AFM radio: Anniversary of the inclusive auditory service in the Millerntor Stadium!

AFM radio: Anniversary of the inclusive auditory service in the Millerntor Stadium!

St Pauli, Deutschland - Behind the scenes of the Millerntor Stadium is something special: The AFM radio of FC St. Pauli celebrates an impressive birthday. A project that was launched for blind fans and not only enriches the stadium life, but also sets an important sign of inclusion. The initiative was launched by Katja and Michael Löffler and Wolf Schmidt, inspired by a touching experience with a blind fan who wore a jersey by Matthias Scherz. Wolf Schmidt realized that blind fans need a completely different perspective and began to comment on the game loudly to provide them with information.

Although there were resistance at the beginning, Schmidt could not be discouraged. After an unsuccessful letter to the club, which did not bring an answer, the first blind reports in the Millerntor Stadium started in 2004 with improvised technology. The AFM radio was founded a year later. Since then, the team, which works largely on a voluntary basis and usually organizes the technology on its own funds, has broadcast 98.6 MHz at every home and away game on the FM frequency. The transmissions are not only audible across the stadium, but also accessible in the mildse's sanitary facilities via loudspeakers.

a project for everyone

The AFM radio sees itself as a low-threshold access option for blind fans. The transmissions are free of charge and should also be made accessible online in the future. Impressive feedback, like an email from a scientist from Antarctic, shows that the reports work beyond the target group. The team is based on the original idea of ​​offering a precise reportage reform. The AFM radio is supported by the department supporting members (AFM), which ensures financial support.

In Germany, the inclusion of people with disabilities in many areas is far from being a matter of course. In an article about inclusion in sport, it is pointed out that the participation of people with disabilities in sport ensures physical and psychological well -being and social interaction. Nevertheless, there are still major challenges in this country. Only about 13% of the students with special educational needs are integrated at regular schools. In addition, there is often a lack of barrier -free sports facilities and qualified teachers.

This reality makes it clear that there is still a lot to do in sport. The organized disability sport in Germany has a long history-starting with the founding of the first deaf sports club in 1888-integrative approaches have only been in discourse since the 1970s. Despite all progress, it can be seen that not only new offers are needed, but also the institutional change has to be promoted. The UN Convention on the Rights of Disabilities from 2006 calls for equal participation in sports activities, but the prerequisites are often not yet met, as bpb.de

accessibility in everyday life

A positive step to improve accessibility is the initiative of the city of Würzburg, which promotes access to business for wheelchair users. Mobile wheelchair ramps are provided here to eliminate obstacles such as steps at the entrances. This makes it easier for business to be visited. The city has launched a collaboration with the Wüsl e.V. association and also tested various ramp models to find solutions that can find practical use. A grant of 70% at the cost of a ramp of around 500 euros makes it easier for business owners to implement.

All of these measures, be it in sports or in everyday life, show that it is important to reduce barriers and promote inclusion. The AFM radio is an outstanding example of how much can be achieved when people get involved and stand up for each other.