Accessibility and inclusion at the theatre: The Inclusive Theatre Project at the University of Hildesheim

Documents in German that demand equality and participation for everyone in every aspect of political and cultural life often mention the terms accessibility (“Barrierefreiheit”) and inclusion (“Inklusion”) alongside each other. This is also the case in the Lower Saxony action plan “Inklusion. Für ein barrierefreies Niedersachsen” (see MS Nds. 2017). This document offers concrete measures to enhance access to information, entertainment and cultural events offered by public authorities, media institutions as well as educational and cultural institutions. This does not mean, however, that these terms can be used synonymously. Instead, they refer to two different approaches to disability and to normative effects in our society.