Inclusion and Housing in Langenhagen: Progress in February 2026

Inclusion as an ongoing process

In February 2026, it became clear that inclusion in Langenhagen is not a short-term project, but a long-term process. The Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities presented a report on the implementation status of the Inclusion Action Plan, which has been in place since 2021. Inclusion is understood here not only as a right, but as a learning process, advanced through events such as Diversity Days, inclusive sports events, and job fairs.

A central point was the revised rules of procedure of the advisory committee. These regulate working procedures, enable hybrid meetings, and strengthen participation options. Particular emphasis should be placed on § 4 of the rules of procedure, which explicitly guarantees barrier-free accessibility to meetings.

Housing Support and Housing First

In the field of housing support, Langenhagen made important progress in February 2026. The introduction of consultation hours and information events on finding housing in various languages focused on supporting vulnerable groups. In cooperation with the Region Hannover, a cooperation agreement on housing acquisition and placement was also concluded.

Another milestone was the development of a Housing First concept. The aim of this approach is to offer people with difficult housing conditions a lasting, self-determined housing option without prior placement under order laws. This approach is embedded in the city administration as a preventive housing support and is supported by measures for housing search, stabilization, and individual support.

Barrier-free Access and Disaster Protection

Another focus was on barrier-free access. The Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities discussed the situation in the "New Town Hall" in depth and submitted a statement to the steering group. It was emphasized that barrier-free access is not only a technical challenge, but must also be anchored politically and socially.

A new topic that came into focus was inclusive disaster preparedness. Mrs. Sabrina Pham and Mrs. Sabine Hettinger highlighted the importance of Article 11 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In the discussion, a film proposal was also made to raise awareness of the transfer of responsibility in disaster situations.

Process Guide and Interpretation

The appointment of a process guide marks another stage in promoting inclusion. Mrs. Karla Manthey supports children and young people with disabilities up to the age of 27 and their parents. She works in Department 51 and connects with other cities and regions. The position was established on a permanent basis, although it was originally intended to be temporary, which underlines the importance of the topic.

In addition, an unpaid interpreter pool was established for the city administration, schools and kindergartens. The aim is to make information accessible in a timely, barrier-free and multilingual manner. To this end, a consultation compass was created, available in simple language and in nine other languages.

Conclusion: Inclusion as a lived reality

February 2026 was a month in Langenhagen in which inclusion was not only promoted as a political statement, but as a lived reality. By strengthening the process guide, revising the advisory committee's rules of procedure, and developing a Housing First concept, the city has set a clear direction. The discussions on barrier-free access and disaster protection also show that inclusion is gaining more dimensions – and that Langenhagen is ready to actively address these challenges.

In the coming months, it will be particularly important to evaluate the results of the Inclusion Action Plan and to advance new measures such as the first barrier-free family center and the renovation plan for the Kita Krähenwinkel.