Organization: German Association of Hard of Hearing (Deutscher Schwerhörigenbund e.V.)
Title: Opening event and launch of the anniversary year “125 years of the hearing impairment movement in Germany” on World Hearing Day in Berlin
Al title (for format and translation – not permanent:
Opening event and launch of the anniversary year “125 years of the hearing impairment movement in Germany” on World Hearing Day in Berlin
Description:
For the German Association of the Hard of Hearing (Deutscher Schwerhörigenbund e.V.), 2026 is a year full of history, pride, and gratitude:
We are celebrating “125 years of the hearing impairment movement in Germany” – 125 years of courage, commitment, and tireless dedication to accessibility and self-determination.
To celebrate this special occasion, we would like to open the anniversary year with a special and launch event on World Hearing Day, March 3, 2026, and pay tribute to the progress made over the past decades.
Location: Representation of the Free State of Saxony to the Federal Government, Brüderstraße 11/12, 10178 Berlin
Admission: from 10:00 a.m.
Start: 11:00 a.m.
We are particularly honored that Bundestag President Julia Klöckner has agreed to be the patron of the anniversary year.
This recognition underscores the importance of social and political developments for people with hearing impairments over the past 125 years.
You can look forward to an inspiring ceremony that will offer you a lively insight into 125 years of developments for people with hearing impairments: from the first steps of the hearing impairment movement to pioneering technical achievements and the impressive developments in today’s hearing systems.
You will also be inspired by performances by hearing-impaired children from the Margarethe von Witzleben School and musical performances by hearing-impaired artists.
Join in the celebrations and show your appreciation for the people who demonstrate every day how powerful and self-confident life with hearing impairment can be.
Primary site: EUR – Germany
Region: EUR
Impactful Story:
1901–2026 – 125 Years of the Hard of Hearing Movement in Germany
In 1901, Margarethe von Witzleben, a committed noblewoman who became hard of hearing at a young age, held the first church service for the hard of hearing in her Berlin apartment. She dedicated her life to education, vocational training, and social participation of those affected, founding the “Hephata-Verein” in 1909, the world’s first self-help organization for the hard of hearing. Her pioneering work laid the foundation for self-help and advocacy, strengthening participation and recognition for people with hearing impairments. I
General Photos
Logo of “125 Years of the Hard of Hearing Movement – Hearing
Booklet of “125 Years of the Hard of Hearing Movement
Margarethe von Witzleben 1901
hearing impaired meeting (1901)
Types of Engagement:
Live event: Yes
Screening: No
Traditional media: Yes
Social media: Yes
Special needs populations: persons with disabilities (including hearing loss), older adults
Met with individual policymaker: Yes
Participation of policy makers: Yes
Participation of influencers: No
WHO technical tool used: Yes
WHO educational and social media used: Yes