OQ are welcome sticker for "Aan Lager Wal"

Program presentation sticker

Date: Sunday, September 19, 2021

Start: 12:00 noon.

Location: Calandweg 29, 4612 PG Bergen op Zoom near De Waterschans

Festive presentation of the sticker at 12.30 pm

Afterwards, 3 people with disabilities go sailing

Sailability sails

Water sports school “Aan Lager Wal” is part of WV De Schelde. At “Aan Lager Wal” sailors can enjoy themselves on the Binnenschelde. In 2020, Sailability sailing for people with disabilities was started. The Accessible Bergen op Zoom Foundation tested the accessibility. The accommodation meets all criteria. With great appreciation and admiration for their initiatives and commitment, Accessible Bergen op Zoom presents the sticker “OQ are welcome” to “Aan Lager Wal”.

Preparation Sailability

Preparations for Sailability sailing for people with disabilities started in 2020. Water sports school “Aan Lager Wal” (ALW) organized a dragon boat race. With the proceeds and broad support from a group of entrepreneurs from Bergen op Zoom, the boats were purchased and specific facilities were realised. Adjustments had to be made on the ALW site and at the clubhouse. For example, a new disabled toilet was installed in the clubhouse and large concrete slabs were placed on the site to offer people with walking difficulties or wheelchair users an easy entrance. Plates were placed on the scaffolding to enable lifting lifts to be placed. Safety is paramount when guests have to be placed in a boat via a hoist. The individual hoists are also inspected every year.

Interest and experiences

In the past period, ALW was able to receive guests on almost every Sunday who liked to make use of sailability sailing.

“Leave your handicap on the scaffolding” was an often heard statement. And the sailors enjoyed being on the water.

The guests are very positive about the ALW site. Access to the jetties is easy and an expert team is always on hand to lend a helping hand, both on the jetty and on the water.

They are also happy with the clubhouse. The new disabled toilet is also spacious enough for wheelchair users and is considered very useful.

The general and specific information about safe sailing with people with disabilities is fine.

Guidance Sailability

The accompanying team always consists of at least four volunteers, two of whom always remain on the quay. The others follow the sailors in a boat. In case something happens on the water, you can always act quickly.

fireplace

Tom Cats and Kees Spikker of Accessible Bergen op Zoom completed the screening list together with wheelchair user Hugo Wolff. The accommodation meets the set criteria. The inspection team is delighted with ALW's accessibility. Guests are received in a good and hospitable way in an easily accessible accommodation. That is why Accessible Bergen op Zoom is happy to award the accessibility sticker “OQ are welcome”.

Response "At Lower Shore"

Joris Völker chairman of the sailing club is happy to hear that guests with disabilities are offered good accommodation. This was also completely new for us. With the correct information from participants in Sailability sailing and the great collaboration with accessible Bergen op Zoom, we can continue to work on improvement.

Also interested in Sailability?

Do you have a disability yourself or do you know someone with a disability who would also like to sail, you can schedule an appointment via the sailability website.
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