The event “Innovation for Inclusion: the Power of the Paralympic Legacy” at Villa Wolkonsky in Rome was more than a celebration marking the close of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games. For a UK-based Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO), being present was both a responsibility and an opportunity, one rooted in representation, rights, and international collaboration.
At its core, a DPO exists to ensure that Disabled people are not spoken about, but speak for ourselves. Attending this event alongside policymakers, innovators, and international partners meant bringing lived experience directly into conversations about assistive technology, physical activity and inclusion. Too often, decisions are made without meaningful input from Disabled people. Presence at forums like this challenges that pattern and reinforces a fundamental principle: Nothing About Us Without Us.
Representing Disabled People on an International Stage
This gathering, hosted by the British Embassy in Rome and the UK’s Global Disability Innovation Hub, highlighted the importance of international relations in advancing disability rights. The UK has long positioned itself as a leader in disability inclusion, but leadership status must be continually earned through engagement, listening, and partnership.
By attending, Disability Rights UK was able to represent the voices of Disabled people not just nationally, but within a broader European and global dialogue. It created space to exchange knowledge with international counterparts, strengthen networks and ensure that grassroots perspectives inform high-level discussions. International cooperation is essential, barriers faced by Disabled people are often shared across borders, and so too must be the solutions.
A Rights-Based Approach to Inclusion
Disability Rights UK brought an unapologetically rights-based approach to the discussions. Disability inclusion is not about charity or goodwill; it is about human rights. Access to assistive technology, inclusive design and participation in society must be understood as rights, not privileges.
Physical activity and sport, in particular, were key themes. The Paralympic legacy reminds us that sport is transformative but more importantly, participation in physical activity is a right. Disabled people should have equal access to opportunities for movement, competition, recreation, and wellbeing. This is not only about elite sport; it is about everyday inclusion in communities, schools, and public spaces.
Strengthening the Role of Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs)
Events like this also reaffirm the critical role of DPOs within national platforms. DPOs are uniquely positioned to bridge policy and lived experience, ensuring accountability and relevance. By participating in international forums, they strengthen their ability to advocate at home bringing back insights, partnerships and renewed momentum.
Moreover, showcasing assistive technologies and innovation alongside lived experience helps ensure that progress remains grounded in real needs. Innovation without inclusion risks widening inequalities; innovation guided by Disabled people can transform lives.
Elevating Disabled People’s Voices
Perhaps most importantly, Disability Rights UK’s attendance at the event underscored the importance of disabled people’s voices in shaping the future. Whether discussing technology, sport, or policy, the perspectives of those directly affected must remain central.
Being present in Rome was not symbolic, it was strategic. It ensured that the UK’s commitment to disability rights is informed by those it serves. It reinforced the importance of collaboration across borders. And it affirmed a simple but powerful truth: inclusion is strongest when disabled people lead the conversation.
As the Paralympic legacy continues beyond Milano Cortina 2026, the role of DPOs will remain vital, championing rights, shaping innovation, and ensuring that progress is both inclusive and enduring.
