Research, Education, Democracy – House for Democracy and Inclusion

The House for Democracy and Inclusion was opened in August 2025 and has since been developed into a versatile place of learning and encounter.

At its core is the International Archive for Curative Education, which was reopened at the same time. With a specialist library and extensive historical collections, it provides the foundation for study days and research stays.

However, the House for Democracy and Inclusion aims to offer more. It follows an expanded approach and combines the seemingly unusual pairing of curative education and democracy education.

How do these two areas interact here – and why does this place connect them in the first place?

Historical background

The term curative education (Heilpädagogik) was first introduced in 1861 by H. M. Deinhardt and J. D. Georgens.

A novelty at the time was the holistic view of people with disabilities. The founders of curative education did not regard these individuals merely as a medical phenomenon, but as unique personalities.

Based on this attitude, they called for systematic education and upbringing instead of isolation. Rather than excluding people from society, participation in life should be enabled.

Social significance today

The House for Democracy and Inclusion builds on this core idea and also understands it as a mandate to relate it to current socio-political questions and challenges.

In a time when democratic certainties are increasingly becoming fragile and exclusionary attitudes are gaining growing support, this aspiration is of particular importance for us as an educational institution.

The basic idea is to explore which approaches from curative education may be helpful in addressing current socio-political challenges: What overlaps exist, what can be transferred, or creatively adapted?

Through unusual combinations of topics and methods, we aim to create new spaces for reflection on relevant contemporary issues. In short: an offering that sparks curiosity, enriches, and provides lasting inspiration.

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