Strong together: Geisa presents a groundbreaking inclusion concept!

Strong together: Geisa presents a groundbreaking inclusion concept!

On October 28, 2025, a significant step for inclusion in the region was taken at the Anneliese Deschauer Gallery in Geisa. The inclusion concept, which was developed over a year in collaboration with Antonius - Netzwerk Mensch Fulda, aims to promote the equal participation of all people and is committed to breaking down barriers. André Literski from Antonius moderated the event and welcomed numerous guests such as the mayor Manuela Henkel and Angela Zimmermann, the local mayor.

In her speech, Mayor Henkel explained the growing importance of the topic of inclusion in the region. According to Nicole Briechle, the Wartburg district's representative for the disabled, around 23 percent of people in the Wartburg district live with a disability. The inclusion concept was developed with the active participation of citizens, including workshops and exchanges. This democratic approach shows that inclusion is not just imposed from above, but that the voices of those affected are heard.

Areas of action and measures

The concept defines three central areas of action: improving social participation, breaking down barriers and inclusion in daycare centers and schools. To support implementation, the project received 90 percent funding from the regional budget of the UNESCO Rhön Biosphere Reserve, with a total cost of 14,000 euros.

There are already some measures in place that will directly improve the court for a more diverse community. This includes free social counseling in the Anneliese Deschauer Gallery, specific training on inclusion and accessibility for the city administration and an accessible design of the city's website. In addition, the Metallbau Simon company introduced a sports badge for people with disabilities, and creative ideas for inclusion were developed at the club's regular meeting.

Another highlight of the event was the founding of the Geisaer Land inclusion network, which regularly advises on measures in leisure, culture and sport. An inclusive sports festival is also planned for next year. These initiatives are intended to help make inclusion tangible in everyday life, which Mayor Henkel described as “important small steps” towards creating an inclusive society.

Experiences and adventures

The participants of the event had the opportunity to experience inclusion first hand at experience stations. Simulation glasses made it possible to experience the world from the perspective of a visually impaired person, and a wheelchair course impressively presented the challenges faced by people with limited mobility. These practical experiences were supplemented by reports from workshop participants such as wheelchair user Barbara Vogel and Bettina Kranz, a member of the association “Wir für Dich Rhön e.V.”, who discussed the reduction of fear of contact.

Stefan Burkhard from Tanner Diakonie called for those affected to be more closely involved in the decision-making process and for bureaucratic hurdles to be reduced. Geisa city councilor Bettina Rust agreed and emphasized the importance of joint efforts for an inclusive society.

The cultural program was accompanied by a performance by Anita Burck and a young poetry slam artist and at the end offered the guests a space for exchange and discussion. Mayor Henkel closed the evening with an urgent call that the joint work on an inclusive society is only just beginning and that everyone must contribute to it. The need for inclusion is great not only in Geisa, but nationwide. According to Deutschlandfunk, there were around 7.9 million people with severe disabilities living in Germany at the end of 2023, making up almost 10 percent of the population, and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities certifies everyone's right to social participation.