July is Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate the achievements, culture, and resilience of people with disabilities. It also marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—landmark legislation signed in July 1990 that protects the rights of individuals with disabilities in the United States.
More than just a month of recognition, Disability Pride affirms that disability is a natural and valuable part of human diversity—not something to be “fixed” or hidden. It’s about visibility, empowerment, and progress.
At organizations like LuMind IDSC, this commitment appears in year-round efforts to improve the health, independence, and opportunities of individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. But around the world, innovative work is also taking place in unexpected places—like underwater.
Lighting Innovation Meets Underwater Rehabilitation
In Piła, Poland, the Krok po kroku HSA Association is pushing the boundaries of what rehabilitation looks like by taking it to the depths—literally. Since 2020, they’ve used adaptive diving as a powerful tool for physical and emotional healing for individuals with disabilities.
This July, as we honor Disability Pride Month, their latest project shines a light on the power of design, technology, and inclusivity: a floating Diving Rehabilitation Base on Lake Płotki.
The challenge is ensuring safety and visibility for divers, many of whom are experiencing underwater therapy for the first time. To solve this, they partnered with ONCE, a brand of Signify. ONCE is originally known for revolutionizing agricultural and aquaculture lighting.
Repurposing Aquaculture Lighting for Human Impact
Enter the Philips Seacage 680W Compact Light, developed by ONCE to improve fish health and visibility in challenging aquatic environments. This durable, high-output light was originally designed to support fish growth and reduce sea lice exposure in aquaculture, but ONCE saw a new opportunity.
Led by Karol Lewandowski, General Manager of Signify Piła, and Marcin Andrzejewski, General Manager of Signify Poland, the team adapted the Seacage 680W to illuminate the unique underwater environment of the rehabilitation base. The results were immediate and impactful: improved underwater visibility, enhanced orientation, and, most importantly, increased comfort and safety for participants.
A Beacon of Possibility
Participants reported feeling more at ease during their dives, and the program is now seeking funding for additional lighting installations. “We’re honored that we can help such an extraordinary organization continue restoring hope and joy to people with disabilities,” said Lewandowski.
This partnership is more than a successful case study, it’s a powerful reminder that innovation, when guided by compassion and inclusion, can open doors to experiences once thought impossible.
Lighting That Changes Lives
As we recognize Disability Pride Month, ONCE’s collaboration with the Krok po kroku HSA Association demonstrates how creative applications of lighting technology can break barriers, both physical and societal. It also shows how companies can drive meaningful change by supporting accessibility, visibility, and dignity in every environment.
Because sometimes, the right light doesn’t just brighten a space. It transforms it.
Sources:
Learn more about Signify’s tailored lighting solutions at www.signify.com.
Discover how LuMind IDSC supports individuals with Down syndrome at www.lumindidsc.org.
Explore the Philips Seacage 680W and other ONCE solutions here.