Under the motto “Room for everyone – inclusion locally”, Reutlingen district presented its Honorary Award for Inclusion for the first time that year. The award recognises innovative, successful projects and people making an outstanding contribution to inclusion for people with disabilities. It aims to raise public awareness and show that diversity benefits everyone. Martin Singer, Managing Director of isepos GmbH, received the inaugural award for his long-standing commitment.
Purpose and significance of the Honorary Award for Inclusion
The inaugural award marks an important milestone for Reutlingen district. Its Inclusion Conference established the prize to highlight projects, organisations and people putting inclusion into practice. It recognises their commitment and encourages other businesses, organisations and individuals to make inclusion a natural part of everyday life.
Baden-Württemberg’s Minister of Social Affairs, Manfred Lucha, served as patron. Because of illness, he was represented at the ceremony by State Secretary Dr Ute Leidig. This high-level political support underlines the new award’s importance.
Martin Singer receives the award for exceptional commitment
Martin Singer received the inaugural award for his commitment to including people with disabilities. At isepos GmbH, he puts inclusion into practice and ensures that people with and without disabilities work together as a matter of course.
Singer focuses on people’s abilities and talents rather than their limitations. This attitude convinced the jury, which quickly chose him as the award’s first recipient.
isepos GmbH: inclusion in practice
isepos has successfully practised inclusion for many years. Employees with disabilities are established members of daily working life, take on responsible tasks and support their colleagues, who support them in turn. The company voluntarily goes well beyond legal requirements.
At the ceremony, Singer emphasised that inclusion is a conviction put into practice by him and his team. Daily work at isepos shows that diversity and mutual appreciation are central to shared success and that inclusion works well in practice.
The award raises public awareness
The inaugural award also attracted media attention, bringing inclusion into public focus. This visibility is intended to encourage more people and companies to follow a similar path to isepos.
Media coverage supports public discussion of the importance and benefits of an inclusive society. The award can help challenge ingrained attitudes and create new opportunities for people with disabilities.
Inspiration for other companies and organisations
The award recognises Singer’s work and aims to inspire others. It encourages companies and institutions to reach out to people with disabilities and include them in their teams. His experience at isepos shows benefits such as a better working atmosphere, greater employee motivation and stronger innovation.
The inaugural award highlights successful examples that other businesses can learn from. These demonstrate how inclusion enriches an organisation rather than simply adding work.
State Secretary Ute Leidig praises Singer’s commitment
Presenting the award, Ute Leidig described Singer’s commitment as exemplary. She stressed that his approach was both “entirely normal” and exceptionally consistent, making it deserving of the Honorary Award for Inclusion.
Leidig also praised his courage and foresight in making inclusion central to his company’s philosophy. This commitment sends a clear signal about how positive social change can be achieved.
The award’s long-term impact
The award aims to raise lasting awareness of inclusion. Its first presentation marks the beginning of an ongoing process as well as recognising particular people and projects. The jury hopes it will attract increasing attention and encourage more people to work towards an inclusive society.
Singer and his isepos team see the award as encouragement to continue. It confirms that their commitment makes a difference and provides strength and motivation for future projects.