Dilbeek (Eurotoday) – The sensory farm in Dilbeek on Kasterlindenstraat, managed by Klim and supported by Christian Mutualities, is now open, offering animals, gardening, and activities for visitors with disabilities.
As VRT News reported, the sensory farm on Kasterlindenstraat in Dilbeek, in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium, has opened to the public. The farm is located on the border of Dilbeek and Sint-Agatha-Berchem. It operates on the grounds of the non-profit organisation Klim, which provides permanent housing for people with multiple disabilities.
Els Rossignol, director of CM Vlaams-Brabant, said the new project allows schools, residents, and visitors to explore the farm. She explained that the farm has existed for some time, but this initiative makes it accessible to the wider community.
“The farm has been around for a while, but with our new project, we want to open this beautiful place to schools, residents, and others,”
says Els Rossignol, director of CM Vlaams-Brabant.
“It houses alpacas, goats, sheep, horses, chickens, and a few cats.”
What activities does Dilbeek’s Kasterlindenstraat sensory farm offer?
The farm is home to alpacas, goats, sheep, horses, chickens, and a few cats. Officials mentioned that the main attraction is the therapeutic horse program. The farm has special equipment to safely lift and help people with disabilities get on the horses for riding. Visitors can also pet and groom the animals, or simply lie down and spend time with them.
The farm invites schools, residents, and visitors to take part in its activities. People can help in the garden, grow their own vegetables, or care for and feed the animals. The vegetable garden beds are designed to be accessible for people in wheelchairs. Els Rossignol, director of CM Vlaams-Brabant, said this project makes the farm open and inclusive for the wider community.
According to CM Vlaams-Brabant, there is a strong need for spaces where people with and without disabilities can meet.
“Care doesn’t have to mean isolation. Many people need not only care but also the opportunity to connect and participate. We’re happy to provide that here,”
concludes Rossignol.
Belgium has seen similar projects in the past. One is Nos Pilifs Farm in Brussels, founded in 1984, which provides employment and training for people with disabilities in gardening, animal care, and farm activities.
In 2020, the Inclusive Farm was launched to help people with developmental disabilities learn life skills, grow vegetables, and take part in cooking and crafting, while families also participate to create a supportive environment. Another project, Jardin des Curèyes in Theux, allows nursing home residents to engage in gardening and farm activities, promoting social interaction and well-being.
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