Inclusivity has always been a critical focus at Ink. After working on multiple projects dealing with inclusivity and accessibility, our extensive research has shown that the primary challenge for people with disabilities is not only physical barriers but also uncomfortable interactions in public spaces, which create a mental barrier and hinder full participation in society.
What began as an Ink project for the What If Lab platform has evolved into a Stichting with its own dedicated team. Over the past year, they have worked tirelessly to demonstrate that even small efforts can significantly enhance the experience of participating in public spaces for everyone. By working with people with disabilities as ervaringsdeskundigen, Stichting Mensenkenners has shifted the usual conversation around inclusivity and accessibility. It is not the individuals with disabilities who need to adapt; rather, the focus should be on those who interact with them, as uncomfortable interactions often arise from a lack of awareness and action perspective among people without disabilities.
We are delighted that the Gemeente Amsterdam is dedicating substantial resources to becoming a city that is inclusive and accessible for all its residents. One of its initiatives is the In Residence incubation program, focusing on ‘Innovative Oplossingen voor Inclusiviteit en Toegankelijkheid’. Stichting Mensenkenners is proud to be participating in this program, having been selected as one of the initiatives that the municipality will support during the testing phase at one of their public events. It is particularly exciting to be collaborating with Stichting Pride Amsterdam. As one of the largest public events in the city, attracting several hundred thousand visitors, Pride offers an excellent opportunity to showcase how the Mensenkenners training can be adapted and scaled to fit any organization, while at the same time making Amsterdam Pride 2024 a truly inclusive experience for all its visitors.
Are you interested in learning more about the Mensenkenners project? Or are you curious about how the training can help you and your organization become more inclusive and accessible? Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us or our friends at Stichting Mensenkenners.
