Workshop on Visual Impairment Highlights the Importance of Accessibility

Fellow villager Marijke Osinga is the author of the book *Gezien – Leven met een visuele beperking* (*Seen – Living with a Visual Impairment*). A wheelchair user with a visual impairment herself, Marijke talks about her conversations with the main characters in her book. From an elderly person who loves to ride a bike to a migrant who wants to learn Dutch: the people profiled in the book are active members of society and enjoy life.

Simulation Goggles

Mark Scholten also shares his personal experiences with the approximately fifty workshop participants. Rik Wouters then explains what the Oogvereniging can do to help. Finally, visitors can use simulation goggles and a white cane to experience for themselves what it’s like to have impaired vision. Library visitors can also view an exhibition of photos from Marijke’s book.

Sharing with each other what's going on

“I was pleasantly surprised by the large turnout,” recalls Councilman René Zoetemelk. “It was precisely when I saw residents with visual impairments coming in that I realized how important it is to ensure proper accessibility in Voorschoten. If we share our concerns with one another through encounters like this, we can respond to them as effectively as possible.”

International White Cane Day

Accessibility is therefore a priority for the municipality. Councilor Zoetemelk: “We’ll also be discussing how we can participate in International White Cane Day on October 15. I think it’s wonderful—as this afternoon’s event at the library made clear—that we need to continue actively working on accessibility.”

Want to file a report?

Is a sidewalk tile loose, is a streetlight out somewhere, or have you noticed an unsafe traffic situation? The municipality appreciates it when residents report such issues. You can do so on the website under the heading “Living Environment” or by calling 14071.