Inclusion Days 2025: Making Digitalization Accessible

Why do inclusion and digitalization belong together?
Because digital accessibility also means social participation and independence.

Digitalization was the central theme of this year’s Inclusion Days 2025, held on May 12 and 13, hosted by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS). As Germany’s key event for inclusion policy, the Inclusion Days provide an important platform to advance digital participation for everyone. Under the motto “Digitalization: accessible, self-determined, contemporary”, this year’s event clearly emphasized the importance of inclusive digital transformation across all areas of life.

Spotlight on innovation: sign language avatar technologies
A particular focus was placed on innovative technologies, such as avatar-based sign language translation. We were honored to open the expert dialogue with an impulse presentation on sign language avatars, followed by our participation in the panel discussion titled “Sign Language Avatars: Opportunities and Challenges.”

These inclusive and forward-thinking solutions make digital communication more accessible and help reduce barriers. The Inclusion Days 2025, held at Café Moskau in Berlin, enabled genuine, eye-level exchange – between deaf and hearing participants, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners – and highlighted how digitalization can be shaped to actively include people with disabilities.

Innovative participation through technology
With a wide range of initiatives, the Inclusion Days showed how inclusive participation can be realized through modern technology and innovative approaches. The goal: a society in which no one is left behind – whether in the digital or the physical world.

Special thanks
Our sincere thanks to Heike Heubach (SPD, Member of the German Bundestag) for the inspiring exchange – both during and after the panel discussion. We also thank BMAS and all interpreters for the excellent organization and support. The event was officially opened by Bärbel Bas, Federal Minister for Labour and Social Affairs – a powerful signal for greater visibility and inclusion.

Looking ahead
For us, this was a successful launch into an ongoing expert dialogue that must continue. We look forward to an inclusive future in which digitalization removes barriers and creates opportunities for all!