a desperate attempt to draw attention to the concerns of those who are often in the shadows. But is that enough? When the exhibition then moves to Bietigheim-Bissingen, it will become clear whether society is ready to take on this challenge!

Changing fate inevitably requires courage and determination. We all need to pay attention to the needs of people with disabilities after past generations often overlooked them! It's high time to wake up and break through the old, outdated structures! Every step counts!