Mind the Difference is a free masterclass on Design for All for Dutch and international students in The Hague. Students meet peers from other courses, countries and backgrounds, as well as people who often find that something wasn’t made with them in mind. For example because they use a wheelchair, have low vision or hearing loss, or are more easily overwhelmed.
Usually the problem isn’t the person, but the design. Many things are made for an “average” person who doesn’t really exist, or for people who are a lot like the designers themselves. Design for All means thinking about everyone from the very first idea, and working together with people who know from experience what gets in the way.
The cultural sector is the starting point. The afternoon opens with a short film by Speels Collectief, followed by an interactive talk by Ronald Ligtenberg. Students then join one of three tables, inspired by theatre, the club or dance, to explore what this means for their own field. The afternoon ends with the launch of the Mind the Difference Challenge and drinks.
A speech-to-text interpreter makes the programme accessible in both Dutch and English.
InCultuur works to make culture in The Hague more accessible and inclusive for disabled people. It brings together cultural professionals, artists and people with lived experience, who share their knowledge in live meetings and an online community. InCultuur also organises Design for All masterclasses for students, together with cultural organisations and schools. Mind the Difference is made possible by the City of The Hague, in collaboration with No Limits Festival.