Equal opportunities policies in Belgium (see also 2.5.1, 2.5.5, and 2.6) include strategies towards equality for citizens with both physical and mental disabilities. (Coordinated) actions are taken from within different levels and areas, including the separate Flemish policy field of Equal Opportunities. In the area of Culture, interest from policy makers in the subject has varied. If people with disabilities are mentioned in policy statements, the focus lies on participation to culture.[1] Various cultural policy instruments have been devised for this goal, such as the support schemes of the Participation Decree (although the project funding for participation of disadvantaged groups were recently repealed; see 6.1) or subsidies for making cultural infrastructure more accessible (which is one of the priorities of infrastructure funding for 2017-2021, see also 2.8). Relevant support measures on the provincial and local level include passes that grant companions of disabled persons free access at cultural events.
There is a legal framework for Flemish Sign Language (which is a language in its own right; see 4.1.8), which arranges support for the Expertise Centre for Flemish Sign Language (VGTC) and for projects that contribute to the establishment of the language.
There are (publicly funded) organisations in arts, cultural heritage, and socio-cultural work for adults (see 6.4) that focus on the position of people with disabilities in arts, culture, and society. Examples include Autisme Centraal, Doof Vlaanderen, Gezin & Handicap, KAOS, Museum Dr. Ghuislain, Platform K, Sig, Theater Stap, Zicht op Cultuur, and others. There are cases of other arts and culture organisations that make efforts to make their offer (more) accessible for visitors with mental or physical disabilities (if not with support from the funding options mentioned above). Despite dedicated organisations and best practices, there is recurring criticism that access to culture for people with disabilities is far from established in Flanders and Brussels.
[1] Anciaux, Bert. 2004. ‘Beleidsnota Cultuur 2004-2009’, 7; Schauvliege, Joke. 2009. ‘Beleidsnota Cultuur 2009-2014’, 22 and 33.
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