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Disability Inclusion at Dutch Campuses: Responsibilities for Facility Management and Implications for Society

  • The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Research Centre Mission Zero, Research Group Spatial Environment and the User

Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › Professional

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Abstract

Background and Aim. Facility management (FM) is pivotal in creating spaces and services that foster equitable and cohesive societies. A role that becomes even more critical as one in four adults in the European Union is disabled, with 52% experiencing discrimination (Eurostat, 2025). Despite the EU’s 2007 ratification of the United Nations Convention of Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), local
initiatives have yielded disappointing results, causing the “medical model” for disability inclusion to prevail and the anticipated “social model” to await its turn. The aim of this paper is to identify how FM can drive a transformation from the medical to the social model, by applying a hospitality perspective.
Methods and Data. This paper integrates personal viewpoints with literature to identify key challenges. By taking the case of Higher Education (HE) on Dutch campuses as a reflection of a diverse society, the hitherto invisible impact of hospitality on inclusion becomes apparent.
Findings. The discussion on the role of FM within disability inclusion is progressing slowly, as research on the topic remains limited. This paper exemplifies the impact of FM and seeks to inspire FM-professionals to adopt hospitality-driven approaches towards disability inclusion.
Originality. Researching inclusion from a hospitality perspective offers a new perspective on inclusion and enriches FM, strengthening the importance of the field while actively contributing to positive societal change.
Practical Implications. This paper fosters awareness among future facility managers and designers to prioritise and embed inclusion into their practices, giving FM the opportunity to strengthen its field and positively impact society.
Translated title of the contributionInclusie van mensen met een beperking op Nederlandse campussen: verantwoordelijkheden voor het facilitair management en implicaties voor de maatschappij
Original languageEnglish
Pages108-118
Publication statusPublished - 7 Dec 2025
EventEuroFM Conference 2025 – Trondheim: Social Facility Management - NTNU: Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
Duration: 1 Dec 2025 → 3 Dec 2025
https://www.eurofm.org/events/conference2025/

Conference

ConferenceEuroFM Conference 2025 – Trondheim
Country/TerritoryNorway
CityTrondheim
Period1/12/25 → 3/12/25
Internet address

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 03 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 03 Good Health and Well-being
  2. SDG 04 - Quality Education
    SDG 04 Quality Education
  3. SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
    SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
  4. SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
    SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

Keywords

  • inclusion
  • campus
  • disability
  • higher education
  • hospitality

Research Focus Areas Hanze University of Applied Sciences * (mandatory by Hanze)

  • No Hanze research focus area applicable

Research Focus Areas Research Centre or Centre of Expertise * (mandatory by Hanze)

  • Health & Wellbeing

Publinova themes

  • Education and Teaching
  • Health
  • People and Society
  • Spatial Planning and Policy

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