Accessible hobbies in Switzerland

When an accident or illness turns one’s world upside down, the desire for normality often grows. In Switzerland, there are numerous accessible activities and groups for wheelchair who wish to participate in sports, creative activities, social events or politics.

In this blog article, we present sports activities, creative organisations, initiatives that promote inclusion, as well as social activities. You may discover an activity or group that suits you, or you may be inspired to start something new yourself.

Sports activities without barriers

The SPA's handbike trail events are the perfect combination of fun and sport in a group setting. (Photo: https://www.spv.ch)

The Swiss Paraplegic Association offers a wide range of sports activities for people with spinal cord injuries. From wheelchair basketball and handcycling to table tennis and volleyball, there is something for everyone. Whether pursued recreationally or competitively, everyone can find an activity that combines movement, community, and an improved quality of life.

“A recreational sports course with the SPA is a worry-free, complete package: You know that everything is perfectly organised, regardless of your skill level.”

Christian Rusterholz, Giro Suisse participant

Nature also offers many opportunities. SwitzerlandMobility, for example, presents obstacle-free routes across Switzerland, allowing everyone to enjoy the outdoors. Each route comes with an overview including a map, an elevation profile, and information about the trail conditions and gradient.

Procap provides an overview of accessible indoor and outdoor swimming pools throughout Switzerland for lovers of water sports. You can find out where wheelchair access is available, which aids are on site, and which pools have special offers for disabled people. Procap has assessed the accessibility of numerous pools to provide users with guidance and raise operators' awareness of accessibility issues.

“In most places, we encountered a high level of awareness and understanding. We also determined that shortcomings were being addressed during renovations and refurbishments, with the necessary adjustments being implemented.”

Hans Frei, Central President of Procap Switzerland

Inclusive activities in art and culture

DanceAbility connects people with and without disabilities through improvisation and shared movement. (Photo: https://www.tanzhaus-zuerich.ch/)

A particularly cultural and creative programme is offered by DanceAbility at Tanzhaus Zürich. This inclusive dance programme is open to all, regardless of ability or experience. The workshops are wheelchair accessible and, upon request, conducted in German Sign Language.

Further insight into the world of wheelchair dance can be found in the blog article ‘Dancing in the wheelchair? Yes for sure!’. You will find useful tips and links there, such as information about BewegGrund, an association that initiates inclusive dance projects in Switzerland. The Solothurn Wheelchair Club will also be offering a dance course in Nottwil again from March 2026.

The Wildwuchs association in Basel organises the Wildwuchs Festival, offering people with and without disabilities a stage for theatre, dance, performances and music. The association also runs projects and workshops in which participants play an active role. In recent years, this work has resulted in dance productions created in collaboration with international ensembles.

Wildwuchs brings together international artists with and without disabilities and creates space for theatre, dance, performance and music. (Photo: https://manuelbuerkli.com/)

The Kultur für alle association in eastern Switzerland is dedicated to making cultural events accessible to all. It also increases the visibility of disabled artists and connects them with cultural institutions and policymakers.

The Literaturhaus Zürich provides largely barrier-free access to its clubhouse, reading sessions, library and cultural events. Its media library contains videos, photo galleries and audiobooks of past events.

Working together for greater inclusion

“Leave No One Behind“ is a key principle of the UN's 2030 Agenda, supported in Switzerland by the Swiss Disability and Development Consortium (SDDC). Its members collaborate to ensure that people with disabilities are not overlooked in politics and development cooperation.

One example of lived activism is the Inclusion Initiative, which campaigns for participation, self-determination and equality. It was launched by the Association for an Inclusive Switzerland and is supported by Pro Infirmis, Inclusion Handicap, and other organisations.

The Inclusion Initiative calls for equal rights, genuine participation and self-determination for people with disabilities, as well as the necessary support. (Photo: https://www.inklusions-initiative.ch/)

Agile offers another opportunity to get involved, providing opportunities for exchange and networking, as well as political participation. Agile is the governing body for self-help and self-advocacy organisations for disabled people in Switzerland.

The Avanti network supports disabled individuals from the FLINTA community (women, lesbians, intersex people, non-binary people, trans people and agender people). It raises awareness of multiple discrimination and actively works to counter them. Read more in the blog post ‘Queer and in a wheelchair – double offside?’.

Social activities and other accessible leisure options

In the event calendar of the Swiss Paraplegic Association, you will find leisure and social activities such as yoga, excursions and adaptive video games.

Pro Infirmis also organises a variety of leisure activities to encourage social interaction and a sense of community. These range from discussion groups to joint activities and can lead to valuable connections and enriching experiences.

From an idea to your own group

Sometimes, none of the existing groups match your expectations or new ideas are waiting to be implemented. If this is the case, it is worth taking action and setting up your own group. Platforms such as the forum of the online community for people with spinal cord injury help you to meet like-minded people, share experiences, and find individuals interested in projects. The Rollstuhl-Gruppe Schweiz on Facebook offers a similar opportunity to network with other affected individuals and their families, share tips and plan joint activities.

Which hobbies, activities or passions have you continued, and which have you discovered recently?