In 2014, we made a conscious decision to cooperate with the Bundesvereinigung Lebenshilfe because inclusion is important to us. And especially when it comes to home or do-it yourself projects, there should be no exclusion. Beautifying or improving something with your own hands is fun and fills you with pride. This should apply to all people equally. It is important for people with intellectual or learning disabilities, as well as for many others, to have access to information and simple language. This also applies to do-it yourself enthusiasts who want to carry out a wide variety of projects. This is why toom has decided to work together with Lebenshilfe to make advice on home and do-it yourself projects more accessible.
Three questions with Dominique Rotondi on inclusion at toom
To create more participation for people with intellectual or learning disabilities, toom Baumarkt relies on simple language via do-it yourself brochures, explanatory films, and on the company’s website. Dominique Rotondi, Managing Director of Procurement Logistics, discusses these measures and the long-standing cooperation with the German Bundesvereinigung Lebenshilfe e.V. in our Three Questions format.
Reading time: 4 min.
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In the past, toom has already published do-it yourself brochures in simple language, enabling everyone to work on their home or garden projects with the help of these tips. How did the idea for this come about?
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The offers in simple language were recently expanded. What are the new measures?
In addition to our third brochure in simple language, in which we explain and illustrate various topics in detail and in an easy manner, we have set ourselves the goal of becoming more accessible in the digital sphere: we need to become more barrier-free online. That is why we are offering a separate section in simple language on our website, www.toom.de, for the first time. It will be continuously expanded and supplemented with additional content.
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Toom has been working together with the Bundesvereinigung Lebenshilfe e.V. for years. What specifically characterizes this cooperation?
Inclusion concerns us all! And often it’s not about making a big effort, but about being there, showing what you can do and creating something together with your colleagues. Work and employment are a critical issue in life and the key to participation in society. This also applies to people with intellectual disabilities, but it is often difficult for them to access work that is fun and challenging. This is where we as a company and the Bundesvereinigung Lebenshilfe e.V. come in. Together, we try to break down barriers through joint campaigns or visiting the locations of the Bundesvereinigung Lebenshilfe e.V. – or, vice versa, through personal meetings at our stores. We are also working together to set up more external jobs in the “heart of the DIY business” for employees with disabilities from Lebenshilfe workshops. I would say that our cooperation is based on openness, trust, and the willingness to simply try things – three key factors for this relevant topic.
About:
Dominique Rotondi
Managing Director for Purchasing and Logistics with responsibility for sustainability at toom Baumarkt DIY Store
