In 2018, Lea founded the non-profit organization inclusion360 in Zurich. inclusion360 is established as an Organization of Persons with Disabilities (OPD). As the sister of a brother with intellectual disabilities, Lea experienced early on how people with disabilities are often excluded. Instead of genuine inclusion, her brother repeatedly faced exclusion. In response to this reality, Lea founded inclusion360 shortly after her 18th birthday. One of the organization’s first projects was the Inclusion Exchange, which aimed to create a platform where people with and without disabilities could learn from and with one another on an equal footing. After attending these events, participants were expected to better understand the mindset of inclusion and integrate it into their everyday lives.
In order to achieve real and legal equality for people with disabilities, other levers had to be activated — particularly in the political sphere. In Switzerland, people with disabilities have very little political representation. That’s why, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a public demonstration in Zurich was initiated together with people with lived experiences and Wohnstätten Zwyssig. Since 2021, this event has taken place in Zurich every year. In 2024, inclusion360 also and supported the demonstration and submission of the inclusion initiative on the Federal Square.
Another key focus of inclusion360 is breaking down segregating structures. The aim is to empower companies, clubs, and organizations to integrate their offerings into regular, existing systems. For instance, sports for people with disabilities should no longer be limited to specialized organizations, but instead be part of mainstream sports associations. A successful example of this approach is the new football team GC Unified, which inclusion360 supported throughout the process. Through this project, people with intellectual disabilities are now able to play sports in the same environment as everyone else.
This is only the beginning of our story. We have much more ahead of us…