Note: Didier is present in this interview to assist Stefano in describing the diving project, explaining the challenges and joys of inclusive diving, and to give insights from the perspective of an experienced, newly adapted diver.

Stefano, you work as Aircraft Engineer in the nightshift. Can you tell us about your role and what it involves?
I am an Aircraft Engineer based in Zurich, specialized in aircraft maintenance on night shifts. I have several years of experience in the field, having begun my career with Crossair in 1989. After that, I worked at Lufthansa Technik Switzerland until the site was closed. I later moved to Darwin Airline, where I initially worked as Station Manager in Geneva and subsequently as Deputy Maintenance Manager. After leaving Darwin Airline, I started at SWISS in 2010, where I continue to contribute my expertise in aircraft maintenance.

My role requires constant focus, planning, and problem-solving. I coordinate logistical processes, manage maintenance operations, and ensure that everything runs smoothly both for passengers and for employees. Aviation has always fascinated me. From the technical aspects to operational procedures, it’s a field where precision, responsibility, and teamwork are essential every single day. Living in Ticino, I enjoy the balance between my work in Zurich and life at home.

You also lead an inclusive diving project. How did it start, and what is its mission?
I am a passionate diver and the project started from our desire to make diving accessible for people with disabilities. In October 2025, we officially founded the association Swiss Divers & Ability to formalize our efforts and reach more participants. Didier, my best friend and an experienced diver, is a key part of this project. Even after his leg amputation in spring 2025, he joined the team and relearned diving from scratch. Other experienced divers support us as well. We are a team of five divers, and in total 14 persons are part of the organization, working together to ensure safety, confidence, and enjoyment for everyone.

We work with a variety of participants: people with mobility impairments, amputees, and even individuals in wheelchairs who have never experienced diving before. It doesn’t matter what kind of disability someone has. Whether it’s Down syndrome, paralysis, or another condition, we adapt and include everyone. Every person brings unique challenges, but also incredible moments of achievement. Seeing participants gain confidence underwater, is one of the most rewarding parts of the project.

Diving is often associated with adventure and freedom. What does diving mean in the context of “Ability,” and what makes this approach so special?
For us, diving is more than adventure: it’s about empowerment and independence. Many participants have never experienced the freedom of moving independently, especially underwater. In this context, “Ability” means removing barriers, adapting equipment, and providing support so that anyone, regardless of disability, can experience the joy and confidence of diving.

The special part is how It’s special because it transforms the experience: people feel weightless, in control, and free in a way they rarely feel on land.

What makes it special is how the experience opens up new possibilities: underwater, people feel weightless, independent, and free, in a way they rarely experience on land. Underwater, it doesn’t matter how you look, how old you are, or whether you’re rich or poor: everyone creates the same bubble. That equality is powerful. The moment when someone floats effortlessly or masters a skill for the first time, like Didier regaining his independence underwater after his amputation, is incredibly rewarding and shows the true meaning of inclusive diving.

Didier, what was it like to dive again after your amputation?
It was challenging and at the same time incredibly enriching. I have been diving and teaching for over 25 years. But after my amputation, I had to relearn everything. After the operation, I wanted to get back into the water as quickly as possible. I was highly motivated. Diving became a source of hope for me. At the same time, I had to be patient, which was not easy. After three months, I was ready for my first dive.

Stefano supported me every step of the way, from putting on the wetsuit to entering the water. When I submerged again, that feeling of freedom and independence returned instantly. Since then, every dive has reminded me just how much is still possible, even after a major change in life.

Stefano, where have you taken this project so far and is the project time-consuming and demanding?
We operate mainly in Switzerland, from Ticino to Zurich, and have collaborated with several hospitals and rehabilitation centers to reach people with disabilities. We’ve also organized workshops and diving experiences near lakes and in diving centers across the country. Our aim is to be mobile and bring equipment, training, and expertise wherever it’s needed, so that people don’t have to travel far to participate.

It’s very detailed work. Each dive, even if it lasts just an hour, involves hours of preparation: briefing, equipment checks, adapting wetsuits and prosthetics, and post-dive cleaning and organization. Every step is crucial to ensure that participants feel safe. It’s a big commitment, but seeing the joy and confidence of the participants makes every minute worth it. Every dive leaves both participants and us with an incredible feeling of accomplishment, connection, and joy.

What have you learned from working with Didier on this project?
Working with Didier has been incredibly inspiring. Even as an experienced diver, he had to face the challenge of relearning everything. Supporting him has taught me patience, adaptability, and empathy. The project is not just about diving, it’s about enabling confidence, independence, and joy. Each dive strengthens our friendship and highlights the importance of trust, preparation, and teamwork. It also reinforces my belief that with proper support, people can overcome challenges we might think are insurmountable.

Didier, how has your friendship with Stefano influenced your diving experience?
Stefano and I have known each other for years. That trust makes all the difference in diving. I feel safe relying on him, and he trusts me in return. That allows me to focus on my own adaptation without fear. It’s a unique connection. We communicate through experience and instinct, even underwater. This friendship has been essential in overcoming my challenges and gaining confidence again.

Stefano, what makes this project special to you?
One of my favorite moments is seeing participants experience their first dive. For example, a young woman in a wheelchair had never been in water before. At first, she was nervous, gripping the side of the pool tightly. But the moment she submerged, she floated freely and smiled broadly. The sense of weightlessness and independence was overwhelming. Moments like these remind us why this project matters and why every detail of preparation counts.

What future plans do you have for the project and what last message would you like to share?
We want to expand our reach, helping more people across Switzerland and neighboring countries experience diving. This includes training additional instructors, organizing workshops, and creating accessible materials for participants. Our goal is to make inclusive diving sustainable, with a strong community of divers and helpers. In the long term, we hope to inspire other organizations to develop similar projects and break barriers in other areas of life as well.

Inclusion and empowerment are at the heart of our work. People with disabilities should not be limited by their conditions. With careful planning, the right support, and dedication, they can achieve extraordinary experiences. Our project demonstrates that teamwork, empathy, and commitment can break barriers and create life-changing opportunities. And Didier’s journey shows that even after major life changes, it is possible to reclaim skills, independence, and the joy of diving.

You can watch the story of Didier on RSI: https://www.rsi.ch/play/tv/storie/video/abissi-di-liberta?urn=urn:rsi:video:3265718