The association Loisirs IncluS, which promotes social and cultural inclusion, has introduced IncluSphère, Belgium’s first citizen-led label recognising genuinely accessible and welcoming public spaces.
Assessment will be conducted through surprise visits by trained evaluators, sometimes accompanied by individuals with disabilities or those from specific groups. The goal is to observe, test, and highlight genuine accessibility and inclusivity without prior notice or staging.
More than 180 inclusion criteria will be assessed. “This encompasses inclusion in the broadest sense,” explains Adrien Monsieur, president of Loisirs IncluS, to the Belga news agency, highlighting accessibility for people with reduced mobility, autistic individuals, those with intellectual disabilities, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, families, and seniors.
Initially, the association will focus on venues in the Federation Wallonia-Brussels, including shops, restaurants, cultural sites, hospitals, sports clubs, and libraries.
Venues can earn the label by meeting at least 75% of the IncluSphère criteria, based on Belgian and European standards. The association aims to certify 100 venues by 2026.
IncluSphère aspires to become a national benchmark for inclusive venues, offering citizens a reliable guide and providing professionals with valuable recognition.
Founded two years ago, the non-profit organisation Loisirs IncluS mainly aims to support individuals with disabilities in accessing cultural activities and engaging in sports.
