Disability is a natural part of human diversity

Lakshmee and her entire family along with Chef Seppe Nobels and Tourism Flanders staff member Greet Vandenrijt seated at a long banquet dinner table. They’re all smiles for the camera.
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Lakshmee Lachhman-Pershad has a mission: to make all sectors of tourism more accessible and inclusive for everyone. This she does in the Big Apple, as the name of her organization - Accessible Travel NYC - suggests.

Interview with Lakshmee Lachhman-Pershad, expert in accessibility and inclusivity

 

Inspired by the approach of Flanders during her research, the expert flew across the Atlantic to take a closer look at accessibility in our region. The timing of this visit was no coincidence. Early December 2024, the 12th Meet in Flanders Academy was organized, entirely devoted to accessibility and inclusion. With Lakshmee, a highly regarded keynote speaker was on the bill.

Lakshmee and her family - mother, husband, two children, two aunts and her sister, who is a wheelchair user - traveled around Flanders for a week, by invitation of Visit Flanders. How did they enjoy getting to know the northern half of Belgium? What tips does she have for Flanders to become even more accessible and inclusive? You read it all in this fascinating interview.

What were some of your initial thoughts upon arriving in Flanders?

"In New York City, I asked Brecht (Putman, Senior Association Relations Manager North America for VISITFLANDERS Convention Bureau, ed.) about the cultural differences between Flanders and the USA. He mentioned a few things that were really helpful: tipping isn’t common here, and you can sit as long as you want at meals without being rushed. We really enjoyed the leisurely dinners. The time allocated for transportation was perfect, allowing us to connect and share memories during breakfasts and travel times."

Lakshmee and her entire family along with Chef Seppe Nobels and Tourism Flanders staff member Greet Vandenrijt seated at a long banquet dinner table. They’re all smiles for the camera.
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What made the biggest impression during your visit?

"Everyone had their favorites. My husband appreciated the history and its preservation and seeing how accessibility to some of the heritage sites are done. My mom valued the hospitality, the historical preservation and the way each tour guide brought each city's stories alive with such passion. My sister Annie loved the art and accessibility and the warm welcome by everyone which made her feel included, valued and a sense of belonging. The children were fascinated by the Biscoff spread since it’s not common in New York City. My daughter said she felt like a proud mom seeing the many ways in which I work that touches the tourism industry, especially on stage for my keynote. My son, a future engineer, appreciated learning about accessibility features from Flanders. One of my aunts noted her favorite was the immigrant chefs telling their stories at 't Gasthuis (chef Seppe Nobels' restaurant, which works with refugees, ed.) because it resonates with our immigrant story.

For me, it was waiting a lifetime to have a family vacation together with so many of my family present, especially Annie and mom. I felt a sense of deep satisfaction and wholeness. Plus, I got to bring my family to see firsthand what sharing our story means to other people in the audience at the Meet in Flanders Academy. The immense interest in our Disability Pride program (the movement to rework the negative narratives and prejudices that often surround the concept of disability, ed.). was incredibly gratifying as was sharing information on Annie’s Progressive Disability Pride art. The sense of togetherness and the inclusive environment and warm welcome made a significant and tremendous impact on all of us."

The walking tour of Antwerp was hosted by a guide in a wheelchair with an assistance dog. The family huddled together in a group hug.
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What is your view on accessibility in Flanders?

"The effort Flanders put into ensuring accessibility and inclusion is noticeable in a positive way because it comes from the top down, meaning it's supported by the government therefore it is integrated into organizations. I have not seen this capacity in New York City or any of the other destinations I have worked with in the US.

There is always room for improvement thus our knowledge exchange. Some things which stood out are separate entrances for wheelchair users. The saying “separate is not equal” holds true. For new constructions, integrating inclusive designs is crucial. Some historical buildings managed to include elevators, but they were often too small for more than one person and a wheelchair user. These experiences highlighted the need for more inclusive planning, even in heritage sites.

I also noticed that the tactile designs in Flanders were different from New York City. In New York City, we are starting to use bright colors for better visibility, while here, it was mostly black lines. The color contrast is essential for those with low vision. Improvements like these could make a big difference.

Transportation is another area for improvement. In New York City, tourists with disabilities can use our paratransit system with a pre-registered card. A similar system here, with clear information for tourists, could be beneficial.

Also notable is the level of inclusiveness in Flanders. However, there’s always room for improvement. Ensuring language inclusivity at events, recognizing pronouns, and better signage for accessibility features are small steps that can make a big impact."

Lakshmee as keynote speaker at the Meet in Flanders Academy, dedicated to the theme of accessibility and inclusivity.
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What changes would you like to see in people's view on disability?

"I want people to realize that disability is a natural part of human diversity. It’s crucial to recognize that anyone can become disabled at any time. Disabled people are worthy and deserving of pride and joy in their identities. After all, we’re people — people with disabilities. Changing perceptions and fostering empathy, especially through education, can create a more inclusive society.

To achieve this goal, positive representation is essential. Seeing disabled people in loving families, leading happy lives, can change societal perceptions. Our work in accessible travel and storytelling aims to highlight these stories and show that disabled individuals are an integral part of their families and communities.

My mission is driven by very personal experiences. Together with my family I want to show that disabled people deserve access and inclusion and can have fulfilling lives. My sister Annie’s inclusion in our family trips and activities is a testament to this. We aim to be a catalyst of positive change for a more inclusive travel and tourism world."

A vibrant visual painting of New York City’s skyline, created by Annie who was born with cerebral palsy. In front of it is a version of Annie’s progressive Disability Pride flag which is the shooting star.
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In the pictures:

1. Lakshmee and her entire family along with Chef Seppe Nobels and Tourism Flanders staff member Greet Vandenrijt seated at a long banquet dinner table. They’re all smiles for the camera.
2. The walking tour of Antwerp was hosted by a guide in a wheelchair with an assistance dog. The family huddled together in a group hug.
3. Lakshmee as keynote speaker at the Meet in Flanders Academy, dedicated to the theme of accessibility and inclusivity.
4. A vibrant visual painting of New York City’s skyline, created by Annie who was born with cerebral palsy. In front of it is a version of Annie’s progressive Disability Pride flag which is the shooting star.

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