On the eve of the 2014 Special Olympics European Summer Games, a symposium titled "In Search of Innovative Collaboration for Better Inclusion" presented a pivotal study on the employment of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Belgium. What made it unique? The research team included two Special Olympics athletes—not as subjects, but as active co-researchers. Their conclusion was clear and bold: "Inclusion works when people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are valued as specialists—not as charity cases or cost-saving tools. True inclusion requires collaboration, customization, and a shift in mindset: see the person, not the disability."
There was work to be done…
From Research to Real-World Impact
Fast forward to the 2023 Special Olympics Summer World Games in Berlin. The same academic institution that conducted the 2014 study presented the results of two major transcontinental research projects commissioned by Special Olympics International:
- The impact of Special Olympics Leadership & Skills Curriculum on participating SO athletes.
- The transformative power of Unified Leadership Training—a program designed to teach leaders without disabilities how to value, learn from, and collaborate with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
"Unified Leadership is an opportunity for athletes to raise awareness and educate organizations about the importance of working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. My role is to open doors—but when those doors open, athletes must be central to the conversation."
From Athlete to Trainer, From Voice to Purpose
Celine Ramaekers, a Special Olympics athlete, participated in the Special Olympics Leadership & Skills Curriculum—and then took it a step further. As part of the 2023 study, she delivered Unified Leadership Training to employees at two major companies.
For Celine, this was a turning point: "When I first stepped in, public speaking wasn’t natural for me. Thanks to the Special Olympics Leadership & Skills Curriculum, I found confidence. But by giving the Unified Leadership Training, I discovered something much bigger: purpose! Now, more than ever, I see how important it is for us as athletes to have a voice."
Celine’s talks don’t rely on statistics or polished scripts. She speaks from real experience: "Some of my stories may hurt or shock, but it’s important to share them. Otherwise, people will never know how it feels. To me inclusion starts with understanding.”
Defying Expectations, Redefining Potential
While Celine trained the corporate teams, Thibeau Bastien—another Special Olympics athlete—studied the impact of her work as a junior researcher in the academic team executing the research projects.
Thibeau’s journey is a testament to what happens when people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are given the chance to shine. In school, he was told he would never be able to work—that his future lay in a day center. Two decades later, he was hired by Antwerp Management School as a junior researcher.His contributions were invaluable.
"Thibeau brought perspectives I wouldn’t have considered. He challenged assumptions and gave me insights I couldn’t have found on my own," reflects Anouk Van Hoofstadt, the senior researcher and consultant leading the studies.
Thibeau’s impact went beyond research. As writing had proven to be difficult for Thibeau, and Antwerp Management School practice what they preach, Thibeau was reassigned to roles where his talents could be of added value when Anouk needed to focus on editing reports. He was reallocated to front desk and IT support roles—where his presence transformed the team dynamic.
Increased Understanding, Solidarity and Empathy on the Work Floor
"What was a group of individuals working separately became a connected team. His influence wasn’t technical—it was human. He built relationships, trust, and collaboration," Anouk explains.
This is reoccuring in Anouk’s studies on inclusion: "More than one inclusive employer I interviewed, reported increased understanding, solidarity and empathy on the work floor thanks to colleagues with intellectual and developmental disabilities."
Yet, many organizations hesitate.
"It’s the unknown that makes it difficult. They don’t know how to start," Anouk observes.
Thibeau agrees: "If you don’t understand what it’s like to work with someone with an intellectual and developmental disability, it seems scary. But the solution is simple: create roles aligned with strengths, offer guidance, then allow independence. Give us time, and we’ll get there."
Breaking Barriers Together
Today, Celine and Thibeau have joined forces. As a duo, they’re engaging companies in active dialogue about inclusion and Unified Leadership.
"We’re having these conversations and meeting with businesses because if nobody starts them, inclusion will never happen," Celine says.
As Pam Herrera concludes: "There is still a gap in awareness, opportunity, and access. But through Unified Leadership, that gap is beginning to close. When we involve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we’re not just including them—we’re making work better for everyone."
