English Information

Welcome to Welkom Accessibility & Events

At Welkom Accessibility & Events, we are committed to creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and included regardless of their abilities. Founded by Marianne Dijkshoorn, an internationally recognised accessibility expert and author, our mission is to empower organisations worldwide to embrace accessibility and inclusion. With over a decade of experience, Marianne has worked on globally renowned projects such as TwitchCon Europe 2024, King’s Day 2023 in Rotterdam, and the Eurovision Song Contest 2021, ensuring these events were accessible to individuals with a physical, auditory, visual, and cognitive disability.

Transforming Accessibility: How it all began

In 2008, Marianne Dijkshoorn faced a significant challenge. She and her friends wanted to attend a festival on top of a hill, but her mobility disability – she has difficulty walking – made this far from straightforward. By sharing her needs with the organisers and offering her advice, the festival was made more accessible. This marked a breakthrough: the first accessible festival in the Netherlands became a reality.

With a clear ambition to become an event organiser, Marianne completed three specialised studies. Despite her qualifications, finding employment proved challenging, partly due to her mobility impairment. This inspired her to start her own company in 2014: Welcome Accessibility & Events. Initially focused on event organisation, the company quickly evolved into a specialist in accessibility and inclusion for people with different types of disabilities at events and venues.

Marianne’s passion for event organisation has transformed into a unique expertise in accessibility. She firmly believes that accessibility starts with hospitality – a powerful yet often simple approach that can achieve accessibility without significant additional costs.

In 2018, Marianne published her book ‘Maak je event toegankelijk voor iedereen’ In 2023, the book was translated into English and made available globally under the title ‘Make your Event Accessible for Everyone’.

Marianne is internationally recognised as an expert in accessibility for people with a disability at events.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Accessibility

At Welkom Accessibility & Events, we apply a strategic, three-phase framework to transform venues and experiences:

1. Accessibility: Clear and comprehensive information about facilities, accessible via websites, apps, or other communication platforms.
2. Passability: Equal opportunities for on-site participation, including independent access to bars, stages, and restrooms.
3. Exitability: Robust safety plans for emergencies, ensuring all individuals can evacuate safely, regardless of their abilities.

Services We Offer

Keynote Speeches and Workshops,
Inspire and motivate with Marianne Dijkshoorn as Your Speaker

Marianne Dijkshoorn is a dynamic speaker delivering keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops on accessibility, inclusion, and diversity. Combining a pragmatic approach with inspiring real-world examples, her sessions provide valuable insights and drive meaningful action.

Topics Marianne can cover:

• Accessibility and inclusion at events: Practical, hospitality-driven tips to create an equal experience for everyone.
• Motivational speaking: It is a personal and powerful message about resilience, leadership, and taking control of life despite challenges with a disability.

Whether for an international conference, a local gathering, or a virtual session, Marianne’s story resonates deeply and inspires audiences around the globe. She is fluent in English and Dutch and tailors her talks to meet the unique needs of each audience. Make your event impactful with a speaker who truly makes a difference.
Get in touch to book Marianne for your next event.

Interactive Training: Experience Accessibility

Our unique Experience Accessibility Training enables venue employees to understand the challenges faced by people with disabilities through hands-on activities. Participants use tools like wheelchairs, blind canes, and soundproof earplugs to gain practical insights, fostering empathy and enhancing their ability to deliver accessible services.

Book: Make Your Event Accessible for Everyone

Marianne Dijkshoorn is the author of Make Your Event Accessible for Everyone, a practical guide filled with actionable tips to make events and venues inclusive. Originally published in Dutch and now available in English, this book demonstrates how small, hospitality-focused changes can have a significant impact. With examples from real-life projects, the book helps organisers create better experiences for all attendees, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity are at the heart of every event.

Accessibility Audits and Certification

We conduct comprehensive assessments of venues, outdoor spaces, and events to identify accessibility barriers and provide practical, actionable solutions. Organisations that meet established accessibility standards receive the esteemed ‘Accessible Location’ certificate, showcasing their dedication to inclusion and equal access for all.

Custom Wheelchair Mats

Make your event more inclusive with our wheelchair mats. Our wheelchair mats ensure wheelchair users have an equal and comfortable space, comparable to a seat for pedestrians. These mats are perfect for making accessibility visible at events and in public spaces.

Features:

• Fully customisable: Printed in any colour, including your logo or branding.
• Easy to transport: Available with a storage tube for convenient transport and storage.
• Suitable for any location: Mats measure 95 x 95 cm, designed for an equal experience.

Pricing:

• Available in sets of two or more.
• Price: € 99.95 per mat (excluding VAT and delivery).

For bespoke designs and examples, visit our website: www.rolstoelmat.nl or contact us at info@geenbeperkingmeer.nl.

Why Accessibility Is Crucial

Globally, one in five people has a disability—whether physical, auditory, visual, or cognitive—a figure that continues to grow. Accessibility extends beyond physical adjustments; it is about creating meaningful and equitable experiences for everyone. Organisations that prioritise accessibility:

• Reach a broader audience, enhancing revenue and visibility.
• Build a strong reputation as inclusive and socially responsible.
• Achieve compliance with international accessibility standards.

Collaborate With Us

Are you ready to make your venue, event, or organisation truly inclusive? Whether you need accessibility audits, training, or keynote contributions, we’re here to help you create spaces where everyone feels welcome.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your journey towards accessibility. Let’s work together to create a world where inclusion is the norm.

Your accessibility partner, Welkom Accessibility & Events.