Accessibility means far more than ramps and wide doors. It is about independence, comfort and the chance to experience every stage of a programme without barriers - from arrival and accommodation through to the activities. That can include dedicated transport solutions, accessible meeting rooms, adapted leisure formats or visual and audio support systems. In our experience, exactly this creates even stronger cohesion within a team, because colleagues naturally support one another where support is needed.
For the people affected, this is not an optional extra. It is the basic requirement for being able to take part at all - and for feeling like a full member of the team.
During my studies at the Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB) in Palma, I experienced inclusion on a completely different level. A fellow student from a parallel class, who used a wheelchair and had no legs, was always surrounded by laughing classmates during breaks because he was incredibly sociable and funny. At weekends he went clubbing with them in the city, jumped out of his wheelchair and performed impressive breakdance moves on his hands before getting back into the chair and taking a sip of his drink. The wheelchair did not stop him from living student life without limitations - with a very classic circle of friends. If anything, he was the centre of his class. That experience left a deep impression on me. After returning to Germany, I once again saw the parallel society in which people with disabilities too often live here, with a noticeable, even if unspoken, form of social exclusion.
That is why we look at the entire experience when planning every incentive. We listen, ask targeted questions about individual needs and design programmes so that everyone can truly take part - without compromises. Sometimes that means rethinking activities, choosing different venues or involving partners who specialise in inclusion.
Anyone who plans purely by template accepts the risk that people will be left out. And that is exactly what contradicts our values and the whole idea of an incentive.