Social exclusion occurs when individuals with disabilities are overlooked in public spaces that don’t accommodate their needs, leading them to avoid places like train stations, bus stops, schools, and restaurants. To address this, we developed a web-based video game called “Escape Social Exclusion” as part of the EPS program. The game is an educational tool that uses an escape room format with four rooms simulating challenging public spaces for people with disabilities. Players control a character in a wheelchair, navigating obstacles that reflect real-life challenges, promoting awareness and inclusion. This project was commissioned by Handicap International, an NGO focused on supporting people with disabilities.

During the development of our game, we conducted several test sessions, including one at the EACD+ Festival in Bruges, an international sports festival for children with disabilities. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive; the children appreciated seeing their disabilities represented in the game and how it could help others understand their experiences. Parents also expressed their appreciation, noting that initiatives like ours raise awareness of disabilities that are often overlooked.

We used this feedback to refine the game. We also tested the game internationally with students from various countries, allowing us to gather diverse perspectives. This feedback enriched the game and made it more inclusive. Additionally, Thorben, a Belgian teenager with Cerebral Palsy, played a key role in the game’s development, particularly in designing the escape room based on his experiences. Thorben plans to introduce the game to his class to demonstrate the difficulties students with disabilities face in educational settings.

In the future, Handicap International will use the game at conventions, events, and more to raise public awareness of disabilities. The goal is to use the game as an educational tool to reach a wider audience.

Our project is sustainable because it not only highlights the everyday challenges of people with disabilities but also shows how small changes can improve their lives. It promotes empathy and practical knowledge on how to support people with disabilities in daily situations. We aim to create a more inclusive society by breaking down misunderstandings and prejudices, fostering a shift toward a more supportive community. What makes our project unique is the international collaboration, the involvement of people with disabilities, and the focus on continuously improving the game to represent more disabilities. It helps teenagers aged 14-18 develop empathy and understanding, which is essential for a more inclusive future.