On Thursday, February 6, Ieder(in) and Cliëntenbelang Amsterdam launched the Accessible Building Guide at the BouwBeurs (Construction Fair). This online step-by-step plan helps housing corporations, architects, municipalities, and other stakeholders in the construction chain to build homes suitable for everyone.

On Monday, February 3, the Dutch Standardization Institute (NEN) presented the new accessibility standard (NEN 9120) to Mona Keijzer, Minister of Housing and Spatial Planning. However, merely applying this standard is not enough, according to accessibility consultants and architects such as Séverine Kas and Ed Bijman. They argue that accessibility should not just be a checklist but rather an integral part of the design process. Therefore, the Accessible Building Guide advocates involving accessibility advisors and people with lived experience from the very beginning of (new) construction projects.

For Everyone in the Construction Chain

The guide considers all parties in the construction chain: architects, municipalities, housing corporations, and developers. By following seven "building blocks," they receive tools for an inclusive construction process—from developing a participation plan to ensuring accessibility in strategy and policy.

"You can easily take the first few steps," says Claartje Sadée. "For example, organizing a meeting with people who have lived experience. They can explain what is important for them to live comfortably. This often leads to new insights among construction stakeholders."

About the Accessible Building Guide

Check out the guide at www.toegankelijkbouwen.nl. The Accessible Building Guide was developed by Ieder(in), the national advocacy organization for people with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses, and Cliëntenbelang Amsterdam. A consultation group of organizations and experts in construction, housing, and accessibility was involved in its development.