What are the prerequisites for inclusion?

Inclusion is an ongoing process and requires clear frameworks. These include the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, accessible infrastructure in physical and digital spaces, an inclusive education system, and a genuine change in awareness within society and the economy.

Inclusion

Q: What is inclusion and what does the term mean?

Inclusion means that all people can participate equally in society, regardless of disability, background, age, or individual abilities. Unlike integration, where individuals must adapt, inclusion means that the structures themselves are designed so that everyone belongs right from the start.

Q: Why is inclusion important?

Inclusion is a human right anchored in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It strengthens society as a whole, promotes innovation, and improves the quality of life. In the digital realm, this means: Accessible websites reach more people and comply with legal requirements such as the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG), which has been in effect since June 28, 2025.

Q: What is the difference between inclusion and integration?

With integration, people with disabilities have to adapt to existing structures. Inclusion goes a step further: the structures are changed so that diversity is considered from the beginning, preventing exclusion and discrimination.

Q: What does digital inclusion mean?

Digital inclusion describes equal participation in digital offerings. Websites and apps must be designed according to WCAG guidelines to be usable by everyone. Automated testing tools like easyMonitoring support companies in identifying and removing barriers.

Q: How are inclusion and accessibility connected?

Accessibility is the most important technical and structural prerequisite for inclusion. Participation can only succeed if buildings, transportation, and digital offerings are accessible. For websites, this means: Content must be perceivable, operable, and understandable for everyone – a requirement that is legally binding through the BFSG since June 28, 2025.

22.05.2026

Inclusion – Meaning, Prerequisites, and Societal Relevance

Inclusion describes the principle that all people can participate equally in society – entirely independently of a disability, their background, age, or individual abilities.

In an inclusive society, everyone naturally belongs right from the start. The goal is not the adaptation of individuals, but the proactive shaping of frameworks that view diversity as a strength and as normality. In contrast to Accessibility as a technical and digital term, inclusion stands for the overarching societal principle of participation.

Legally, inclusion is anchored by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and has been applicable law in Germany since 2009. In the digital space, the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG), which has been in effect since June 28, 2025, specifies the obligations companies have towards people with disabilities.

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Inclusion at a Glance

✕ Exclusion: People are excluded from social life, severely restricting their rights.
✓ Integration: People with disabilities are included but have to adapt to existing structures.
✓ Inclusion: The structures themselves are changed so that everyone belongs from the beginning – structural exclusion is ended.
✓ Legal Status: Bindingly regulated in Germany by the UN CRPD (since 2009) and the BFSG (since June 28, 2025).
✓ Digital Implementation: Testing via easyMonitoring according to WCAG 2.2.

Inclusion as a Human Right

The right to inclusion is anchored in international law as a fundamental human right. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was adopted by the United Nations and has been applicable law in Germany since 2009. It obliges states to enable people with disabilities to fully participate in society.

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities explicitly demands:

✓ Equal education for children and adolescents
✓ Accessible access to work, buildings, and transportation
✓ A self-determined life in security and stability
✓ Strict protection against any discrimination

Inclusion in the Education System

The inclusion process is particularly visible within the education system. Inclusive education means that children with and without disabilities learn together. The overarching goal is to establish diversity as the norm and to offer all students the same prerequisites.

An inclusive school:

✓ Adapts lessons to the diverse needs of the class
✓ Promotes individual development and strengthens important skills
✓ Prevents young people from being restricted by learning barriers

Inclusion in Work and Society

Inclusion does not end after graduation. An inclusive society recognizes diversity as a strength. When people from various backgrounds live and work together, innovation, social stability, and economic advantages emerge.

A central example is working life. Fair conditions must be created here so that people with disabilities can work on an equal footing. This includes accessible workplaces, fair application processes, flexible working models, and a non-discriminatory corporate culture.

Prerequisites for True Inclusion

Inclusion is not a rigid state achieved once and for all, but an ongoing process. For its implementation to succeed sustainably in Germany, a profound change in awareness is needed across all areas. Key frameworks include:

✓ The consistent political implementation of the UN CRPD
✓ A comprehensively accessible infrastructure in physical and digital life
✓ Inclusive education systems that respond flexibly to individual needs
✓ A genuine shift in awareness in society, culture, and the economy

In the digital space, this process is concretely demanded by the BFSG and the European Accessibility Act (EAA). Companies that fail to design their digital offerings to be accessible risk legal warnings and fines of up to €100,000 since June 28, 2025.

SiteCockpit Solution

easyMonitoring: Making Digital Inclusion Measurable

In an increasingly digital world, digital accessibility determines whether inclusion succeeds. easyMonitoring automatically tests websites according to WCAG 2.2, provides prioritized to-dos, and highlights where digital barriers threaten the goal of inclusion. Additionally, easyVision enables individual frontend adjustments for users with visual, auditory, or motor impairments.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Inclusion

What is inclusion and what does the term mean?

Inclusion means that all people can participate equally in society, completely independently of a disability, their background, age, or individual abilities. Unlike integration, where individuals must adapt, inclusion reshapes structures so everyone belongs right from the start.

Why is inclusion important?

Inclusion is a human right firmly anchored in the UN CRPD. It strengthens society as a whole, fosters innovation, and improves the quality of life for all of us. In the digital realm, this means: Accessible websites reach more people and fulfill the legal requirements of the BFSG, applicable since June 28, 2025.

What is the difference between inclusion and integration?

With integration, people with disabilities have to adapt to existing structures. Inclusion goes a significant step further: the structures of society are changed so that diversity is considered from the outset and discrimination is prevented.

What does digital inclusion mean?

Digital inclusion describes equal participation in all digital offerings. Websites and apps must be designed according to the WCAG guidelines so that no one is excluded. Automated testing tools like easyMonitoring support companies in systematically identifying and breaking down barriers.

How are inclusion and accessibility connected?

Accessibility is the absolute technical foundation for inclusion. True participation is only achieved when content is easily perceivable and operable. For websites, this means: Content must be understandable for everyone – a requirement made legally binding by the BFSG since June 28, 2025.

What legal obligations does my company have regarding inclusion?

Since June 28, 2025, the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) requires companies to design their digital products and services to be accessible. Violations can lead to warnings and fines of up to €100,000. Compliance with WCAG 2.2 at conformance level AA is considered the legal minimum standard.

Implement Inclusion Digitally – Start Now

Inclusion not only empowers people with disabilities, it improves the quality of life for everyone. With easyMonitoring, you can test your website automatically and receive prioritized recommendations for genuine digital participation.

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Further Topics

External Sources

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