Marianne D•••

About

On the record

In 2008 I wanted to go to a festival on a hill with my 'healthy-looking' friends. Climbing a steep hill is a challenge for me because of my own disability. I found a listening ear at the organisation and they unknowingly made the first festival in the Netherlands accessible to people with disabilities. That day my career in the field of accessibility and events started. Most venues indicate that they are accessible because they have an accessible toilet. No one goes there just because the venue has a wheelchair-accessible toilet. Everyone wants to feel the whole experience of the venue, for example, the performance of an artist at events and festivals, theatre shows, and to see the art of museums. I now know a lot about accessibility for people with disabilities at events and leisure activities. Since 2014, I have been giving lectures about inclusion and accessibility at various, locations, and events on a freelance basis under my company Welcome Accessibility & Events (Welkom Toegankelijkheid & Evenementen in Dutch). My specialization is accessibility at events. The knowledge comes from my three event studies because I would’ve liked to become an organizer. And the 10 years of giving lectures, giving on-location advice to organisers, and even certificating events. All events start with hospitality and from my view, accessibility also starts with hospitality. My knowledge was bundled in the book 'Make Your Event Accessible to Everyone' in 2018. In recent years I have worked on, among other things, accessibility for people with a disability of the Eurovision Song Contest, the national King's Day celebration, and the Best Event Awards in Rome. In my spare time, I read a lot, ranging from marketing books so that I can keep up to date in my field, to a novel. I also immerse myself in art and culture by visiting a museum or theatre to relax after a busy week of work. Do you want to know more about me or have a lecture or accessibility advice? Contact me at Youreventaccessibleforeveryone.com