The core team
U-AccessAbility was founded in 2019 by enthusiastic employees at the Utrecht Science Park. The network is a collaboration between Utrecht University, UMC Utrecht, and HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht. The core team consists of the following employees:
Eveline: From personal experience, I know that work can contribute to recovery. An employee network can be a supportive factor in this regard. You can receive, among other things, recognition and empowerment. In my role as network leader, I am happy to contribute to promoting an accessible, inclusive, and equitable workplace for every employee.
Lisa: Everyone benefits from work that suits you without literal or figurative barriers. That is why, as co-network leader, I strive for an inclusive and equitable workplace, free from ableism. Autonomy and accessibility in all forms (physical, digital, social) are the main focus for me in this regard.
Lauren: For me, it is all about equal opportunities for everyone: being able to be yourself, to participate fully, and to make the most of your talents. Creating an inclusive workplace by removing barriers is key. As a co-network leader, I am committed to contributing to this goal.
Emma: Personal experience has made me realise that my invisible disabilities do not need to be a barrier to rewarding and valued work. With my knowledge and experiences – the good and the bad – I want to improve opportunities for all employees from an intersectional perspective. In addition to U-AccessAbility, I am on the EDI Science Faculty Committee and Working Groups.
Eva: I have been working at the Pathology department since September 2015, and I am also a member of the core team of U-AccessAbility. For this employee network, I mainly focus on managing the website and taking minutes at meetings. Members are always welcome to approach me with suggestions on how things can be improved and with photos/videos of their pets.
Eva: Drawing on my expertise in marketing, communication, and event management, I was involved in the name change of the employee network in 2025. This included the development of a new logo and the organization of a launch campaign.
Jerfaas: Neurodivergence has great advantages, but in the wrong environments, it can also lead to unpleasant situations. I want to commit to initiating a dialogue about this and exchanging knowledge on the subject.
Merel: Everyone should be able to be who they are and work in the way that works best for them. How do we make science and the workplace accessible to everyone?
Laurier: Through my membership of the university’s staff representation body, I advocate for more diversity and inclusion, primarily regarding accessibility. I argue against ableism. I am an intersectional feminist and support the Disability Movement and neurodiversity.
Suzan: Motivated by my personal experience, I want to contribute to making visible what is needed to work truly inclusively. My focus is on the accessibility of existing knowledge, making support open for discussion, and breaking down resistance to change.
Our ambassadors
The network is represented by ambassadors from Utrecht University, Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, and UMC Utrecht. An ambassador has an affinity with employees with (work-place) physical, psychological, and/or invisible disabilities? Ambassadors consider the inclusion of these employees important. An ambassador acts as a sparring partner for the core team, can act as a chairperson or speaker during our meetings, and places our topics on the agenda of working groups, the Board, and/or the Works Council/Employee Participation Council. These are our ambassadors:
Become an ambassador
Do you want to bring the employee network to the attention of your organization in the Utrecht Science Park? Are you in a position to make an impact with, for example, the Works Council, Employee Participation Council, and/or the Board? Then we would love to get to know you! Contact us for more information.