Wheelchair accessible in the city of Werne
Association in formation
Together for an inclusive society!
Accessibility in practice
Accessible – but not really?
Sometimes a restroom, entrance, or elevator appears accessible at first glance – but upon closer inspection, significant obstacles become apparent. In this section, we present real-life examples of how accessibility works—or doesn't work—in everyday life.
🔍 Barrier Check with Maike
In this video, Maike Schmidt, deputy project manager of the self-help group "Inclusion Meeting Werne - Barrier-Free Participation," takes a closer look at a supposedly accessible restroom.
What appears exemplary at first glance reveals significant deficiencies upon closer inspection:
A sign blocks access to the entrance door, making it difficult for wheelchair users to enter. The mirror is hung so high that it's impossible to see each other while sitting. Grab bars at the sink are completely missing. Soap dispensers and disinfectant are out of reach – as is the hand dryer, which only responds from very close range.
Particularly critical: The emergency call button is installed in such a way that it's unreachable in an emergency – for example, if someone is lying on the floor.
With this barrier check, we want to raise awareness:
Accessibility means more than just a symbol on the door. We show what really matters in practice – from the perspective of those affected.
🔍 Accessibility Check with Marius Gellert
Visit to the Solebad Werne
As part of my project “Wheelchair Accessible in the City of Werne,” I was allowed to visit the Natur-Solebad Werne and personally test the accessibility on site.
I was accompanied by
-
Anne Kleimann, master of bath operations at Solebad Werne,
-
Henrik Schmidt, commercial director of Natur-Solebad Werne GmbH,
-
Sascha Kureck, employee of Dogan Outpatient Nursing Service and Occupational Therapy, who supported me throughout the entire visit.
-
Herrmann-Peter Steinmüller, as well as Herrmann-Peter Steinmüller, freelance journalist, who accompanied the appointment for the Ruhrnachrichten.
During my visit, everything was explained to me in detail – from the changing rooms to the showers to the barrier-free access to the brine pool with a person lift.
In doing so, I was able to experience firsthand how the Solebad Werne is removing barriers and improving accessibility step by step.
In the two videos below, you can experience my visit – from arrival to the relaxing moment in the brine water.
The Solebad Werne thus shows how inclusion and participation can be successfully implemented in practice. ♿✨
🎥 Videos
Video 1: Arrival, changing, and first impressions
Video 2: Entry into the pool with passenger lift & brine experience
📄 Documents for download
📝 Accessibility Assessment – Salt Water Pool Werne
The evaluation criteria catalog contains a detailed analysis of the accessibility of the salt water pool Werne. It evaluates, among other things, accessibility, facilities, safety, communication, and inclusion-friendliness.
📎 Download: [Evaluation criteria catalog.pdf for download]
Evaluation Criteria Catalog.pdf
🏅 Certificate – Accessibility & Inclusion
The Certificate for Accessibility & Inclusion recognizes the special commitment of the Werne Salt Water Pool to removing barriers and providing access to leisure and recreation for people with disabilities.
📎 Download: [Certificate for Accessibility & Inclusion.pdf for download]
Certificate for Accessibility & Inclusion.pdf
💬 Conclusion
The visit to the Werne Salt Water Pool clearly demonstrates: With openness, commitment, and technical support, accessibility can truly be achieved – for the benefit of all visitors. Many thanks to the entire team at the Werne Salt Water Pool for the warm welcome, support, and shared commitment to an inclusive city of Werne! 💙