Dieuwertje Zantingh, the new chair of the Disability Consultation Foundation Lelystad (GOL), wants to increase understanding of the barriers people with disabilities face in everyday life. She said this should include more attention to awareness in schools, where GOL plans to develop lessons involving people who can share their own experiences of living with a disability.

Zantingh said people with physical, visual or hearing disabilities, as well as those who have difficulty accessing digital information, still encounter misunderstanding. She also wants attention for social barriers alongside the accessibility of buildings and facilities. GOL’s accessibility working group examines obstacles and suggests solutions, and cooperation with the municipality of Lelystad is going well. Zantingh said her commitment was influenced by growing up with a mother whose disability worsened, and that everyone should be able to participate in society regardless of disability, background or origin.