Laatzen-Mitte. A debate over inclusive employment practices is gaining momentum in Laatzen, sparked by the success of 21-year-vintage Niklas Solenthaler, who secured a permanent position at Nahkauf in Laatzen-Grasdorf despite facing significant physical challenges. Solenthaler, who is partially paralyzed and nearly blind, was repeatedly advised to pursue employment in a sheltered workshop, but instead completed an apprenticeship with the supermarket chain.
His story surfaced during a recent event hosted by the Laatzen chapter of the Green Party, focusing on inclusion and accessibility. Katrin Langensiepen, a member of the European Parliament for the Green Party, shared her own experiences navigating a system that often steered individuals with disabilities toward segregated employment. Langensiepen, who lives with TAR syndrome, a condition affecting the development of her arms, recounted being urged to attend a vocational training center after graduating from high school.
“Mich hat keiner gefragt, was ich will,” (No one asked me what I wanted) Langensiepen stated, describing a scenario where she would have received a monthly stipend of 100 euros and been subject to a 10 p.m. Curfew. She rejected this path, opting instead for a series of international experiences, including working on a kibbutz in Israel, studying in the Netherlands, and working as an au pair in Marseille, before ultimately becoming a Member of the European Parliament in 2019.
Langensiepen now advocates for a minimum wage in sheltered workshops and improved career prospects for people with disabilities. The discussion in Laatzen highlighted the systemic barriers that continue to limit access to mainstream employment for individuals with disabilities.
A project initiated by the Hanover Region aims to streamline the transition from school to work for young people with disabilities. Currently, a 27-month preparatory phase in a sheltered workshop is typically required before employers receive wage subsidies. The new project, launched in August 2023, allows three young people with disabilities each year to complete a preparatory year at BBS 2 in Hanover, combining practical work experience with vocational training. Initial results show promise, with two out of three participants from the first two cohorts securing regular employment.
The Hanover Regional Assembly is scheduled to vote on February 24th to determine whether to make this project a permanent offering. Christian Hinrichs, a Green Party representative in the regional assembly, emphasized the city of Laatzen’s commitment to accessibility, noting that it is the only municipality in the Hanover Region, besides the state capital and the region itself, to employ a full-time disability officer.
Bettina Weidler, Laatzen’s disability officer, can be reached at bettina.weidler@laatzen.de or (0511) 85025405 to provide individual advice and connect individuals with relevant resources. Dieter Mahler, from the Laatzen Initiative Circle for People with Disabilities, stated that the appointment of a dedicated officer has significantly improved communication with the city administration. Green Party councilwoman Mona Hosseini added that while Laatzen has made progress in inclusion, further improvements are needed.
