Zoetermeer makes city accessible to all

Municipality of Zoetermeer has created a plan to make buildings and public spaces more accessible. "People with physical disabilities are still far from being able to go everywhere in our city, and that causes physical exclusion," said Marijke van der Meer, Alderman for Accessibility. The Zoetermeer City Council believes it is important that serious work is done to improve accessibility, taking a lead from national regulations.

The so-called "Physical Accessibility Manifesto," which the college presented to the City Council for decision, outlines what the municipality itself will do to improve accessibility in the city. The municipality also encourages businesses and organizations to make their buildings more accessible. To draft the manifesto, a participation afternoon was organized, people could have their say via doemee.zoetermeer.nl and advice was sought from the Council for Physical Accessibility.

These are the main points of the plan:

  • Streets, sidewalks, bike paths, plazas, playgrounds and parks are becoming more accessible.
  • New and remodeled buildings should be easily accessible and visitable by all.
  • Municipal websites and digital services become accessible, with alternatives for people who have difficulty using the Internet.
  • The municipality is asking business owners and organizations to make their locations more accessible, such as stores, restaurants, medical centers and cultural venues. The municipality is also working with public transportation to make stops and stations more accessible.
  • Toilets in municipal buildings are open to all. Business owners are asked to do the same.
  • Event organizers are encouraged to make festivals and events accessible, such as with wheelchair-friendly seating and restrooms.

With this manifesto, Zoetermeer is taking an important step toward becoming a city where everyone feels welcome and can easily participate. The City Council is expected to decide on the proposal before the summer vacations.

Physical accessibility manifesto