Dirk Janczewski, Founder of bft -- barrier-free-tourism.eu Has Passed Away
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It is with great sadness that we have to report that Dirk Janczewski passed away last weekend.
Monika Agata-Linke writes:
Dear colleagues,
Deeply shocked and affected we have the unfortunate duty of having to inform you that Dirk Janczewski has died unexpectedly last weekend. He was the founder, head and the driving force of bft -- barrier-free-tourism.eu.
That such a special person as Dirk Janczewsi, who always has been in continuous work against all obstacles and barriers of life, has been all of a sudden deprived of his life at this stage is very difficult to understand.
We will do what we can to carry on his important work all around "barrier-free travelling for everybody" along his path.
In deepest mourning.
The team of bft- barrier-free-tourism.eu and Ruhr2010 Barrierefrei
Ivor Ambrose writes:
It is with great sadness that we learnt of Dirk's passing.
In the short time I had got to know Dirk, I was so impressed with his energy and enthusiasm. He gave himself fully to his work to improve access for all people, and in so doing he contributed a great deal to the work of ENAT, as one of our newest members.
A journalist by trade, Dirk used the Web, video and music to communicate how to achieve barrier-free tourism for all.
His latest ventures included the launch of www.barrier-free-tourism.eu and the project website for the "European Capital of Culture Ruhr 2010" www.ruhr2010-barrierefrei.de/
Dirk and his close colleague Monika Agata-Linke recorded interviews with guest speakers at last year's ENAT International Congress in Vienna, and most recently he planned and executed the ITB Berlin Tourism Fair Workshop Session on Barrier-Free Tourism.
I was fortunate to enjoy Dirk's good company when he made a special visit to Athens last year - we had a great time together, seeking out accessible venues all over the city and talking to many people. He, of course, was always leading the conversation and testing every possible access route and venue in his own dynamic way!
We have lost a great colleague and a good friend. Our sincere condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues.
On behalf of the members of ENAT,
Ivor Ambrose, Managing Director.
Mar Y Sol, Tenerife
Video by Dirk Janczewski, 2009
View more of Dirk Janczewski's work on YouTube:
bfteu Channel
Dirk's funeral will take place at Duisberg, Germany on 13 April 2010.
The funeral announcement can be downloaded in PDF format from the right-hand column.