Genk (Eurotoday Newspaper) – The mayor and aldermen of Genk experienced disability challenges through a program led by Corrie Steegmans. The city now consults Inter and develops an accessibility plan for public spaces and events.
As VRT News reported, the mayor and aldermen of Genk recently took part in a program to experience life with a disability. The initiative allowed them to face challenges that people with physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments deal with every day.
They moved around with restricted mobility, limited vision, and other simulated conditions. Genk has introduced a “silent zone” during its annual carnival to support people with autism and sensory sensitivities.
“For example, they have to go to the town hall counter with a blindfold or special glasses and a white cane,”
says Corrie Steegmans, chair of the advisory council for people with disabilities in Genk.
“Or in a wheelchair, they have to find the toilet and see if they can close the door and reach the sink.”
How is Genk making the city more accessible with Inter?
The city of Genk has agreed with Inter, the Flemish expertise centre for accessibility. Steegmans explains that this ensures the city is now consulted before new projects start.
“Even though they do not always follow every suggestion—though most of the time they do—it is still a big improvement compared with before,”
Steegmans said. In the past, accessibility experts were only asked for advice after projects were finished.
The city is also focusing on raising awareness about accessibility among residents. Genk wants people to understand the difficulties faced by individuals with disabilities. Officials mentioned that accessibility is not just about ramps or elevators but also about creating a welcoming environment for all.
“On a cobblestone road, the city has created a level strip for people in wheelchairs or walkers,”
Steegmans explains.
“But sometimes, on the day of collection, trash bins block the path, or a delivery van is parked there.”
Inter is the Flemish expertise centre for accessibility. It was created on 1 May 2015, following a government decree in March 2014. The agency advises cities and municipalities on making public buildings, transport, and events accessible to everyone.
Inter promotes universal design to ensure that both visible and invisible disabilities are considered. Genk has partnered with Inter to make new projects more inclusive. The city also has an “Accessible Genk” route tested by wheelchair users to make it easier for visitors and residents to move around safely.
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