City's Favorite Spots: Accessibility Initiative Continues in 2026 – Promoting Accessible Locations Throughout the City.
The "Favorite Places for All" (Lieblingsplätze für alle) program in the Free State of Saxony is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in public spaces and facilities. This program, which has been operational since 2014, focuses on small but impactful improvements to make places with barriers more favorable for everyone, especially individuals with disabilities.
**Application Process**
Interested applicants, such as municipalities, public institutions, or organizations managing public spaces, can submit their applications to the relevant Saxony state ministry or a designated agency responsible for social affairs or inclusion. The application typically requires a project proposal detailing the planned improvements for accessibility, including technical descriptions and cost estimates.
**Deadlines**
Deadlines for the "Favorite Places for All" program vary by funding round, but they are usually announced annually with deadlines in the first half of the year for projects to be realized in the same or following year. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to consult the official Saxony state government website or contact the responsible Saxony ministry for social affairs or inclusion directly.
**Types of Projects Funded**
The program primarily funds projects that improve physical accessibility, such as ramps, tactile guidance systems, and barrier-free entrances. It also supports the installation of accessible sanitary facilities, the adaptation of recreational or cultural public areas, and improvements in information and signage for better usability by people with sensory impairments. Funding is primarily provided in the areas of culture, leisure, sports, education, and health.
**Evaluation and Selection**
The inclusive commission, consisting of administrative staff, members of the AG Blind Guidance/Barrier-Free group, and an active expert committee of people with personal disability experience, evaluates the project proposals. This commission ensures that the funded projects align with the program's objective of making the city of Leipzig more livable and accessible for all individuals, regardless of disability.
As of 2026, applications for the "Favorite Places for All" program can be submitted. It's important to note that while the selection of funding projects takes place in a jury session, there is no legal claim to financial support. As the program continues to grow, it is expected that more public spaces in Saxony will become more accessible and inclusive for all individuals.
Homeowners and organizations focused on home-and-garden projects, such as community parks and gardens, may also apply for funding through the "Favorite Places for All" program to enhance their spaces' accessibility for individuals with disabilities. For instance, implementing wheelchair-accessible paths, Braille signage, and adaptable playground equipment can help make these home-and-garden spaces more inclusive in line with the program's objective of creating equitable public spaces for everyone.
