Close to people | Stories from Bethel
Nothing comes from nothing
"I want to make something of myself, even if I have epilepsy" - that was always clear to Anton Bals. However, when he came to Bethel in the 1960s, it was a different time. Back then, people with disabilities did not have the same opportunities in society as they do today. "Unfortunately, I couldn't do anything here with the school knowledge I had acquired outside Bethel," says the now 76-year-old, looking back.
Anton Bals was born and grew up in Unna in Westphalia. He enjoyed going to school, had good grades and completed his secondary school leaving certificate. He would also have liked to attend a grammar school afterwards, but he would have had to be healthy for that. Even as a small child, he was treated in various hospitals for his seizures. He first came to the Mara epilepsy clinic in Bielefeld-Bethel at the age of 15. When outpatient treatment no longer worked, he was admitted as an inpatient. In 1962, he moved to East Westphalia and lived in various forms of accommodation in the village of Bethel and in Bielefeld neighbourhoods. Anton Bals worked in many areas, such as gardening, housekeeping and later in workshops for disabled people.
No "08/15" institutional life
"I thought it was a shame that I couldn't go to secondary school. But it wasn't possible. Why should I be angry?" says Anton Bals, describing his feelings at the time. "Today I'm angry about it because the opportunities that exist today didn't exist for me back then." But he found other ways to realise himself. "I didn't want to lead an '08/15' institutionalised life." For example, he became involved in the workshop council and represented the interests of the employees.
"Political participation is important so that people with disabilities are not sidelined."
Anton Bals has also been a member of the Bethel Political Round Table for a long time. The inclusive working group has set itself the task of strengthening the political participation of people with disabilities. "Political participation is important so that people with disabilities are not sidelined," he emphasises. "We want to make a difference and work together for a cause."
Above all, accessibility and mobility are matters close to the heart of the Westphalian-born wheelchair user. "You have to do something yourself and not rely on others. If I don't do anything, I won't achieve anything," he is convinced. To this end, Anton Bals seeks dialogue with politicians. Anton Bals has even met German Chancellor Angela Merkel. However, he doubts that such fleeting encounters actually have a lasting effect. He expects more from personal contacts with representatives at local level. They would have an influence on local affairs.
Text: Christina Heitkämper | Photo: Thomas Richter
This story simply told
Anton Bals came to Bethel at the age of 15 because of his epilepsy. That was over 60 years ago. Back then, people with disabilities had fewer opportunities to live independently. Anton Bals lived through that. That is why he is now campaigning for the rights of people with disabilities.
Would you like to find out more?
About the organisation
Bethel.regional
Eckardtsheim Meeting and Leisure Centre
Bethel Political Regulars' Table
Eckardtsheimer Str. 213
33689 Bielefeld
Offers & services
- Every first Thursday of the month from 5-6.30 pm
- for people with and without disabilities
- Information and discussions on political topics
