Stories of This Abled City: Experiential Dialogues on Disability in Urban Life

In June, the Rudolph Agricola School for Sustainable Development (University of Groningen) will host Stories of This Abled City: a three- day interactive exhibition and public programme that explores Groningen through the lived experiences of wheelchair users.

How accessible is Groningen in everyday practice? What does it mean to move through the city, to take part in public life, to play, learn, travel and meet others when the built environment is not designed with every body in mind? And how can stories, creative methods and shared experiences help us imagine a more inclusive and just city?

At the heart of Stories of This Abled City are the perspectives and experiences of wheelchair users. Through an interactive exhibition and a series of workshops and activities, we invite visitors to reflect on accessibility and to experience it in new ways. The event brings together pupils, students, researchers, practitioners, policymakers and the wider public to engage with questions of mobility, public space, participation and inclusion.

Throughout the three days, the exhibition will remain open to visitors, accompanied by a stop-motion workshop led by local artist Jitske Wadman. The exhibition is also suited to younger visitors, with interactive elements such as the stop-motion activity for children aged 7+. Visitors can also explore games connected to the broader This Abled City project, including the computergame Sk8Chair created by Hanze students, and the board game This Abled City: A Steampunk Story co-created with Julia Munuera Garcia and co-researchers at ‘s Heeren Loo. Together, these activities offer playful ways to engage with questions of accessibility, movement and inclusive urban life. In addition, there will be tailor-made programme items for schools, academic audiences and other interested groups.