Together, we are improving accessibility to shops, restaurants, and recreational venues in Kerkrade

The municipality of Kerkrade, in collaboration with Ongehinderd and MKB-Nederland, is taking steps to improve accessibility at shops, restaurants, and leisure venues in Kerkrade. The SME Accessibility Route is now fully booked. Numerous business owners from across Kerkrade have actively signed up.

About 15% of the Dutch population has a disability. They often search online in advance for accessible locations. The Ongehinderd app, which is used by about 150,000 people, helps them do just that. Participating businesses previously received a report with tips on how to make their locations more accessible. These recommendations take into account various types of disabilities, such as visual impairments or limited mobility.

Starting April 6, Ongehinderd ambassadors will begin meeting with participating business owners. They will discuss which improvements have already been made, where additional assistance is needed, and how businesses can become more visible in the app. They will also identify changes that business owners cannot make themselves—for example, because they do not own the building or because the issue concerns the sidewalk in front of their store.

The municipality is using the feedback from these discussions to make Kerkrade even more accessible for everyone. The results of the evaluation phase will be shared once the SME Accessible Route project is completed.

"It's wonderful to see so many business owners taking steps to make their establishments more accessible. Together, we're creating a welcoming city where everyone is welcome," says Alderman Geers (Economy).

We would like to thank all the business owners who have joined us. 

Together, we are working to create a city where everyone feels welcome and can participate.