Inclusive learning – special visit organised by Cordaan

At the beginning of October, together with Cordaan, we co-organised visits to two specialized schools in Amsterdam — Drostenburg School and Koetsveld School — both for children aged 4 to 12.

The visits took place as part of the AMUSE Project Study Week, which brought together 35 representatives from Ukraine and Poland. All participants came from educational institutions and kindergartens and were eager to learn how inclusion is implemented in Dutch primary and special education.

A special focus during the visits was put on AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) — the main theme of the AMUSE Project. In every classroom, elements of AAC were visible and actively used: signs, cards, communication boards, technical tools, and specialised equipment. The group was curious to learn how these tools are introduced, how they are received by parents and schools, and how they are funded. 

The visit began with a warm introduction from the school representatives, who explained how the education system in the Netherlands works, what specialists are part of the team, how often social workers are involved, and what qualifications staff members hold. Afterwards, participants joined a guided tour through the classrooms, met other teachers, and exchanged experiences — reflecting on how these practices differ from those in Ukraine.

We are sincerely grateful to Kristy Heiligenberg, who accompanied the group throughout the visit and answered many practical questions about AAC tools and her practice to with children with special needs.

Afterwards, the delegation visited Bijzonder Amsterdams, a social enterprise run by Cordaan, for a presentation and reflection on inclusive education and the use of AAC in practice.

This place is a wonderful example of how people with disabilities can participate in the labour market through meaningful and creative work. Visitors explored the shop, where artists create unique handcrafted ceramics, textiles, jewellery and postcards — each piece telling its own story and showing how inclusion and entrepreneurship can go hand in hand.

The visit also included a presentation about the organisation’s structure, a lively Q&A session with participants, and a delicious lunch at the inclusive café, served by people with disabilities. It was a moment to see inclusion in action — where social impact, sustainability and art meet, offering dignified employment opportunities and proving that everyone has something valuable to contribute to society.

The Ukrainian guests were excited not only to learn more about Cordaan’s social entrepreneurship but also to take home souvenirs from Bijzonder Amsterdams — small works of art with a special meaning.

We express our sincere gratitude to the Cordaan team for their hospitality and for sharing their insights, which will help strengthen inclusive and community-based practices in Ukraine.

As a warm conclusion to this inspiring day, a special inclusive walking tour through Amsterdam was organised by Ieke van Lammeren. The tour offered a unique way to explore the city while discovering how accessibility and social inclusion are woven into its urban landscape. The route combined historical landmarks with modern examples of inclusive design — from step-free markets and accessible bridges to social enterprises and supported living projects.

For everyone working in the field of inclusion, this experience showed how accessibility can become part of everyday city life — in culture, tourism, and community spaces alike.

Together, we continue to learn from each other — building societies where everyone has a voice and a meaningful role.