Symfoon

What Symfoon does

Symfoon is a Flemish non-profit association (vzw) headquartered in Gent, Belgium, that operates as the regional platform for blind and visually impaired persons in Flanders. Its mission is to make all forms of leisure activities - museums, theaters, concerts, restaurants, sports events, nature outings, and travel - freely accessible to visually impaired individuals. The entire board and approximately half of the staff are themselves blind or visually impaired, embedding lived experience into the organization's advocacy, screening, and content work.

Symfoon's product portfolio centers on a set of accessibility services and content products rather than a commercial software platform. Core offerings include: (1) Eye Keys - thematic accessibility guides (covering hospitality, nature, heritage, communication, and retail) packaged with animation videos, podcasts, and downloadable brochures; (2) NFC-enabled theater placards combining Braille text, QR codes, and NFC chips that route users to audio description via smartphone without requiring app installation; (3) Threshold analyses and screening services, where Symfoon volunteers evaluate cultural venues, tourist attractions, and public spaces for accessibility barriers and produce actionable recommendations for operators; (4) educational workshops and simulation-glasses experiences that train venue staff in guiding and interacting with visually impaired visitors; and (5) a podcast and video series featuring first-person experiences of blind and partially sighted persons. The organization also formally promotes the Earcatch app as its preferred audio-description delivery mechanism for Flemish cinema.

Symfoon is funded primarily through project-based grants and subsidies from Flemish public bodies including Toerisme Vlaanderen, Vlaanderen Cultuur, the province of Antwerp (Toerisme Antwerpen), the Flemish Agency for Persons with Disabilities (VAPH), and the Flemish audiovisual fund (VAF). It does not sell commercial products and operates as a community-led advocacy and advisory organization, generating negligible direct revenue (modest contributions are requested only for specific workshops). Its distribution is anchored in three channels: direct partnerships with cultural institutions (VierNulVier, S.M.A.K., Toneelhuis, KMSKA, Wintercircus, Pro League football clubs via Inter), government-sector consultancy and policy input (notably via NOOZO and Zorgwijs), and free digital content distribution (website, social media, podcasts). The organization's most consequential strategic achievement to date is influencing the VAF's 2015 clause that mandates audio description on all subsidized Flemish feature films from their first theatrical screening.

Name

Symfoon

Legal name

Symfoon vzw

Website

https://symfoon.be

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Symfoon is a Flemish non-profit (vzw) that promotes accessible leisure for blind and visually impaired people in Belgium through audio description, NFC/Braille accessibility tools, venue screenings, Eye Key guides, and policy advocacy, with lived-expert leadership drawn from the visually impaired community.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability accessibility services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412)

SIC

Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro primary industry

Special Education & Accessibility-Optimized Media (UDL, AAC, Captioning) (EDAGALAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Accessibility, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) & Inclusive Content Services (EDAGAKAJ), Inclusive Classroom Environment & Sensory-Friendly Design Support (EDAKABAJ)

Keywords

• Accessibility consulting
• Disability advocacy
• Audio description services
• Cultural venue accessibility
• Visual impairment programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Gent

HQ country

Belgium

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Nonprofit / Membership and Grant Funded: Symfoon operates as a nonprofit association (vzw) funded primarily through government grants, project subsidies, and partnerships with public institutions such as Toerisme Vlaanderen, Vlaanderen Cultuur, and the Flemish government. Revenue is not generated through commercial product sales but through advocacy, advisory services, and project-based collaborations.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Symfoon is the Flemish platform for blind and visually impaired persons, delivering accessibility advice, tools, and inclusive activities across culture, hospitality, tourism, and public life. Its core deliverables include thematic accessibility guides (Eye Keys), a podcast and video library, NFC- and Braille-enabled physical accessibility materials, professional venue screenings and threshold analyses (Drempelanalyses), workshops and training, advisory and consultancy services for organizations, and a calendar of inclusive events such as "Met het Oog op Symfoon." All offerings are co-developed with blind and visually impaired experiential experts and delivered largely free of charge, supported by Flemish government grants and institutional partnerships.

Product overview

Symfoon is a non-profit platform for blind and partially sighted people in Flanders, Belgium, operating under the principle of inclusion from the strength of visually impaired individuals. The organization offers a portfolio of accessibility solutions including Eye Keys (comprehensive topic-specific guides on accessibility), podcasts and video content featuring real-life experiences, NFC-enabled accessibility tools with Braille integration, professional threshold analyses and screening services, educational workshops, and organized inclusive activities and events. The core offering centers on practical accessibility guidance through publications and direct consulting services, complemented by technology solutions like NFC chips that enable independent access to digital content.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Eye Keys (Accessibility Guides) Thematic accessibility guides providing practical tips and recommendations for making environments and services accessible for blind and partially sighted people; targeted at both the blind/visually impaired community and organizations (cultural, hospitality, retail).
• Symfoon Podcast Series Educational podcast series featuring real-life experiences of blind and partially sighted individuals; distributed via Spotify, YouTube, and the Symfoon website.
• NFC Accessibility Solutions (Theater Placards and Tactile Materials) Physical accessibility materials (theater placards, brochures, placemats) embedded with NFC chips and Braille, enabling blind and partially sighted users to instantly access audio description and contextual content via smartphone.
• Threshold Analyses and Screening Services (Drempelanalyses) Professional consulting service in which Symfoon assesses cultural venues, attractions, and public spaces for accessibility barriers and delivers actionable recommendations to venue operators and event organizers.
• Workshops and Training Educational workshops and training sessions for organizations, venues, and the public, covering visual impairment awareness, accessibility best practices, and guidance techniques.
• "Met het Oog op Symfoon" Annual Event Annual themed awareness and community event held in Gent, exploring topics such as sound and hearing and what they mean for blind and partially sighted people, featuring presentations, performances, and interactive experiences.
• Advices and Consultancy Expert consultancy service providing tailored accessibility advice for organizations, governments, and businesses (e.g., Toerisme Antwerpen, Democrazy Wintercircus, Maison Anna Heylen) seeking to improve their accessibility for blind and partially sighted people.
• Inclusive Activities and Events Program Curated program of inclusive activities (audio-described theater and cinema, museum tours, concerts, sports events with audio description, nature walks, dance workshops, travel opportunities) for blind and partially sighted participants.

Quantifiable outcome

• Since 2015, all new Flemish feature films are required to provide audio description from their first theatrical screening, following Symfoon's advocacy with the VAF.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability2 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Vlaanderen Cultuur (Cultuur)
• Luisterpunt BibliotheekminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLuisterpunt Bibliotheek (Listening Point Library) is listed as a partner on Symfoon's website, suggesting collaboration on accessible reading and information services for visually impaired persons.
• Vrienden der BlindencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVrienden der Blinden (Friends of the Blind) is a long-standing partner that trains guide dogs for blind persons and collaborates with Symfoon on joint initiatives including film festival outings and awareness campaigns.
• VAF (Vlaams Audiovisueel Fonds)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFollowing Symfoon's sustained advocacy, the VAF introduced a clause in 2015 requiring all subsidized Flemish feature film producers to provide audio description from the first theatrical screening. The VAF and Symfoon co-celebrated this milestone at a special premiere in Kinepolis Gent.
• EarcatchcoreTechnology or IntegrationEarcatch is a technology platform that delivers Dutch-language audio description to blind and visually impaired users via smartphone and headphones. Symfoon promotes Earcatch as the preferred solution for accessible cinema screenings across Flemish theaters.
• Inter (Vlaanderen)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInter organizes accessible sports events including blind supporter sections at football matches (RSC Anderlecht, Club Brugge, AA Gent, etc.) with live audio description. Symfoon collaborates with Inter to screen and improve the accessibility of these events.
• Kunstencentrum VierNulViercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVierNulVier Gent works closely with Symfoon on making theater performances accessible through audio description, tactile tours, and threshold analyses. Symfoon sends groups of visually impaired theater lovers to screen performances and provide feedback.
• OPEN Expertisecentrum voor Toegankelijke Media en Cultuur (Universiteit Antwerpen)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOPEN, the expertise center for accessible media and culture at the University of Antwerp, partnered with VierNulVier on the ALL SENSES event focused on accessibility for performing arts, with Symfoon participating in the advisory council.
• NOOZOcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNOOZO (Niets over ons, zonder ons) is the Flemish advisory council for and by people with disabilities. Symfoon is represented in both the working groups and the board of NOOZO, influencing Flemish government policy on digital inclusion and building accessibility.
• Toerisme AntwerpencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerToerisme Antwerpen initiated the 'Attractie(f) voor blinden' project, engaging Symfoon to screen tourist attractions in the province of Antwerp for accessibility for blind and visually impaired visitors.
• Iedereen Overal (Inter)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIedereen Overal is an online accessibility guide for restaurants and cafés launched by Inter. Symfoon contributed to the advisory discussions and advocated for readability of menus and accessibility of payment terminals for visually impaired customers.
• NatuurpuntminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNatuurpunt collaborated with Symfoon to test and improve the accessibility of walking routes in the Bourgoyen nature area near Ghent for blind and visually impaired visitors.
• Project U/Turn vzwminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject U/Turn organizes adventure group trips for people with disabilities. Symfoon promotes these trips and facilitates participation by blind and visually impaired members of its community.
• VitabominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVitabo, known for organizing tandem cycling trips for blind and visually impaired persons, partnered with Symfoon and the Abdij van Bornem to develop an inclusive museum experience using tactile plates, objects, scents, tastes, and audio fragments.
• ZorgwijsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerZorgwijs is an online platform helping persons with disabilities find tailored support. Symfoon's board member Dirk Opsteyn represents Symfoon on the Zorgwijs governing board.
• Maison Anna HeylenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaison Anna Heylen, an Antwerp fashion house, collaborated with Symfoon to produce a film about how blind and visually impaired persons experience fashion, featuring audio description.
• Gelijkse KansenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSymfoon contributed to the 'Het Wassalon' podcast series by Gelijkse Kansen, exploring themes of equality and accessibility for people with disabilities.
• Onafhankelijk LevenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOnafhankelijk Leven links people with disabilities to volunteer companions for activities including the Urban Trail running event. Symfoon collaborates to extend this to blind and visually impaired participants.
• Dito vzwminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDito is a disability organization that co-governs the Zorgwijs platform and organizes events including self-defense workshops for women with disabilities. Symfoon promotes these activities to its community.
• InclusieAmbachte / InclusieforumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInclusieAmbachte organizes lectures on disability and inclusion topics. Symfoon co-promotes these events and facilitates participation by its community members.
• LaGeste (Gentse dansgezelschap)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLaGeste dance company collaborated with Symfoon to organize inclusive dance workshops culminating in a Ballrooms event, open to people with and without disabilities including blind and visually impaired participants.
• VRT (Vlaamse Radio- en Televisieomroep)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSymfoon collaborates with the VRT on audio description for Flemish television series broadcast on VRT 1 and VRT MAX. Symfoon also participates in user research and panel discussions on VRT MAX accessibility.
• Democrazy (concert organizer)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConcert organizer Democrazy invited Symfoon to review the accessibility of its new Wintercircus venue in Gent during Humo's Rock Rally, demonstrating proactive venue accessibility collaboration.
• Vlaamse Ooglijn (Netwerk Licht en Liefde)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Flemish Eye Line (Vlaamse ooglijn), launched by Netwerk Licht en Liefde, provides a listening line for people with visual impairments. Symfoon promotes this service to its community.
• Iedereen Verdient Vakantie / Rap Op StapminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIedereen Verdient Vakantie and its Rap Op Stap offices provide subsidized outings and vacations for people with limited budgets. Symfoon collaborates to ensure blind and visually impaired persons can access and benefit from these services.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People): UK's leading sight loss charity operating at national scale across advocacy, content, employment and accessible services. Comparable to Symfoon in mission scope, with a far broader geographic and operational footprint.
• American Foundation for the Blind (AFB): US national organization for people with vision loss delivering advocacy, research and services. Comparable to Symfoon as a blindness-focused platform combining policy influence, content and community programs.

Regional players

• Bartiméus: Dutch organization for blind and visually impaired persons offering diagnostics, advice, and accessible services. Comparable to Symfoon as a cross-border Northwest European blindness service and advocacy platform.
• Ligue Braille: Belgian French-speaking blindness organization providing services and advocacy for visually impaired persons. Comparable to Symfoon in mission and activities, but serving the Wallonia/Brussels French-speaking community.

Direct peers

• Luisterpunt Bibliotheek: Belgian accessible library service for visually impaired persons, listed as a Symfoon partner. Directly comparable as a Dutch-speaking Belgium platform delivering accessible content and services to the same community.
• Licht en Liefde (Vlaamse Ooglijn): Flemish blindness support network and listening line operator explicitly cited as a Symfoon partner. Directly comparable as a Dutch-speaking Belgium organization serving visually impaired persons with advisory and emotional support services.
• Inter (Vlaanderen): Flemish umbrella disability organization that organizes accessible sports events including audio-described football at top Belgian clubs. Comparable to Symfoon as a Flemish disability platform working on cultural and leisure accessibility.
• NOOZO: Flemish advisory council for and by people with disabilities (Niets over ons, zonder ons). Symfoon sits on NOOZO's board and working groups. Comparable as a Flemish user-led advocacy body on disability policy.
• Vrienden der Blinden: Belgian guide-dog and blindness support nonprofit listed as a Symfoon core partner. Comparable as a Flemish user-led organization serving the same blind/visually impaired community through service provision and advocacy.
• Earcatch: Dutch-language audio-description app delivering narrated cinema and theater experiences via smartphone. Comparable to Symfoon as the audio-description technology layer Symfoon promotes across Flemish cultural venues.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC_2Ci3QDvcJ-_M4B-uo0DzQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/Symfoon
• Instagraminstagram.com/symfoon_vzw
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/symfoon-vlaams-blinden-en-slechtziendenplatform

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Symfoon