Ceremonial opening: New special education support area in Schmalkalden!

Ceremonial opening: New special education support area in Schmalkalden!

Immal in Schmalkalden, on August 22nd, 2025, the new building of the special education support area was opened with a celebratory event Immanuel Life Center at Eichenrain opened. The Immanuel Diakonie Südthüringen invested around 3.6 million euros in this great project, which is intended to make an important contribution to the participation of people with disabilities in the region. In bright weather, local actors and citizens gathered to celebrate the event's motto, "Open. Discover. Participate."

The grand opening of the new 720 square meter facility is the result of 22 months of construction. Up to 36 people with mental or physical disabilities or mental illnesses can find a new home here. With an individual and needs-based approach, support is offered from Monday to Friday to promote independence and independence. In addition to modern, barrier-free rooms, numerous offers are also planned, such as special education individual and group support as well as work-related projects.

Diversity and participation in focus

On the opening day, the crowd of visitors was able to enjoy a colorful program. In addition to speeches from important representatives such as Cornelia Matthes andThomas KaminskiThere were also numerous participation activities. A graffiti workshop by Villa K and a demonstration with dogs from the boxing club were just some of the highlights of the day. An information stand from the employment agency also provided information about training opportunities in the social sector.

The district administrator of the Schmalkalden-Meiningen district, Peggy Greiser, and mayor Thomas Kaminski did not miss the opportunity to underline the importance of the new funding area. “This area is a decisive step towards inclusion,” says Andreas Mende, Group Managing Director of Immanuel Albertinen Diakonie.

Creating a place for everyone

But what exactly does inclusion mean in this context? How Human Action describes, inclusion includes the equal participation of all people, regardless of their individual conditions. Here in Schmalkalden, this vision comes to life by integrating people with disabilities into social and community institutions. Barriers, be they spatial or social, must be broken down to ensure real participation.

“We can learn a lot in our society by actively including people with disabilities,” notes Alexandra Roth from the Immanuel Diakonie Südthüringen. The new funding area is therefore not only a place of support, but also a space that is intended to strengthen and celebrate the community.

The goulash pot as well as sweet delicacies provided the physical pleasures and could be enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere. Around 20 companies, institutions and clubs contributed to the festivities and created a strong network for the future. The desire for an inclusive society is not just a goal, but a living reality that has an important beginning here in Schmalkalden.