5 questions for: Thijs de Lange

Thijs de Lange (1997) suffered from oxygen deprivation at birth, which resulted in cerebral palsy. Because of this condition, his body is less coordinated. His mind, on the other hand, is as sharp as anything. Thijs studied Dutch Language and Culture and French Language and Culture at the UvA and now works as a journalist, event host, and expert by experience. ‘I’ve learned that my disability can also be a strength.’

Hi Thijs, how did you get started with this work?

‘Because of my disability, it’s better for me to have variety in my work day and not to sit at a computer all day. I also have a background in theatre and I love presenting more than anything else. Hosting events made it easy for me to turn that into my profession.’

‘During my time at the UvA, I was already involved in advocating for the rights of people with disabilities. Before that, my disability had always been a weakness. But during my studies, I learned that it can actually be a strength. I have knowledge that others don’t have, and I can use it to my advantage. Now, I mainly do that as an event host. There are many event hosts in the Netherlands, but not often young people, and certainly not many experts by experience.’

Why is hosting events such a good fit for you as an expert by experience?

‘I enjoy giving the stage to other people. That’s a common theme in my life – I love discovering talent and providing a platform for it. That’s also why being a host suits me better than being a comedian: I can really connect people. Also, as an expert by experience, I feel a sense of duty. If I’m at an event and notice that it’s not entirely inclusive, I feel responsible for raising awareness among those in charge about how to better accommodate people with disabilities.’

‘Thanks to my mild disability, I always find myself between the worlds of people with and without disabilities.’

And how does your work improve the world?

‘I want to show that a disability does not have to limit you in your work. I think that’s why organisations ask me to host events: I raise awareness about what ’s like to live with a disability and how society can better support that. In addition, my work can inspire other people with disabilities. That impact may be even greater than I myself realise.’

What’s your fondest memory of the UvA?

‘In 2020, I won the AUV Alumnus Award for my involvement with Wij Staan Op! (‘we stand up’), a national foundation for and by young adults with disabilities. That was wonderful recognition of what I had accomplished at the UvA, and at the same time, it was confirmation that I was on the right track.’

What tips or advice do you have for UvA students today?

‘I think work and fun do not have to be mutually exclusive. In our society, work is often seen as something you “have to do,” but your job can also be something you enjoy. So start with the question: what is the most fun thing I do, and how can I make a living from that? If you ask yourself that question, you’ll end up where you need to be.’