Lodołamacze disability inclusion awards in Poland

The 21st edition of the ‘Lodołamacze’ (Icebreakers) awards, which recognizes organizations and individuals promoting professional integration and accessibility for people with disabilities, progressed from its regional stage to its national conclusion.

The regional gala was held in Poznań at the Centrum Kultury Zamek, where awards were presented to various categories including socially sensitive employers and supporters of people with disabilities. Dorota Potejko, the plenipotentiary of the Mayor of Poznań for persons with disabilities, noted that removing barriers is an essential standard for modern cities.

The competition concluded with a final gala in Warsaw. Notable winners included the Pyrkon festival for its ‘Friendly Space’ initiatives, such as sensory-friendly zones and sign language translation. In the Pomerania region, lawyer Katarzyna Heba was named ‘Special Lodołamacz 2026’ for her legal advocacy. Other winners included the Zakład Aktywności Zawodowej in Czarnem, the Honolulu Social Cooperative, the FURIA Social Cooperative, and Novol.