Mayor Gert-Uwe Mende welcomes the expansion of this program and says: “With the ‘Quiet Hour,’ we are now creating a space in our swimming pools and thermal baths where people with invisible disabilities can participate in peace and without sensory overload. As the patron of the ‘Quiet Hour,’ I am delighted that our pool operator, mattiaqua, is sending this important signal for greater inclusion. Sports, exercise, and recreation should be accessible to everyone in Wiesbaden.”

The “Quiet Hour” is aimed at people for whom a loud, high-stimulus environment can pose a major barrier. During the “Quiet Hour,” noise and acoustic stimuli, among other things, are reduced. This creates a calmer atmosphere in which people can use the swimming pool or thermal baths on their own terms. 

Thomas Baum, operations manager at mattiaqua, and his team are implementing various measures, such as minimizing verbal interaction at the ticket counter, offering contactless online tickets, reducing noise levels, encouraging quiet behavior, providing a relaxed swimming experience without water attractions, and conducting “quiet infusions.” 

“With the ‘Quiet Hour,’ we want to reach people who, due to the intensity of the sensory stimuli, have previously been able to use our facilities only to a limited extent or not at all,” says Baum. “We’re pleased to break down barriers with this program and give more people the opportunity to experience our pools.” 

The Expert Council of the State Capital of Wiesbaden is also supporting the development of the “Quiet Hour.” Daniela Hill explains: “Inclusion begins where people can actually take advantage of what’s on offer. For people with invisible disabilities, noise, voices, music, or other stimuli can become significant barriers. Through relatively simple measures, the ‘Quiet Hour’ creates greater accessibility and thereby enables a greater degree of self-determination.”

With its expansion to Wiesbaden’s public pools, the “Quiet Hour” is becoming an important building block for inclusive leisure activities. The Quiet Hour is intended to enable many affected individuals to participate, but also to offer all other visitors a chance to slow down by providing a pleasant, more relaxed atmosphere. Further information on the specific times and guidelines is available atwww.mattiaqua.de and www.wiesbaden.de/stille-stunde. 

Karin Mültin of City Management can answer questions at citymanagementwiesbadende. Andrea Hausy, Municipal Inclusion Officer, can be reached at inklusionsbeauftragtewiesbadende or (0611) 315896.