How accessible are the events in Rotterdam? With that question we went to Marianne Dijkshoorn from Welkom Toegankelijkheid & evenementen (Welcome, Accessibility & events). She focuses her company on accessibility and inclusion and helps event organizers to ensure that all visitors have an equal experience and participation.
In the interview below, Marianne talks about the accessibility of Rotterdam festivals and parties, and how we compare to other cities. Spoiler: we are doing quite well!
Marianne: "In 2008 I wanted to go to a local festival with friends. This festival took place in Bergschenhoek on a large hill. For me, someone who has had difficulty walking since childhood, the hill was a big challenge. That is why I decided to contact to contact the organization to ask if there was a solution. They were happy to solve it for me, and in the end I was able to enter through the backstage, which made it easier for me to get to the festival site. The organization asked me how they could make it more accessible for more people with disabilities."
"I then sought advice from foreign organizations, because in the Netherlands this was the first accessible general festival. Although there were a number of festivals aimed at people with specific disabilities, such as intellectual or hearing disabilities, accessibility was still lacking at large festivals such as Pinkpop and local events. I was studying Leisure Management at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences at the time. My teacher heard that I was working on this and asked me to give guest lectures on this subject. I still go back every year to do this."
Marianne: "First I had to graduate! In 2011 the time had come, and I graduated on the subject of accessibility at festivals in Rotterdam. When I graduated I wanted to organize events, that is also the reason why I chose this study. But between 2011-2014 there was the financial crisis, which meant that I had various jobs that had little or nothing to do with events. However, my desire to find work in the events sector remained as strong as ever. In 2014 I decided to start my own business and started Welkom Toegankelijkheid en Evenementen. I have now been on the road for almost ten years! In the beginning, my company mainly focused on event organization. I added accessibility to put my head above the rest."
"Accessibility at events works very differently from making buildings accessible. At festivals, the facilities are aimed at temporary use, while at buildings the facilities are designed for long-term use, and they can be depreciated. Thanks to my knowledge of the events industry, I advise various organizations about accessibility. I also give lectures on this subject."
Marianne: "More and more in recent years. I don't know why exactly. Perhaps we have learned a lot from the corona period. Then we collectively became more aware that not everyone can participate in society equally easily. In recent years, the sustainability policy has really grown, and many are now beginning to focus on social sustainability, leading to greater attention to accessibility and inclusion. For example, it is now common for organizations to have a diversity policy."
Marianne: "If I am honest, I am positively surprised at how things are going in Rotterdam. With policymakers from Rotterdam Onbeperkt (Rotterdam Unlimited), the municipality is extremely proactive in policy and subsidies for all target groups, events, tourist locations, catering and public space. In fact, for everything. They have close contact with Rotterdam Partners, Rotterdam Festivals, Rotterdam Topsport and organizers. You can tell that they are working very hard on this. Rotterdam can really be proud of the fact that everyone can participate in this city."
Marianne: "I am currently working on the accessibility of Rotterdam Unlimited Zomercarnaval, Le Tour Femmes and TwitchCon. TwitchCon is the live event of the livestreaming platform Twitch, which is the largest platform where you can watch other gamers online. All these events have in common that they will have a positive impact on our city with extra visitors. Last year we had the first ever accessible national King's Day in Rotterdam. There were several places for people along the route of the Royal family with a physical, hearing, visual and cognitive disability. The places have been gratefully used by several hundred people. In addition, I have been able to make Motel Mozaïque (MOMO) accessible and I have given advice to the Van Nelle Fabriek. Van Nelle is a monumental location that is now fully accessible. Despite the many rules and restrictions for monuments, we have succeeded. Now with TwitchCon, which will take place in Ahoy for three years, it is great that Ahoy is also joining the movement towards accessibility."
Marianne: "I usually start conversations with the producers and communications staff months before the event. I then ask, among other things, what experiences they have, what plans they have in terms of accessibility and what their event site will look like. This is followed by initial advice. During the production time I check the event site to see if everything has been placed as planned."
"For me, accessibility consists of three phases. The first is about communicating via online channels. If you need a wheelchair-accessible toilet, you want to know in advance whether it is there, otherwise you will not go. That is why it's very important that this information is provided in advance. People with disabilities often have their regular shops and restaurants, because at least they know what to expect here. That is why it is really important for events to communicate their accessibility."
"Then second is passability. Whether it concerns a trade fair in Ahoy, a concert, or a park where an event takes place, people come for the experience. Many locations are wheelchair accessible, with, for example, a wheelchair-accessible toilet and elevator. However, not enough thought is given to passability, such as good seats in the room, the ability to get drinks independently from the bar, or to go to the toilet independently. You often have to ask the staff for this, while you want experience the event with your own company."
"The final and most important phase is an exit strategy. This is about safety. What if a fire breaks out or another emergency occurs that requires the entire location to be evacuated? In such cases, elevators are often no longer allowed to be used. Deaf people can't hear the fire alarm and people with visual impairments do not always see the emergency exit signs. In most locations, this has not yet been sufficiently considered."
Marianne: "First look into the accessibility of a building or event. There are several sources of information available, including my book. There is also a real difference between wheelchair accessible and accessibility in general. When I read that there is a staircase with a banister , then that is sufficiently accessible for me. It is precisely those small details that are important. I said it before: communicate what is and is not possible. So even if your restaurant does not have a wheelchair-accessible toilet or your store is not accessible, then write that down on your website! Each disability differs per person in what they can and cannot do. Just provide clear information, so that people can decide for themselves whether they can visit a location."
Marianne: "King's Day is a good example! For this special day, I had several viewing platforms set up throughout the city. These were also accessible to people with a walker or people who have difficulty walking. Several hundred people gratefully made use of this. In addition, I had all large screens subtitled, so that people with a hearing impairment could follow what was happening. Audio description was available for people with a visual impairment. I also arranged a low-stimulus room where people with, for example, autism or an intellectual disability could follow the king behind the glass, without having to go into the crowds."
Marianne: "Once again, Rotterdam is really doing well. In addition to all the great examples in this article, there are still plenty of public events in Rotterdam where not enough is being done about accessibility and inclusion. That really makes my hands itch. Remember that one in every five people have a disability, whether it is physical, cognitive, visual or hearing, and they also just want to be part of the beautiful events in this city."
Marianne: "The centre area is generally very accessible. The slope of the Koopgoot may be a bit too steep, but there are several ways to get there. I usually use the elevator or come via the metro. The new Central Rotterdam station is also easily accessible."
"There are a number of places that I like to go to, such as Served on the Coolsingel next to the town hall. I also like the Donner Café very much, because there is no music playing and therefore there is little stimulation. People are generally a bit quieter there, because the bookstore has a library-like atmosphere. There are so many shops and catering establishments that are simply pleasant to go to. Rotterdam is a great city that is easily accessible and has something to offer for everyone."
Thank you, Marianne!