France Télévisions shines a light on disability with Partenaires particuliers: changing the way we see inclusion.
Some documentaries tell a story. Others change the way we see the world.
Broadcast in French on France Télévisions, Partenaires particuliers: un voyage pas comme les autres (« Special Partners: An Extraordinary Journey »), created and directed by Jérémy Michalak, belongs to the latter category.
Across four 30-minute episodes, the documentary follows four travellers with very different backgrounds on a week-long road trip from Paris to Barcelona.
Far from stereotypes, the series is not about disability itself. Instead, it focuses on personalities, friendships that develop along the way, shared challenges, moments of doubt, laughter and emotion.
Through these experiences, Partenaires particuliers shows that mutual support, complementarity and trust often overcome the limits that society tends to imagine.
Disability is no longer the central subject. It simply becomes one part of each person’s life.
The documentary never seeks to inspire pity. Instead, it celebrates the richness of human diversity.
That is precisely what makes this series so important.
Amaury Lépine: a world champion still excluded from the Paralympic Games
Among the travellers is Amaury Lépine.
For many viewers, he first appears as a cheerful, kind and adventurous young man. But Amaury is also one of the world’s leading Adapted Sport swimmers.
A World Champion, multiple international medallist and member of the French national team, he competes at the highest level in the category for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Despite his outstanding achievements, he is still unable to compete at the Summer Paralympic Games because his events remain excluded from the Paralympic programme for athletes from Adapted Sport.
His journey highlights a reality that remains largely unknown: athletes train all year round, represent their countries at World Championships and achieve sporting excellence… yet are still denied access to the world’s biggest sporting stage.
Changing perceptions to change decisions
The #InclusiveGames2030 initiative is built on a simple belief: inclusion begins with visibility.
Before rules can change, perceptions must change.
By giving a voice to people who are still rarely seen on television, Partenaires particuliers contributes to this evolution.
The documentary reminds us that disability does not prevent talent, humour, friendship or sporting excellence.
It also reminds us that inclusion is not a favour—it is about recognising everyone for who they are and ensuring equal opportunities.
French Alps 2030: a unique opportunity
In the coming weeks, international sports authorities will continue announcing the programme for the French Alps 2030 Winter Paralympic Games.
Whether Adapted Sport events will finally be included remains one of the biggest expectations for thousands of athletes around the world.
Documentaries such as Partenaires particuliers help transform public perceptions.
The #InclusiveGames2030 initiative works to help transform decisions.
Ultimately, both pursue the same goal: building a society where everyone is visible, recognised and has access to the same opportunities.
Because inclusion should not stop on television screens.
It should also become reality on sports fields, within institutions… and, one day, on the slopes of the French Alps 2030 Winter Paralympic Games.