EU Project

ChangeABLE - our climate, our change!

A survey to kick off the project

How do people with disabilities experience climate change?

Climate change affects us all. Yet not everyone is affected by its impacts to the same extent. People with disabilities often face particular challenges – whether due to heatwaves, extreme weather events, limited mobility, or access to vital information and support services.

Nevertheless, their experiences, perspectives and needs are often not given sufficient consideration in the public climate debate and in political decision-making. This is precisely where the European project ChangeABLE – Our Climate, Our Change comes in.

A European project for greater participation

Together with five other organisations from Germany, Ireland and Italy, we are working to make environmental and climate education more inclusive. Funded by the European Union, the project brings together people with and without disabilities to jointly develop solutions for a fairer and more inclusive climate policy.

Under the motto ‘Out and About for Climate Ability’, ChangeABLE aims to support people with disabilities in bringing their interests and needs to the fore in climate and sustainability debates.

Around 20 participants, both with and without disabilities, are involved in the project. The project partnership comprises the organisations GAP Ireland, Prosper Group, InEuropa, Coopattiva, agado – Gesellschaft für nachhaltige Entwicklung UG and reha e.V.

Listening before we act

For us, one thing is clear: people with disabilities must be actively involved in project development from the very start. Only in this way can we create services that truly meet their needs.

That is why we first want to understand:

• How do people with disabilities perceive the consequences of climate change?
• What experiences do they have in their everyday lives?
• What do they already know about climate and environmental issues?
• What forms of participation would they like to see?
• What support do they need to advocate for their interests?

To find answers to these questions, we are currently conducting a survey in plain language.

Invitation to take part in our survey

We warmly invite professionals, carers, educational institutions, residential care homes and social services to take part in our survey together with their clients.

The questionnaire has been deliberately designed to be accessible:

• 16 questions on climate change
• 4 questions on personal details
• easy-to-understand language
• illustrative images for support
• mostly multiple-choice questions
• only a few open-ended questions

The survey can be completed online or downloaded as a PDF and printed out.

Support from professionals is welcome

Many people will be able to complete the questionnaire independently. Others may need help with reading, understanding or filling in the questions.

We would therefore welcome support from professionals and carers. The survey is also ideal for completing together in:

• Shared accommodation
• Day centres
• Workshops
• Educational institutions
• Self-help groups

Sharing ideas and experiences raises awareness of climate issues and creates space for important discussions about participation, sustainability and social responsibility.

Data protection and publication of results

All information will be processed anonymously. The results will be used exclusively for scientific and project-related analysis.

Once the survey has been completed, the results will be published and will be directly incorporated into the development of further project activities.

Contact and further information

If you complete the questionnaire on paper, your answers can be scanned or sent to the following address:

agado – Gesellschaft für nachhaltige Entwicklung UG
Frohschammerstraße 14
80807 Munich

Email: sandrina.felder@agado.org

If you would like to be kept informed about developments in the project, please do get in touch. We’d be happy to add you to our project mailing list.

Shaping an inclusive climate future together

Climate action can only be successful if everyone has the opportunity to get involved. With ChangeABLE, we aim to help ensure that the voices of people with disabilities are heard and that their experiences are incorporated into future climate and environmental measures.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants, professionals, organisations and supporters who are supporting this project through their commitment.

Because only together can we shape a sustainable, fair and inclusive future.