Kerkrade strengthens accessibility with SME accessible route and HogeNood app

We believe it is important that everyone can actively participate in society. That's why the municipality is working with residents, entrepreneurs and organizations to make Kerkrade more accessible for people with disabilities. With the SME Accessible Route and HogeNood app, we are taking concrete steps towards an inclusive town.

SME Accessible Route

The SME Accessible Route is still in progress, but a successful interim assessment has now been presented. The route tests stores and hospitality venues for accessibility for people with disabilities. So far, 226 public access points have been tested and 34 Kerkrade business owners have already joined. The businesses are tested based on the Dutch Quality Mark for Accessibility.

Each participating business owner receives an advisory report with recommendations to further improve accessibility. Some locations have already been awarded the hallmark gold, silver or bronze. Alderman Alexander Geers (Economy): "With a free accessibility check, hallmark and visibility in the Ongehinderd app, we help entrepreneurs to really open their doors so that everyone, including residents with disabilities, can participate fully."

Review public space

Public spaces were also included in the review. Based on the wishes and signals of the target group, a shopping area was examined in several neighborhoods. This enables us as a municipality to take targeted steps to further improve the accessibility of streets, squares and public buildings.
You can easily see which locations in Kerkrade are accessible via the Ongehinderd app or on the Ongehinderd website. Here you can also see which entrepreneurs have joined and which quality mark they have obtained.

Connection HogeNood app

In addition, the HogeNood app is a perfect fit for this route. Thanks to cooperation with catering establishments and other businesses, there are more and more locations where people can use accessible toilets. The free app not only shows where toilets are, but also, for example, whether they are suitable for wheelchair users, have a baby changing area or require payment. For many people, such as the elderly, people with disabilities or parents with young children, an accessible toilet is not a luxury, but a necessity. Thanks to this app, they can go out with peace of mind.

Myriam, a member of the Unhindered Working Group, says: "Just going shopping is not something I can take for granted. I am dependent on my electric wheelchair and often use my adapted bus as a toilet, but it is sometimes parked far away. The HogeNood-app is a real godsend. It makes an outing a lot more carefree."

Together for an inclusive Kerkrade

Through these initiatives, we as a municipality, along with entrepreneurs and hospitality venues, are actively involved in improving accessibility in our town. Entrepreneurs can continue to register with HogeNood and with the SME Accessible Route so that the number of accessible facilities in Kerkrade continues to grow. This is how we work together to create a town in which everyone can participate and feels welcome.