Dealing with disability after 1945: The GDR and West Germany in international perspective

On May 22 and 23, 2025, the conference "Dealing with Disability after 1945: The GDR and West Germany in International Perspective" will take place at the Andreasstraße Memorial and Education Center in Erfurt. The focus will be on the historical treatment of disability in Germany and Europe as well as the similarities and differences between the GDR and West Germany. The event sheds light on the political, social and cultural conditions that shaped the lives of people with disabilities after 1945 and addresses barriers and opportunities for participation in various areas of society such as education, work, everyday life, art and culture. A particular focus is on the connection between academic perspectives from disability history and practical history education in contemporary history museums, memorials and places of learning. Despite the increasing focus on accessibility and inclusion in educational and cultural institutions, the experiences of people with disabilities in permanent exhibitions on German history after 1945 still receive little attention. The conference aims to highlight new approaches to inclusive history education and encourage further discussion. On May 23 from 11:00 to 12:30, there will be a session with short presentations and discussion entitled "Disability History in Art, Culture and Education - Challenges & Opportunities". Among others, TRAWOS member Prof. Dr. Ingolf Prosetzky will present a contribution entitled "Budgerigars and Sparrows - A Narrative Podcast on Everyday Life under Conditions of Mental Disability in the GDR".

The event will be offered in German spoken language with written interpretation. Participation is free of charge, but registration is required by April 10, 2025, as the number of places is limited.