New episode of the RUG & Co. podcast: 'On the (in)accessibility of the city and science'

Curbs, parked bicycles, and stairs: we don’t always think about it, but a city is certainly not equally accessible to everyone. In this episode, we discuss accessibility, inclusivity, and the collaboration between the University of Groningen and the care institution 's Heeren Loo.

Our guests are Bettina van Hoven, professor holding the Aletta Jacobs Chair in 'Place, Social Change, and Collaborative Research for Wellbeing and Justice' at University College Groningen, and Leon Lodder, a co-researcher and resident at the ‘s Heeren Loo care facility in Groningen. Our guests have been collaborating on the This Abled City project for ten years. In this project, they investigate the daily experiences of people with disabilities. After all, what is it really like to visit a city if you’re in a wheelchair or communicate in a different way?

(In)accessible science

In addition to physical accessibility, this episode also discusses the importance of accessible science. The This Abled City project not only publishes its research findings but also develops board games and interactive apps, among other things. For example, the RolMaps app maps the accessibility of shops, restaurants, and other public places in the city of Groningen for wheelchair users. A very concrete example of accessible science created for and by the general public.

Listen to the episode about the collaboration between the University of Groningen and the care institution ‘s Heeren Loo starting Wednesday 20 May.

Event: “Stories of This Abled Cities”

On 10, 11, and 12 June, the House of Connections will host the three-day interactive exhibition and public program 'Stories of This Abled Cities.' Through an interactive exhibition and a series of workshops and activities, visitors are invited to reflect on accessibility and experience it in new ways. The event brings together schoolchildren, students, researchers, professionals, policymakers, and the general public to discuss issues related to mobility, public space, participation, and inclusion.

More information about Stories of This Abled Cities can be found here.

About RUG & Co.

The podcast RUG & Co. highlights the societal role of the university. Each episode focuses on a collaboration, for example with governments, companies, and residents of the North. Previous episodes covered collaborations with politicians in The Hague, the municipality of Groningen, and ESNS.