Paralympics: an event focusing on inclusion and accessibility

Among the topics addressed at the Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympic event was the need to increase inclusion and accessibility at all levels: one of the most important legacies to ensure that everyone can enjoy the landscape values of a common heritage.

HERITAGE FOR ALL, ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

“The Dolomites are everyone’s heritage, and it is essential to discuss accessibility to change culture in this regard.” This was the appeal made to us during the torch-lighting ceremony by Davide Giozet, a Paralympic athlete who has distinguished himself in athletics, handbike, wheelchair rugby, and current president of ASSI Onlus. “Often, correct information is enough – he added – to enable a person with a disability to experience the Dolomites, which might seem inaccessible but can in fact offer numerous experiences that we definitely want to enjoy (see also the Dolomiti Accessibili, editor’s note). There are limits, and they are objective – Giozet concluded – but we often struggle against limits that are first and foremost cultural. There is still much to do in this regard, but we are making great progress.”

AN OPPORTUNITY NOT TO BE MISSED

This was also discussed on 13 March during one of the many discussions organised by Casa Veneto dedicated to “Accessible Veneto Destinations”, including mountain areas. A sub-topic is the accessibility of World Heritage Sites, whose recognition certainly emphasises the responsibility to ensure inclusive enjoyment. “The Paralympics have drawn attention to disability and inclusivity,” highlighted Mara Nemela, Director of the UNESCO Dolomites Foundation. “This attention can now be the key to strengthen those who work daily at institutional and association level to promote inclusion, particularly among younger generations, helping to develop both competence on these topics and awareness. Let’s not forget that the UNSECO acronym calls for Education, Science and Culture, which, if applied to inclusion, can help create a true Paralympic legacy.”

A SMALL EXAMPLE: THE EASY-TO-READ BROCHURE

As Davide Giozet stated, sometimes correct information is enough to promote accessibility. Correct and, in turn, accessible: with this in mind, the UNESCO Dolomites Foundation is also focusing on intellectual disabilities and has published an easy-to-read brochure to ensure that fundamental information on the nine Dolomite Systems is accessible to an ever-wider audience. An advantage for everyone: presenting complex concepts in a clear manner also allows one to reclaim the essential meaning of the UNESCO recognition, namely the beauty of the landscape and the depth of the history it conveys.