In memoriam Hans Kersten

Initiator of the establishment of Accessible Bergen op Zoom

Together with some other members of the Bergse VVD, Hans took the lead in establishing the Accessible Bergen op Zoom Foundation. Accessible Bergen op Zoom is an umbrella organization in which OOBOZ, Wévigé, Zonnebloem, Rheumatism Patients Association, Kansplus, Alzheimer Nederland/BoZ and wheelchair users are represented. The foundation was established in May 2019.

Hans was convinced that by combining the knowledge and experiences of sub-organisations, not only the interests of people with disabilities, but in fact those of everyone are better represented. He was the first president of this young organization.

His motto, our motto

Everyone participates in society as independently as possible. Provide the individual with the help needed for this in a timely and appropriate manner, but also ensure that society in behavior and facilities makes it possible that “Everyone can participate!”.

Filosofie

For Hans, a broad collaboration is the basis. Make society aware of the circumstances in which people with disabilities find themselves, seek a dialogue with all those involved, convince and be convinced, be open to others, treat each other with respect and make an effort for each other to achieve a good balance between mutual find interests. Make sure obvious things get the right attention and are not overlooked. Very often it is the little things that can make the lives of so many people more pleasant.

Grateful, Legacy

So suddenly, at a time when he could have been even more meaningful, he passed away much too young.

It is with great sadness that we have to say goodbye.

The Accessible Bergen op Zoom Foundation is very grateful to Hans for all his efforts and enthusiasm. We embrace his motto and philosophy which we consider to be his legacy. That is the foundation on which we build.