In a time of rapid digital, social, and organisational change, true inclusion means more than simply representing people with physical disabilities. Providing ramps, accessible toilets, or basic accommodations is no longer sufficient; we must recognise and dismantle the invisible barriers embedded in our systems, from recruitment processes and training curricula to workspace layout and communication norms. The project Fit for the Future (F4F), co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme, stands at the forefront of this shift by promoting a systemic approach that re-imagines work and learning environments where people with physical disabilities participate fully, contribute meaningfully and develop leadership potential. The project demonstrates that inclusion is not an afterthought but a core driver of adaptability and innovation.

Physical disability refers to a wide spectrum of conditions — mobility impairments, sensory impairments, chronic health conditions affecting physical functioning — which may limit usual activities. Despite significant progress, people with disabilities continue to face substantial barriers in education, employment, and career advancement. According to the OECD, they experience persistent gaps in skills development, employment opportunities, and income compared to non-disabled people. In the European Union, over 25% of people aged 16 or over report a long-term limitation in usual activities due to health problems (Eurostat, 2025). These statistics underline that inclusion of persons with physical disabilities is not marginal, it concerns a significant portion of the population and demands system-wide responses.

For VET centres, educational institutions, training providers, and SMEs, fostering inclusion requires a shift in perspective: instead of focusing on how individuals must adapt, organisations should design systems that actively include every body and ability. F4F’s philosophy of regenerative leadership and systemic thinking invites organisations to map processes (admission, learning delivery, workspace design, career progression) and identify where physical disability is implicitly excluded.

Fit for the Future provides practical resources to help organisations remove these barriers:

• Self-Assessment Tool: Evaluate organisational accessibility and identify areas for improvement.
• Barrier Audits: Engage people with disabilities in reviewing and co-designing processes and spaces.
• Inclusive Design Principles: Ensure digital and physical environments meet accessibility standards, including WCAG and universal design.
• Mentoring and Peer-Support Programmes: Empower employees and learners with disabilities to share insights, guide improvements, and act as role models.

Accessibility is not an optional addition, it is a key element for building inclusive and effective organisations. Fit for the Future encourages VET centres, training providers, SMEs, and associations to explore its open-access resources, try the Self-Assessment Tool, and join webinars to put inclusion into practice. By addressing barriers and creating inclusive pathways, organisations don’t just comply with inclusion, they unlock innovation, nurture talent, and build stronger communities.