Andreas Onea • Breaking barriers step by step

To understand Andreas Onea’s story, we have to look back to one day that changed his life: Sunday, the 3rd of May 1998. On this day, he and his family were involved in a devastating car accident that injured them severely and resulted in the loss of Andreas Onea’s left arm. Despite these tragic circumstances, he chose to view his life as a gift. “It’s just the perspective that helps me to be thankful and to look at this decisive day in a positive manner,” he reflects. While the accident could have been the end of his dreams, it became the catalyst for his extraordinary journey.

From an early age, he was determined to defy the limitations others tried to place on him. Swimming was not an obvious path for him —neither of his parents could swim. Yet, rehabilitation sessions introduced him to the sport, and by the age of 12, he became the Austrian national champion in breaststroke. Throughout his career, Onea has accumulated 12 international medals, set a world record, and cemented his status as one of Austria’s top Paralympic athletes.

Onea’s journey has made him a passionate advocate for inclusivity. As a public speaker, moderator, and campaign ambassador, he works tirelessly to shift perceptions of disability. We need to remove the barriers that are existing – but we have to acknowledge that a lot of disabilities are invisible and so are a lot of challenges and the missing accessibility.

“Just be open minded. See the human and the abilities - and not the one thing that is missing or the one disability that is clearly or not clearly there.“

Andreas Onea believes that true change starts with awareness and open conversations. When asked about inclusion in business, he noted that many companies claim they can’t find employees with disabilities, yet their job listings are not accessible. “By having those processes and structures that are not inclusive, we automatically exclude people,” he pointed out. Simple steps, like making job postings machine-readable, can bridge this gap and unlock untapped talent.

His message is clear: inclusion benefits everyone. Companies that employ people with disabilities gain new perspectives, improve product accessibility, and expand their customer base. But more importantly, fostering inclusion creates a society where everyone can thrive.