Greetings by Town Councillor Prof. Dr. Daniela Birkenfeld

March 2009

Dear citizens and guests,

for many years the city of Frankfurt am Main has been in close collaboration with disabled persons federations and free providers, in the equality of treatment and integration of people with disabilities

What appears naturally to many people, is often a substantial obstacle for people with disabilities. Steps bar them from entering a restaurant, an elevator without floor announcements or Braille makes it more complicated to reach the floor requested. Also the use of new information technologies is oftentimes burdensome for people with disabilities.

For many years I have been supporting the interests of people with disabilities and their better integration, beginning with support for infants and pupils. In my opinion joined lessons at schools are therefore a reasonable offer.

In everyday life and in particular in the field of work many improvements are still necessary. I want to contribute to the fact that they are made in our dynamic city. In the end, it is a matter of considering all the interests of people with disabilities, especially of our older fellow citizens of every origin and of promoting their integration even more.

Accessibility must become a natural quality standard in Frankfurt am Main.

This Internet site with up to date information, the city guide and useful links are an important component to participate in social life and easing your everyday life:

• Where are public facilities, shops, cinemas, car parks for disabled, swimming pools, meeting- and guidance centers in the city, that are accessible for disabled?
• Which cultural facilities or public means of transport are usable for humans with disabilities?

Here you will find answers to a number of these questions. Since 2006 a shortened version is available as a paperback free of charge.

The aim of this online city guide is to create access to an information-pool for people with all kinds of disabilities, in order to improve their quality of life.

I would be pleased, if this source of information were to encourage you to discover and experience Frankfurt.

Yours sincerely

Prof. Dr. Daniela Bikenfeld
Town Councillor
Department for Social Services, Youth and Law