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Pursuing goals together: A success story for inclusion
The first major inclusive event took place this July at the Forum Geesseknäppchen in the heart of Luxembourg. It was a testimony to the commitment of active associations, but also to the interest of the general public, demonstrating that topics such as inclusion, living together and solidarity are values that are more than present in our society. Called “Alles Normal – Lëtz Celebrate Inclusion”, the event brought together players from different sectors, including personalities from the sports community, to celebrate and promote inclusive practices while raising awareness through fun and games. This first edition was a huge success, underlining the importance of an inclusive society in creating positive change.
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The team from the Centre for the Development of Sight-related Skills (CDV) presents its discovery trail
© MFSVA
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Lively activity at the exhibitor stands
© MFSVA
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Sascha Lang interviews Olympian Katrin Kohl
© MFSVA
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The exhibitors enjoy the accompanying musical programme
© MFSVA
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Visitors try out the recumbent bikes from the Back to sports' association
© MFSVA
The vision behind ‘Alles normal’
The event was organized by the Ministry for Family, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees, in partnership with the City of Luxembourg, the Luxembourg Paralympic Committee and AccessibleEU. The idea was to focus on promoting inclusion in all sectors of society with the aim to create a platform where people of different abilities and backgrounds could come together, share their stories, and learn about the special needs sector. The theme of the campaign, “Alles normal”, is a nod to the Ministry for Family’s first “Wat ass normal?” campaign, which took up the question “what is normal?” and answered with “everything is normal!”.
Highlights of the event
Inclusive shows
A multitude of captivating performances were organized, including the EME Foundation concert, dance shows by the ensemble DreamTeamT21 and BetzDance, and DJ Dama’s performance accessible to deaf and hearing-impaired people thanks to subpacks. These shows set the tone for a weekend rich in experiences celebrating all forms of artistic expression and ability.
Inspiring conferences
Key players, affected people, representatives of the ministries, professors and researchers from the University of Luxembourg, who shared their experiences in the world of inclusion and the importance of inclusion in all sectors. These conferences inspired participants to continue their efforts in favor of a more inclusive society.
Interactive workshops
Throughout the two-day event, participants who had pre-registered on the allesnormal.lu website were able to take part in various workshops led by experts in inclusive practices. These sessions provided strategies and practical tools for better inclusion in our everyday life. These workshops included an introduction to Braille, easy-to-read language, and German sign language.
Sports for all
The event was also an opportunity to discover inclusive sports thanks to the sports organization of the Luxembourg Paralympic Committee and Special Olympics Luxembourg. Various associations organized matches, dance sessions and discovery workshops to raise public awareness of inclusive sports activities.
Future objectives
The “Alles normal - Lëtz Celebrate Inclusion” event not only enabled networking between associations in the sector, but also succeeded in highlighting the importance of inclusion on a national level. The success of this event will serve as a benchmark for future initiatives, as it was the “kick-off to a new culture of inclusion in Luxembourg”.
Final words
More than just an event, “Alles Normal” was a demonstration of what can be achieved in terms of inclusion in Luxembourg. By celebrating differences and working for a common cause, social sector players underlined the significance of diversity, paving the way for future collaborations that will continue to have a positive impact on our society.