On May 5, the European Day of Protest for the Equality of People with Disabilities will be observed. In many cities, events and demonstrations will take place where people with disabilities draw attention to existing barriers and problems. One such demonstration will be held in Nuremberg — for the second year in a row.
Already in 2024, people with and without disabilities protested for improvements, particularly in the area of care. The focus then, as now, is on the situation of people with hearing disabilities in nursing homes.
Many participants are now asking:
Why has so little changed since the last protest?
Nursing Homes: Challenges for people with hearing disabilities
Many nursing homes are only partially accessible for people with hearing disabilities. As a result, their living situation is often shaped by communication barriers and a lack of inclusion. Some examples:
1. Lack of staff with Sign Language skills
Most care facilities do not employ staff who are fluent in German Sign Language (DGS).
As a result, deaf and hard-of-hearing residents are unable to make themselves understood — especially in everyday situations or when reporting health problems. Likewise, care staff are often unable to convey important information in an accessible way.
2. Communication Problems in Daily Care
The lack of mutual understanding can lead to misunderstandings about medical or care-related procedures.
It also makes it difficult for residents to engage socially — with staff, other residents, or during meals and communal activities. Many people with hearing disabilities experience social isolation as a result.
3. Lack of participation in group activities
Nursing homes often offer group activities such as games, arts and crafts, music events, or joint celebrations.
However, people with hearing disabilities can rarely take part due to the absence of sign language interpretation or visual support. The result is exclusion rather than inclusion.
Why Demonstrations alone are often not enough
Despite the commitment and clear demands of many affected individuals and allies, little has changed in practice. One possible reason:
Demonstrations are important, but not enough on their own to bring about structural change.
Long-Term Processes and Political Decision-Making
Changes in nursing homes — especially concerning staffing, training, and legal standards — usually require lengthy decision-making processes at the local or state level. Financial and organizational coordination among care providers, insurers, funders, and policymakers is often necessary.
The need for ongoing awareness and follow-up
A one-time protest is an important step toward visibility.
However, real change usually requires additional measures:
This includes dialogue with decision-makers, concrete proposals for improvement, public relations, professional discussions, and possibly pilot projects to test solutions.
Conclusion: The need for action remains
The second day of protest in Nuremberg highlights that
challenges faced by people with hearing disabilities in nursing homes remain unresolved.
There is still a pressing need for improvements in the areas of communication, accessibility, and participation.
This second demonstration sends a clear message:
Those affected are calling for concrete and lasting changes — for a life of dignity, safety, and equal participation, even in old age and supported living.
It remains a shared responsibility of politics, care institutions, advocacy groups, and society as a whole to establish the necessary conditions for this to become reality.
