Elephants and More with Vienna Lebenshilfe
On Friday, 13 June, the time had finally come: a joint excursion to Schönbrunn Zoo was on the agenda - organised by colleagues from the ERSTE Navigator programme in cooperation with Wiener Lebenshilfe. The aim was not only to spend an enjoyable afternoon, but also to set an example of inclusion in practice.
Preparation with heart and team spirit
The organisation of the excursion was a real joint project. Lukas took on the project management and coordinated communication with Time Bank and Lebenshilfe. The group was divided into three teams: Catering, Goodies and Documentation. Despite some challenges in finding a date - only five of the 11 people originally interested were able to take part in the end - the anticipation was great.
Goodie bags were lovingly packed for Lebenshilfe's participants: ERSTE goodies, pretzels, apples and drinks were met with great enthusiasm. We also paid the entrance fee for everyone - a small token of our appreciation.
An afternoon full of encounters
The group met at the entrance to the zoo in glorious sunshine. After a brief round of introductions, the goodie bags were distributed and the groups were divided up. Each colleague was allowed to push a wheelchair - a great opportunity to meet at eye level.
Together we explored Schönbrunn's animal world. The elephants and seals in particular were a source of amazement and laughter. Short breaks in the shade provided an opportunity to chat - and snack from the goodie bags. We fortified ourselves in the shady beer garden before rounding off the tour in the aquarium and terrarium house.
What remains: Meeting at eye level
At the end, a colleague asked: ‘So, what did you like best today?’ The answer came promptly: ‘The people we were able to meet today.’
This afternoon showed how important such encounters are. People with disabilities have different needs - some need a walking aid, others communicate non-verbally. But in the end, everyone laughed together at the elephant, who enjoyed throwing dirt at himself.
A strong signal for inclusion
Every day, Wiener Lebenshilfe does valuable work in the areas of education, work, society and family support. We were able to make a small contribution with this excursion:
- Promote inclusion
- Break down barriers
- Strengthen diversity
- Relieving the burden on families
We go home with many impressions and a smile - and with the wish to make such experiences possible more often.
Authors: Friederike Heymach, Klara Kastner, Lukas Kornberger, Karin Rockenbauer, Marion Weidinger
On Friday, 13 June, the time had finally come: a joint excursion to Schönbrunn Zoo was on the agenda - organised by colleagues from the ERSTE Navigator programme in cooperation with Wiener Lebenshilfe. The aim was not only to spend an enjoyable afternoon, but also to set an example of inclusion in practice.
Preparation with heart and team spirit
The organisation of the excursion was a real joint project. Lukas took on the project management and coordinated communication with Time Bank and Lebenshilfe. The group was divided into three teams: Catering, Goodies and Documentation. Despite some challenges in finding a date - only five of the 11 people originally interested were able to take part in the end - the anticipation was great.
Goodie bags were lovingly packed for Lebenshilfe's participants: ERSTE goodies, pretzels, apples and drinks were met with great enthusiasm. We also paid the entrance fee for everyone - a small token of our appreciation.
An afternoon full of encounters
The group met at the entrance to the zoo in glorious sunshine. After a brief round of introductions, the goodie bags were distributed and the groups were divided up. Each colleague was allowed to push a wheelchair - a great opportunity to meet at eye level.
Together we explored Schönbrunn's animal world. The elephants and seals in particular were a source of amazement and laughter. Short breaks in the shade provided an opportunity to chat - and snack from the goodie bags. We fortified ourselves in the shady beer garden before rounding off the tour in the aquarium and terrarium house.
What remains: Meeting at eye level
At the end, a colleague asked: ‘So, what did you like best today?’ The answer came promptly: ‘The people we were able to meet today.’
This afternoon showed how important such encounters are. People with disabilities have different needs - some need a walking aid, others communicate non-verbally. But in the end, everyone laughed together at the elephant, who enjoyed throwing dirt at himself.
A strong signal for inclusion
Every day, Wiener Lebenshilfe does valuable work in the areas of education, work, society and family support. We were able to make a small contribution with this excursion:
- Promote inclusion
- Break down barriers
- Strengthen diversity
- Relieving the burden on families
We go home with many impressions and a smile - and with the wish to make such experiences possible more often.
Authors: Friederike Heymach, Klara Kastner, Lukas Kornberger, Karin Rockenbauer, Marion Weidinger