What still gets in the way: barriers in inclusive youth work in Germany

What still gets in the way: barriers in inclusive youth work in Germany

Germany is often recognised for its well-developed youth work system. Structures such as open youth work, youth associations (Jugendverbände), and municipal youth services (Jugendhilfe) provide a strong foundation for participation and inclusion. Legal and policy frameworks – including the Social Code Book VIII (SGB VIII) and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with […]

How do assistive technologies transform digital youth work?

How do assistive technologies transform digital youth work?

When we talk about accessibility in digital youth work, the conversation often turns to tools: screen readers, captions, voice typing, and more. These tools matter. But it is important to understand this clearly: Assistive technology is not only about tools – it is about enabling participation, independence, and confidence. For many young people with disabilities, […]

Youth workers’ responsibilities online: accessibility is not just “nice to have”

Youth workers’ responsibilities online: accessibility is not just “nice to have”

As youth workers and educators, we facilitate learning, inclusion, and participation. We design activities, create spaces, and support young people in expressing themselves. In digital environments, this role includes an additional responsibility that is often overlooked: We are also responsible for how accessible those spaces are. Accessibility is not only good practice. It is increasingly […]

Rethinking abilities in digital youth work

Rethinking abilities in digital youth work

In youth work, we often talk about inclusion. But in digital environments, our understanding of who we include is not always as clear as we think. When you hear the word disability, what comes to mind? For many people, it is still something visible or clearly defined. In digital youth work, however, the reality is […]