FAIR: Families for Inclusion and Their Rights

Contact person: Sabrina Fuths
With Christian Walter-Klose, University of Cologne
With Hilda-Heinemann Schule, Bochum

The citizen science project FAIR, funded by the Hans Sauer Foundation, addresses inclusion barriers faced by families with children affected by disabilities, chronic, or mental illnesses. It focuses on youth services, health systems, and counseling contexts, examining how these systems either support or hinder family autonomy and the effects this has on parental mental health. Additionally, it analyzes power dynamics and the marginalization of parental expertise, particularly in healthcare settings.

Through surveys and peer-to-peer interviews, the project gathers parents' experiences to highlight systemic issues and propose solutions for greater self-determination and participation. The findings aim to inform policy and improve collaboration between families and support systems, fostering social innovation and sustainable advocacy networks.