The Power of Perspective Panel @ TSH The Hague (November 2024)

This was an amazing event I attended last week The Social Hub (B Corp?) in The Hague, the Netherlands.

A huge thank you to Karin van Dijk , Floris Witteveen , Alexis Franssen and Jake Ertan for sharing their epxeriences, insights and knowledge.

Also thanks to Pawl Berger and Tim van Reyswoud for the organisation of the event. I love being part of The Social Hub Ambassador programme and having the opportunity to meet and work with such talented and dedicated humans!

My main takeaways

It was wonderful to have the opportunity to simply listen to what life is like for others, and indeed look at how limitations can be changed to possibilities.

• There is incredible value in taking the time to just listen and talk to people who live life differently than we may – in a patient, kind, safe and supportive space
• Sometimes you may have good intentions but instead make life harder for others through your own lack of understanding.
• Let’s ask and not presume how others see things
• The word "disability" is one that the panel participants are ok with - much better than "handicapped" which was used more in the past but is now (thankfully) phased out. Words evolve, language is important and is becoming less discriminatory.
• Jokes and humour, even dark humour about our situation is important, we can laugh.
• Together we can tackle problems and find solutions – but need time to explore various perspectives

My own notes

I've found that visual note taking helps me "listen" better, and to process everything more clearly...

Lunch and Learn

The Social Hub provided a delicious lunch, and we had some conversation starters on the table....was nice to chat to a few others and learn a little about their lives.

Possibilize

To find out more about the Possibilize organisation and their current projects:

https://www.possibilize.today/en/tag/lopend-project/

Event text (including from the original event promotion for more info)

Join us on November 21st 2024 for an inspiring Lunch & Learn at The Social Hub in The Hague. Together, we’ll explore the everyday challenges faced by people with disabilities and the impact on their mental health. Through personal stories, our speakers will share how they turn limitations into strengths, offering new perspectives and surprising insights. This interactive session invites you to engage, ask questions, and think in terms of opportunities.

This Lunch & Learn is organised by Possibilize, a leading foundation that focuses on inclusion and creative accessibility through both international projects and local initiatives. Be part of this unique experience: Leave with fresh insights, and discover the power of possibilities!

Our location is equipped with a wheelchair-accessible restroom. The space is accessible with a small staircase down to the seating area.

?? Date: 21st of November ?? Time: 11:30-13:30 ??Location: Catwalk, The Social Hub The Hague

Want to know more?

Please send me a direct message. You may also like to reach out to those involved (tagged in the article). Also take a look at other articles on my LinkedIn profile or on my blog for more insights and highlights from events I've attended:

https://zestee.com/blog/

Let's all make a little extra effort to connect, communicate and educate ourselves and each other - and together make this world more inclusive and kind.

Renee :)