About us
We work for a city where accessibility is a matter of course and no one is excluded. Our guiding principle: nothing about us, without us.
14,000
people in Heerlen live with a disability or chronic illness
15%
of all Dutch people have an illness or disability
1
shared agenda with the municipality: the Local Inclusion Agenda
What we do
We advise the municipality of Heerlen and organisations on accessibility and inclusion policy, both when asked and on our own initiative. Our experts by experience assess public spaces and buildings: from the layout of the city centre to facilities in the neighbourhood. We contribute ideas based on expertise and a great deal of practical experience.
The accessibility walk-through
During a walk-through we go through an area together with residents, neighbourhood councils and the municipality. What works well? Where does someone with a disability get stuck? Our findings lead to concrete improvements, from lowered thresholds to better tactile guide paths.
Working with the municipality on the Lokale Inclusie Agenda
Heerlen is working on a city where everyone can take part. In the Lokale Inclusie Agenda (LIA, the Local Inclusion Agenda) we agree on concrete improvements together with the municipality. We contribute ideas, test plans against everyday practice and monitor progress.
Nothing about us, without us
Decisions about people with a disability should not be taken without them. That is why we have a say in all policy that affects us. We do so on the basis of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which establishes equal rights and full participation.
Visible results
Thanks to our efforts, Heerlen has become more accessible in recent years: thresholds have been lowered, websites improved and facilities adapted. And we are far from finished.
Get involved
Do you have a disability or chronic illness, or are you close to someone with a disability? We are looking for experts by experience who want to contribute ideas. You can take part in your own way, with no obligations.