INternational Study ON the Implementation

OF the UN CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Zero Project REport 2014

Focus of the year 2014: Accessibility
The Zero Project network of more than 1,000 experts:
contributed to the Social Indicators on the state of implementation from 130 countries

selected 54 Innovative Practices on Accessibility
selected 15 Innovative Policies on Accessibility
with additional analysis by G3ict on the accessibility of Information and Communication
Technologies worldwide.

INternational Study ON the Implementation

OF the UN CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Zero Project REport 2014

Focus of the year 2014: Accessibility
The Zero Project network of more than 1,000 experts:
contributed to the Social Indicators on the state of implementation from 130 countries

selected 54 Innovative Practices on Accessibility
selected 15 Innovative Policies on Accessibility

LEGAL NOTICE
Authors of the Zero Project Report: Michael Fembek, Ingrid Heindorf, Carmen Arroyo de Sande, Silvia Balmas,
Amelie Saupe, Axel Leblois
Copyright: Essl Foundation, January 2014. All rights reserved.
Published 2014. Printed in Austria.
For more information on the report and further analysis of the Zero Project, visit www.zeroproject.org
For inquiries, email: office@zeroproject.org

with additional analysis by G3ict on the accessibility of Information and Communication Technologies worldwide.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
What is the Zero Project?.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Social Indicators: About red lights, orange lights, green lights and the coefficients............................................................................................................................ 33
GRAPH: Mapping the question on accessibile mobile phones (B12)................................................................................................................................................. 33
Web Accessibility is not mandatory in most countries, there is still some progress............................................................................................................................. 34
Financial Services: Only in its first stage....................................................................................................................................................................................... 34

Foreword by Martin Essl, Founder of the Essl Foundation and the Zero Project........................................................................................................................ 9

GRAPH: Mapping the question on public procurement (B1)............................................................................................................................................................ 34

GRAPH: Mapping the question on financial support for independent living (A7)................................................................................................................................ 34

Executive Summary: The 25 most important findigs of the Zero Project 2014........................................................................................................................ 10

Public procurement: Lots of unused potential................................................................................................................................................................................ 34

Independent Living: A Priority still only in Europe and in welfare states............................................................................................................................................ 35

THE SOCIAL INDICATORS 2014 OF THE ZERO PROJECT ......................................................................................................................................................... 20

GRAPH: Zero Project Shell Arab and Africa: The UN CRPD in Arab compared to sub-Saharan African countries .................................................................................... 35
Data availability: Formidable holes, not an integrated whole........................................................................................................................................................... 36

Introduction to the Social Indicators...................................................................................................................................................................................... 20

GRAPH: Mapping the question on existing umbrella organisations for DPOs (A18)............................................................................................................................ 36

Coverage of 130 countries, with significant help from partner organisations...................................................................................................................................... 21

GRAPH: Mapping the question on the availability of the UN CRPD in different formats (A20).............................................................................................................. 36

Questionnaire A on UN CRPD, Questionnaire B on accessibility........................................................................................................................................................ 22

The UN CRPD as a legal instrument: Looking for focal points........................................................................................................................................................... 37

How data was analysed and published......................................................................................................................................................................................... 22

GRAPH: Zero Project Shell Asia: THE UN CRPD in South America compared to Central America.......................................................................................................... 37

Analysis of 8 world regions......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23

Aggregating the 32 individual questions to 13 thematic clusters...................................................................................................................................................... 23

THE INNOVATIVE PRACTICES 2014 OF THE ZERO PROJECT.................................................................................................................................................... 38

TABLE: Summary of results of Convention and Accessibility Questionnaires..................................................................................................................................... 24

Innovative Practices 2014 - Selection and Key Findings ........................................................................................................................................................ 38
Key findings of the Social Indicators....................................................................................................................................................................................... 26

Why choose a best practice approach? ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 39

Personal rights are in the lead..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26

Criteria for selecting Innovative Practices..................................................................................................................................................................................... 40

Coming in last: Emergency issues............................................................................................................................................................................................... 26

Zero Project`s unique approach: engaging a worldwide network..................................................................................................................................................... 40

Where wealth and welfare are not dominant................................................................................................................................................................................. 26

The 13 steps of the selection process of the Innovative Practices 2014............................................................................................................................................. 40

GRAPH: Mapping the question on personal rights (question A9)..................................................................................................................................................... 26

TABLE: The 54 selected Innovative Practices 2014 on Accessibility................................................................................................................................................. 43

GRAPH: Mapping the question on emergency systems (question A4).............................................................................................................................................. 26

WORLDMAP of the 54 Innovative Practices 2014 on Accessibility................................................................................................................................................... 44

ICT and Data: a fortress of the highly developed countries............................................................................................................................................................. 27

Most equal: the UN CRPD itself................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27

Key findings of the Innovative Practices................................................................................................................................................................................ 46

Where the countries with low human development are left behind................................................................................................................................................... 27

Analysis of country representation, type of accessibility and types of disability.................................................................................................................................. 46

Personal rights: Countries with low development at their best......................................................................................................................................................... 27

TABLE: Nominations, shortlistings and selections per country........................................................................................................................................................ 46

Analysing the individual questions: Europe's unemployment problem............................................................................................................................................... 27

TABLE: Analysis of techniques used............................................................................................................................................................................................ 47

GRAPH: Zero Project 'Spiderweb': Human development and the topics of the UN CRPD..................................................................................................................... 27

Analysis of techniques of Innovative Practices............................................................................................................................................................................... 47

GRAPH: Zero Project Graph Europe: THE UN CRPD in the European Union compared to Central & Eastern Europe................................................................................ 28

All stakeholder techniques....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 47

Accommodation in the Workplace: The 'workbench of the World' is less accessible............................................................................................................................. 29

Databases............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 48

Inclusive education is not mainstreamed, not even in the European Union ....................................................................................................................................... 29

E books/digital books.............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 48

Architecture students are better trained than ICT students............................................................................................................................................................. 29

Guidebooks........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 48

GRAPH: Mapping the question on employment increase (A15)....................................................................................................................................................... 29

Innovative devices.................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 48

GRAPH: Mapping the question on accommodation in the workplace (A13)....................................................................................................................................... 29

Maps.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 49

GRAPH: Mapping the question on training of architecture students (B9).......................................................................................................................................... 29

Multimedia guides & presentations............................................................................................................................................................................................ 49

GRAPH: Mapping the question on training of ICT students (B8)...................................................................................................................................................... 29

One-stop shops...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 50

GRAPH: Zero Project Human Development Index Graph: UN CRPD in the highest and least developed countries of the world................................................................ 30

Peer-to-peer techniques.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 50

Not even one capital city in the world can be travelled without barriers............................................................................................................................................ 30

Professionals, training and advocacy......................................................................................................................................................................................... 50

Door-to-door services: Central America and EU in the lead, Arab countries trailing............................................................................................................................ 31

Standards and norms.............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 50

Central and Eastern Europe stands out with newly constructed buildings.......................................................................................................................................... 31

Translation tools ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 51

GRAPH: Mapping the question on urban transport (A3)................................................................................................................................................................. 31

Universal design..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 51

GRAPH: Mapping the question on door-to-door services (B5)......................................................................................................................................................... 31

GRAPH: Mapping the question on newly constructed buildings (A1)................................................................................................................................................ 31

List of 54 Innovative Practices 2014 on Accessibility ............................................................................................................................................................ 52

GRAPH: Mapping the question on legal time frames for existing buildings (A2) ................................................................................................................................ 31

Australia: NVDA - Portable screen-reader, free of charge................................................................................................................................................................ 52

GRAPH: Mapping the question on accessible websites (B2)............................................................................................................................................................ 31

Austria: Accessible Map - City maps, read out loud........................................................................................................................................................................ 53

GRAPH: Zero Project Graph Americas: THE UN CRPD in Central America compared to South America................................................................................................. 32

Austria: AppHear - Mobile hearing aid attachable to shopping carts................................................................................................................................................. 54

Legal time frames still missing in most countries........................................................................................................................................................................... 33

Austria: Barrier-free Bank Austria - Towards fully acccessible banking services.................................................................................................................................. 55

The digital divide is wide open, and it is not only the money........................................................................................................................................................... 33

Austria: easy entrance - Consultancy for accessible working environments....................................................................................................................................... 56

The Human Development Index (HDI) and its four subgroups of countries, HDI 1 to HDI 4................................................................................................................. 33

Austria: Maths in Braille - Web portal to convert mathematical formulae........................................................................................................................................... 57

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE INNOVATIVE POLICIES 2014 OF THE ZERO PROJECT................................................................................................................................................... 106

Austria: MoViH - Database for barrier-free public transport systems................................................................................................................................................ 58

Austria: ZIV Access - One-stop shop for Austrian employers......................................................................................................................................................... 59

Selection Process of the Innovative Policies ........................................................................................................................................................................ 107

Austria: RelayService - Access to information and services for deaf people....................................................................................................................................... 60

Methodology .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 107

Austria: ways4all - Accessible travel on public transport in Austria................................................................................................................................................... 61

Definition of Innovative Policies................................................................................................................................................................................................. 107

Austria: wege-finden.at - Web-based route planner....................................................................................................................................................................... 62

Key findings of the Innovative Policies ................................................................................................................................................................................ 108

Belgium: Inclusion Europe - European standards for easy-to-read information.................................................................................................................................. 63

Policies for all aspects of UN CRPD Article 9............................................................................................................................................................................. .108

Belgium: Intro vzw - Enabling access to various events.................................................................................................................................................................. 64

Policies benefitting all persons with disabilities........................................................................................................................................................................ ..108

Brazil: RIOinclui - At the nexus of architecture and social work in Rio............................................................................................................................................... 65

Policies for countries with low human development.................................................................................................................................................................. .109

Brazil: Escole de Gente - Cultural inclusion through accessible theatre............................................................................................................................................. 66

Developing policies .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. .109

Chile: Corporacin CETRAM - Customising health solutions............................................................................................................................................................. 67

Implementing policies ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... ..109

Colombia: Kit de Inclusion - Digital inclusion kit for persons with disabilities..................................................................................................................................... 68

Enforcing policies ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 110

Denmark: Disabled peoples organisations Denmark - The most accessibile office building in the world................................................................................................. 69

TABLE: The 15 Innovative Policies of the Zero project 2014 on Accessibility................................................................................................................................... 111

Estonia: Tallinn University of Technology - Students with disabilities are supported by former students with disabilities.......................................................................... 70

WORLDMAP of the 15 Innovative Policies 2014 on Accessibility................................................................................................................................................... 112

Ethiopia: ECDD - Guidebook on an accessible Ethiopia................................................................................................................................................................... 71

France: ACCEO/Delta Process - Service provider for accessible phone calls....................................................................................................................................... 72

List of 15 Innovative Policies 2014 on Accessibility ............................................................................................................................................................ 114

France: Scop le Messageur - Oral communication made fully accessible........................................................................................................................................... 73

Australia: Development aid as enabler for accessibility, 2009-2014................................................................................................................................................ 114

France: Artesens - Experiencing art through different senses.......................................................................................................................................................... 74

China/Hong Kong: Hong Kong's retrofitting programme, 2010...................................................................................................................................................... 116

Germany: VerbaVoice - Technology and services for hearing impaired.............................................................................................................................................. 75

Colombia: Internet access for disadvantaged Colombians, 2010-2014............................................................................................................................................ 118

Germany: PIKSL - Cooperation reduces digital complexity.............................................................................................................................................................. 76

Germany: Mandatory barrier-free construction in Berlin, 2011...................................................................................................................................................... 120

Germany: Wheelmap.org - Interactive city map for wheelchair accessibility...................................................................................................................................... 77

India: Copyright exceptions for accessible formats, 2012............................................................................................................................................................. 122

India: E-Speak Text-To-Speech (TTS) - Open source text-to-speech tool with translation into local languages....................................................................................... 78

Indonesia: Access to transport that can be enforced, Solo City, 2006...... ...................................................................................................................................... 124

Ireland: Home from Home Apartment - Staying away from home in a non-clinical setting.................................................................................................................. 79

Ireland: Accessible services for energycustomers, 2012................................................................................................................................................... .......... 126

Japan: Evacuation manual in DAISY multi-media format................................................................................................................................................................ 80

Japan: Cheaper mortgages for accessible homes, 1996-2007 .................................................................................................................................................... . 128

Macedonia/Serbia: Open the Windows (Macedonia) and Ecumenical Humanitarian Organisation EHO (Serbia)....................................................................................... 81

Malaysia: Monitoring and enforcing accessibility, Kuala Lumpur, 2010............................................................................................................................. .............. 130

Mexico: The Trust for the Americas - Collected ideas for access to the workplace............................................................................................................................... 82

Norway: Universal Design in Non-Discrimination Law, 2008............................................................................................................................................... .......... 132

Montenegro: Association of Youth with Disabilities - Transport service for students in Montenegro....................................................................................................... 83

Qatar: Comprehensive eAccessibility Policy, 2011...................................................................................................................................................... ................. 134

Norway/Sweden: Scandic Hotels - Everybody is welcome in an accessible hotel................................................................................................................................ 84

South Africa: Inclusive design in Cape Towns Bus System, 2009.............................................................................................................................................. ... 136

Portugal: ColorADD - Colour identification system for the colourblind............................................................................................................................................... 85

Spain: Public-Private Partnership for Accessibility, 2011............................................................................................................................................. ................. 138

Qatar: Mada (Qatar Assistive Technology Center) - One-stop shop for accessibility technologies in Qatar.............................................................................................. 86

Uganda: Mandatory Accessibility Standards, 2010................................................................................................................................... ................................... 140

Singapore: The BCA Universal Design (UD) Mark - Certification scheme for Universal Design.............................................................................................................. 87

United Kingdom: The most inclusive Olympic and Paralympic Games, London, 2009-2012................................................................................................................ 142

South Africa: ATHENA - Interactive Training Network - Fighting unemployment in poverty-stricken areas............................................................................................. 88
Spain: Amovil/ Fundacin ONCE - Finding compatible and accessible mobile devices.......................................................................................................................... 89

ANNEX: Special Report on ICT Policies, by Axel Leblois, G3ICT ........................................................................................................................................... 144

Spain: ASPACEnet - Using ICT to empower people with cerebral palsy............................................................................................................................................. 90

ANNEX: Acknowledgements.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 147

Spain: EMT Madrid - Visual and acoustic information on public buses............................................................................................................................................... 91

ANNEX: Zero Project Network - the full list of all contributors to this report........................................................................................................................ 148

Spain: Network for Excellence: Towns and Cities for All ................................................................................................................................................................. 92
Sweden: Cultural Heritage without Borders - Communicating art in the Western Balkans.................................................................................................................... 93
Turkey: TAV Istanbul - Airport accessibility for everyone................................................................................................................................................................. 94
Uganda: USDC Uganda - A fully inclusive and accessible school in Uganda....................................................................................................................................... 95
United Kingdom: Inspired Services Publishing - How to help everyone understand complicated ideas .................................................................................................. 96
United Kingdom: City Bridge Trust - Providing access to buildings of civil society............................................................................................................................... 97

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

United Kingdom: Changing Places Consortium - Accessible and spacious toilets in public places.......................................................................................................... 90

AODP............ Arab Organization of Disabled People

United Kingdom: ATOC Ltd - Web-based tool to plan access to railway stations................................................................................................................................. 99

ATM............................... Automatic Teller Machine

Accessible Technologies and Environments

Non-Governmental Organisations

United Kingdom: Barclays Bank - the talking ATMs...................................................................................................................................................................... 100

(Cash Dispensing Machines)

HDI............................Human Development Index

UK..............................................United Kingdom

United Kingdom: Manchester Museum - Haptic and tactile museum experience............................................................................................................................... 101

CEE............................Central and Eastern Europe

ICT... Information and Communication Technologies

UN CRPD..................... United Nations Convention

USA: The Museum of Modern Arts NY - Inclusive art education at the MoMA, New York.................................................................................................................... 102

DAISY.......... Digital Accessible Information System

IDA.......................International Disability Alliance

USA: AMAC Accessibility Solutions - Digital library with more than 300,000 textbooks...................................................................................................................... 103

DPI........................Disabled People's International

ILO......................International Labor Organization

UN DESA.....................United Nations Department

USA: Leveraged Freedom Chair (LFC) - 'Mountainbike-wheelchair' for rough terrain......................................................................................................................... 104

DPO......................Disabled Peoples Organisations

ITU............ International Telecommunication Union

of Economic and Social Affairs

Vietnam: Malteser International - Manual on inclusive disaster risk management............................................................................................................................ 105

EDF............................. European Disability Forum

NGO....................Non-Governmental Organisation

WB/WHO............................ 2011 World Report on

EFC.......................... European Foundation Centre

OHCHR................................UN Office of the High

Disability by WHO and Worldbank

EU..............................................European Union

Commissioner for Human Rights

WFC....................................World Future Council

G3ict...........The Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs

PPP...............................Public Private Partnership

WHO........................... World Health Organisation

GAATES................................... Global Alliance on

RIADIS........................Latin American Network of

on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

About the Zero Project

FOReword By Martin Essl

What is the Zero Project?

The Zero Project is a worldwide network, started by the Essl Foundation and run in partnership with the World
Future Council and the European Foundation Centre. Its mission is to work for a world without barriers for
persons with disabilities, by selecting Innovative Practices and Policies and by communicating them to decisionmakers and opinion-leaders worldwide, as well as researching Social Indicators to measure the implementation
of the UN CRPD.
The Zero Project was initiated by the Essl Foundation in 2010.
It is run in partnership with the World Future Council since
2011 and with the European Foundation Centre since 2013.
The mission of the Zero Project is to work for a world without
barriers, according to the principles of the UN CRPD. It does
so by researching Innovative Practices and Innovative Polices
worldwide that help to improve the lives of persons with disabilities, as well as researching social indicators that measure
the implementation of the UN CRPD and the current situation
in all countries of the world.
With the aim to promote solution-oriented approaches, Innovative Practices and Policies are communicated to decisionmakers and opinion-leaders worldwide, from UN bodies and
EU bodies to national and regional parliaments, to government
administrations, to the media, to DPOs, service-providers and
other NGOs, to foundations and academics that can make a
difference by learning about the most Innovative Practices and
Policies, and other solution-oriented approaches.
THE ORGANISATION BEHIND THE ZERO PROJECT
The Zero Project is not a legal entity, but is an initiative led by
a small core team of professionals from the Essl Foundation,
the World Future Council and the European Foundation Centre, whereas the expertise comes from a huge network of all
kinds of disability experts from around the world. In the last
three years, approximately 2,000 experts from more than 130
countries have contributed in different ways, such as by nominating outstanding projects, evaluating ideas and projects,
developing social indicators etc. There are numerous supporters of the Zero Project who do a lot more than that, such as
providing knowhow, time, networks and financial support.
ANNual Topic 2014 on Accessibility
An annual topic is chosen on which all the research is focused.
In 2013/14 it is accessibility. In 2012/13 it was employment,
and in 2014/15 it will be independent living, political and
personal rights.

ResearcH: PRACTICES, Policies, Indicators

The Zero Project is constantly working to improve the quality
of its research, widening its network and trying to reach even
more persons directly in a way that can impact the lives of
persons with disabilities, e.g. by 'localising' the Zero Project
and its expertise to individual countries or on a regional level,
in partnership with local DPOs and other partners.
Guided by 'Nothing about us without us', the Zero Project
involves persons with disabilities in every aspect of its work.
Regarding research, in 2013/14, 243 Innovative Practices
from 58 countries were nominated by the Zero Project expert
network. 54 of them made it through the selection process,
in which more than 200 experts took part. A majority of them
presented their project at the Zero Project Conference in
Vienna.
Following a similar procedure, 68 Innovative Policies from 34
countries were nominated. Among them, 25 policies were
shortlisted by the Zero Project's Scientific Advisory Board,
this year consisting of 28 renowned disability and accessibility
experts from around the world. These 25 pre-selected policies
were researched by the World Future Council. In the final
step, 15 policies from Europe, Asia, America, Africa, Oceania
and the Middle East were selected by the Scientific Advisory
Board to be highlighted as 'Innovative Policies' in this year's
Zero Project Report and at the forthcoming Zero Project Conference.
The Zero Project Social Indicators consist of 20 questions on
the general implementation of the UN CRPD and another 12
questions on this year's topic, accessibility. Currently 164
disability experts from 130 countries have filled in the questionnaires, with a coverage of more than 80 percent of all the
states that have ratified the UN CRPD. All the results for every
individual question are visualised on the Zero Project Website with traffic lights and world maps, including hundreds of
comments giving insight into the situation in many countries.

The huge coverage of so many states would not be possible

without the great support of DPI (Disabled People's International), its member organisations and its chair, Javed Abidi.
The Zero Project Report is published on the occasion of the
Zero Project Conference 2014, covering all current results
(Innovative Practices, Innovative Policies, Social Indicators) on
164 pages. 1,000 copies have been printed and sent to leading opinion-leaders and decision-makers worldwide, including
all governments that have ratified the UN CRPD.

ForEword BY MARTIN ESSL

Founder of the essl foundation

'We want to remove barriers for persons with disabilities, as efficiently as we can.'

Zero Project Website and Social MEdia

On the occasion of the Zero Project Conference 2014, the
Zero Project Website (www.zeroproject.org) was relaunched.
It includes now an extensive search tool to find Innovative
Practices and Policies as well as to discover the status of implementation by country and question. A new online tool gives
experts worldwide the opportunity to register,immediately
enter data and view their answers to the Social Indicator
questionnaires on the world map. Besides running the Zero
Project Website, various social media activities have been
started, including Facebook, Twitter and Youtube.
ZERO PROJECT CONFERENCE
In 2014, the Zero Project Conference in Vienna (Feb 27 and
28) was held in the UN Headquarters in Vienna, and was
attended by a total of more than 300 participants from 50
countries, bringing together the representatives of more than
40 Innovative Practices and Policies with leading decisionmakers and opinion-leaders worldwide. Leading organisations
in the field of disability and human rights, like the International Disability Alliance and Disabled Peoples International,
and of accessibility, such as the Global Alliance on Accessible
Technologies and Environments (GAATES), the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Global Initiative for
Inclusive ICTs (G3ict), will be active at the conference, provide
their expertise and present their latest work.
Besides this, in 2013 the Zero Project was invited, amongst
others, to present its work at a Side Event of the Human
Rights Council of the UN (HRC) in Geneva in March, and at
a Side Event of the Human Rights Commission of the UN
(OHCHR) in New York in July. Several presentations were also
given by the Zero Project team members in conferences in
Athens, Brussels, Budapest, Graz, Istanbul, Lisbon, Montreal,
Riga and others.

My wife Gerda and I started the Essl Foundation in 2007,

as a charitable Austrian foundation. Among other projects
that all centre around social innovation, social entrepreneurship and the support of persons with disabilities, the
Zero Project has developed in an extraordinary way.
Coming from an entrepreneurial background, I am deeply
convinced that the success of any enterprise depends on
'knowing your customers' and always trying to fullfill their
needs.
We learned in the first two years of the Zero Project that
there is a real need for best practices. The UN Convention
was still new and country after country signed and ratified
it. Politicians, administrations and businesses have been
under pressure since then to create change - and fortunately for all of us this pressure is getting bigger and bigger.
If you want to create change you have to look for best
practice, and not try to reinvent the wheel hundreds of
times. The Zero Project has developed into a worldwide
network of more than 2.000 experts who contribute their
knowledge in defining what the current best practices are,
to speed up the process of implementing the UN CRPD.
We are proud of our role in the process of organising this
network, and I can assure you that we constantly work to
improve our system of Innovative Practices, Innovative
Pollicies and Social Indicators. We want to remove barriers
for persons with disabilities, as efficiently as we can.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Executive Summary: The 25 most important

findings of the Zero Project 2014
sp

or

Built environment

Built Environment: THE 'RICH' Not in the Lead

PD

Tra
n

CR

'ZERO PROJECT SPIDERWEB': Where the countries with the highest development differ most,
and where they do not differ from the countries
with the lowest development

0.70
0.60

Da

0.50

ta

IC

0.40
0.30
0.20

Curriculum

Services

0.10
0.00

Em

erg

enc

Ind

epe

nde

nce

Key to questionnaire
responses

em

ht

Pr

rig

oc

al

ur

on

0.50 * Yes, with qualifications

rs

en

Pe

0.70 * Yes

ent
loym
Emp

HDI Countries 2

ation

HDI Countries 1

Educ

0.00 * No

for instance, accessibility of the built environment. The conclusion is that ICT accessibility is not only a question of budget,
but also of the attitudes and mindsets of decision makers.

HDI Countries 3

When aggregating the results of the questions on the built

environment, the striking fact is that the highly developed
countries (HDI 1 countries) are not in the lead, but on the
same level as HDI 2 countries and only slightly better than
HDI 3 countries. Only the least developed countries lag behind
significantly. Also, this finding is contradictory to the belief
that accessibility is mostly influenced by financial means.
Looking at the breakdown of regions, it can be seen that
countries of Central and Eastern Europe in particular are doing
comparatively well in this field.
Right To Marry and Have Children Gets MOst
GREEN LIGHTS
Among all 32 questions asked, the question on the right to
marry and have children on an equal basis gets the most
green lights and a worldwide coefficient of 0.78. In most constitutions and human rights-oriented legislations there is no
discrimination against persons with disabilities.

HDI Countries 4
* Coefficient

In this graph, the countries of the world have been aggregated into 4 groups according to the Human Development Index, and the 32 questions of the Zero Project into 13 different topics of the UN CRPD. It shows in which topics there is a bigger or smaller difference between the
countries with the highest human development (HDI 1 countries) down to the countries with low human development (HDI 4 countries).
The graph does not, however, answer the question whether, for instance, education is better implemented than employment.

Facts & Figures of the ZEro Project 2014

Topic 2014: Accessibility

Approx. 1,000 experts contributed their knowledge to the

Social Indicators, Innovative Practices- and Policies-selection

1
 30 countries with Social Indicators from 32 questions on
the implementation of the UN CRPD

243 projects nominated as Innovative Practices;

54 selected

66 projects nominated as Innovative Policies; 15 selected

Correlation between HUman Development and

Implementation of the UN CRPD
Analysing the "Spiderweb"-graph there is apparently a correlation between the status of implementation (shown by the

10

lines being more on the outer/greener area of the spiderweb)

and the HDI-country groups (shown by the differently coloured lines).
Starting from the correlation the points in the graph to look
at are those very the correlation (where lines have the widest
gap), and where they are close or even cross each other.
ICT: Dominance of the High Developed Countries
also Due to Different Attitudes
The HDI 1 countries have clearly better results than all others
in two topics: Access to ICT and availability of data. In the
field of ICT, HDI 3 and HDI 4 countries (countries with low
human development) are at the same low level, whereas HDI
1 countries are clearly in the lead. This is a striking finding,
since creating accessible ICT is considered far less costly than,

The employment level of persons with disability has decreased in the

EU, according to the Social Indicators. The EU is doing worse than
Central and Eastern Europe and other regions around the world.

Alternative Emergency Systems and Emergency

Phone lines get most Red Lights
89 out of 130 countries came in with red lights when asked
about the full accessibility of emergency early warning systems (meaning, in most countries, that not horns alone are
used). Emergency phone lines are also not accessible in most
countries. An inspiring Innovative Practice in this field is the
catastrophe warning system in Japan, implemented by ATDO.
UnEmployment Problem of the European Union
Looking at question A15 on the 'southside' of the Zero Project
Graph Europe, there is the only Social Indicator where the
coefficient for the European Union is below the world average.
This means that the questionnaire respondents from within
the European Union, on average, state that the employment
of persons with disabilities is not increasing, but in fact decreasing. It seems to be quite legitimate to explain this negative
divergence of the European Union as a result of the economic
crisis and the austerity measures taken by governments. On
the other hand, there is a good performance in Asian and
Central and Eastern European countries.

Accessiblle door-to-door services are present in many developed

countries. In several parts of the world, however, they are not.

About the Social Indicators 2014

All Social Indicators of the Zero Project are based exclusively on answers given by experts. Using expert panels is
a common technique in all social sciences, mostly where
data and statistics are not available, being especially true for
disability issues.
Answers given by experts may be biased in several
ways. Experts may have different knowledge, have different
backgrounds and priorities etc. Thus, the quality of this data
limits the possibilites for aggregating and comparing results.
Certain conclusions must not be made, for example it is not
possible to conclude that country A is doing better in the
implementation of the CRPD than country B.
A total of 32 questions were asked: 20 on the implementation of the UN CRPD (Questionnaire A) and 12 specifically
on accessibility (Questionnaire B).The questionnaires were
answered by 164 experts from 130 countries. The questions
could be answered with 'Yes' (green light), 'Yes with qualification' (orange light) and 'No' (red light) Answers were aggregated by country and by region, using coefficients A coefficient of 1.0 would mean that all res pondents of a region voted
with 'Yes' (green light).

11

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

THE ZERO PROJECT:

FOR A WORLD WITHOUT BARRIERS

Emergency

ll

ac

Independence

ur

ce

ss

Personal rights

ib

Education

Pu
b
ce re lic
ss qu we
ib
le ired bsit
es
to
t
al o b
Acc
lB e
ess
2
ible
pri
tax
va
i
a va s e r v t e
ilab ices
le B
5
Legal
time
frame
for ac
cessib
ility o
all bu
f
ilding
s A2
ac

Data
Employment
CRPD
Procurement
ICT
Services
Curriculum

0.90
0.80
0.70

A1
Acc
for
ess
a
din ll ne ibilty
w
gs
req buil
uir
A1
ed
8
or
ga Um
ex
ist nisa bre
ll
t
in
A
g ion a
an
of 6 S
d
fic ig
re
fu
co ia n
nd
ed
gn lly lan
gu
is
ed
ag
e

Transport

A10
Inclu
sive
prima
ry ed
ucatio
mand
n
atory

Built environment

early
gency
Emer
stem
ing sy A4
wa r n
to all
sible
acces
ry
ato
nd ICT
Ma
f
g o B8
ts
inin
t ra
den
stu
y
sit h
er
iv wit
un es
12
on uat s A
ta
tie
ic
ad
Da gr bili
bl rt
sa
pu po 3
di
n
ns A
b a ra a l l
t o
t
le

Key to colours for

question categories

A9 Same rights as
others to marriage
and children

ZERO PROJECT GRAPH on EUROPE: THE UN CRPD iN THE EU COMPAred to CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE

0.60
0.50
0.40
0.30

0.10
0.00

inforsible
g
Acces
bankin
n on
10
matio
ices B
serv

A11
Altern
ative
testin
g me
thods
stude
for
nts a
vailab
le
A1
4A
dat
va i
l
a
and on e able
du
em
plo catio
B6
ym
n
ent
on In
f
to acc orm
ur
ism ess atio
ib
n
av i l i t
ai y o
la
bl f
e

ve

European Union
Central and Eastern Europe
All countries
* Coefficient

B11 Accessible
ATMs
available

0.00 * No

rs
Mu
io
av n s l t i m
o
e
ai
la f C dia
bl
e RPD
Acc
A2
ess
0
m
i
sec ation ble in
uri
for
on
ty
ben soci
efit al
B3
Incre
ase in
emplo
of pe
ymen
rsons
t
w
ties la ith disabil
s t ye
ar A1
5

on
ata ith
le d
w
lab ons
7
i
Ava pers es A1
all biliti
sa
di
ire
qu lic
re pub 1
y
B
ilit in nt
e
sib ts
ng
es men rem
c
ni re
cu
Ac
ai tu 9
ro
p
tr c B
y ite s
or h nt
at arc de
d
u
an of st
M

0.50 * Yes, with qualifications

A13 Accommodation
in the work-place
required by law

g
l
in
ia
liv
nc r
na fo nt
Fi rt de
r
o n
7
fo
A pp pe
ds is- ons
ar
i
su
de
gu th d itut
in
i
t
fe
Sa s w ins
n
A8 rso s in
pe ilitie
ab
ible
ess io
e
d
Acc
abl
B 4 n d r a a va i l
a
ms
TV
g ra
pro
ency
merg
B7 E
s
e line
phon
to all
sible
acces

0.90 * Yes

CRPD
A19
ints
a l Po
Foc
lled
insta

0.20

Available data on person

with disabilities living
in institutions A16

Key to questionnaire
responses

le
sib
le
es e
cc hon ilab
A p
va
12 ile s a
B b et
o
m nds
ha
ity
ibil
oss
5 P tial
A
p
shi
par
of rdian
a
gu

All 32 questions ranked by approval of worldwide experts;

a line farther away from the (red) centre indicates higher approval rates

Where EUROPE IS LEADING THE WAY

THE DATA PROBLEM of Europe

Analysing the 'Zero Project Graph Europe' shows that the

European Union and the Central and Eastern European (CEE)
countries are, in most of the 32 questions, doing better
than the world average. The EU is doing best in terms of the
officially recognised sign language, accommodation in the
workplace, alternative testing methods for students, multimedia versions of the UN CRPD and urban transport.

There is another very visible dent in the Zero Project Graph of

the European Union and also of Central and Eastern Europe:
available data. Whereas data on employment and education
seem to be more available (question A14), data on persons
with disabilities living in institutions (question A16) and on
university graduates are not much better than the world
averages. Comparing the general availability of data in the EU
with, say, sub-Saharan Africa, the lack of data is striking.

CEE countries are doing best in terms of the accessibility of

new buildings, legal timeframes for modifiying existing buildings, and increased employment of persons with disabilities.

12

The Zero Project was initiated by the Essl Foundation in 2010.

It has been run in partnership with the World Future Council
since 2011 and the European Foundation Centre since 2013.
The mission of the Zero Project is to work for a world without
barriers, according to the principles and Articles of the UN
CRPD.
Social Indicator on public transport: almost no capital city can be
travelled freely by all persons with disability; but there are some
encouraging Innovative Policies from South Africa and Indonesia.

AcCommodation IN the Workplace: Central and

Eastern European Countries in the Lead
Looking at accommodation in the workplace (question A13), it
is remarkable that Central and Eastern European coutries are,
again, performing better than EU countries.
On the downside, Asias score is far below average. Connecting this fact to the huge presence of the worldwide manufacturing industry in Asia means that accommodation in the
workplace is consequently a much bigger issue than in other
regions of the world. This reveals a big problem related to globalisation that has been so far not been sufficiently addressed.
NO Transport System is Accessible for All
Public transport accessibility is a prerequiste of many other
rights defined in the UN CRPD. So the fact that public transport systems in most of the capital cities of the world are not
accessible should be taken very seriously: not a single clear
'Yes' was given. In addition, as a general remark from the
additional comments, most public transport is accessible only
for people with physical disabilities.
Many accessibility solutions have to be activated by a third
person, which means devices cannot be used independently
(Norway, Finland, Australia, Russia and South Africa). Other
comments deplore the lack of training of transport operators
which often leads to situations of discrimination and harassment (especially by bus drivers refusing to take persons with
disabilities on board).
Still, Innovative Policies from South Africa and Indonesia demonstrate that, even outside highly developed countries, it is
possibile to improve the situation substantially.

It does so by researching Innovative Practices and Innovative

Polices worldwide that help to improve the lives of persons
with disabilities, as well as researching Social Indicators that
measure the implementation of the UN CRPD and the current
situation in all countries of the world. Innovative Practices and
Policies are communicated to decision-makers and opinionleaders worldwide.
The Zero Project is not a legal entity, but a small core team of
professionals from the Essl Foundation, the EFC and the WFC,
whereas the expertise comes from a huge network of all kinds
of disability experts from around the world. In the last three
years, a total of approx. 2,000 experts from more than 130
countries have contributed in different ways.
An annual topic is chosen on which all the research is focused. In 2013/14 the topic is accessibility. In 2012/13 it was
employment; and in 2014/15 it will be independent living,
political and personal rights.
Regarding research in 2013/14, 243 Innovative Practices
from 58 countries were nominated by the Zero Project expert
network. 54 of them made it through the selection process.
Following a similar procedure, 66 Innovative Policies from 30
countries were nominated, and 15 of them finally selected for
inclusion in the report.
The Zero Project Social Indicators consist of 20 questions on
the general implementation of the UN CRPD and another 12
questions on this year's topic, accessibility. Currently 164
disability experts from 130 countries have completed the
questionnaires.
All the results of every individual question are visualised on
the Zero Project Website with traffic lights and world maps, including hundreds of comments giving insight into the situation
in many countries.
The Zero Project communicates through its website, Facebook, Youtube and Twitter, participation at international conferences and many more channels.
13

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

'YwQ'

Coeff.

Coeff.

Coeff.

Key to colours for

question categories

'No'

N/A

43

22

0.63

0.67

0.70

Coeff.

0.68

Coeff.

0.48

Built environment

Are all newly constructed buildings, to which there is public access,required by law to
beaccessible to all persons with disabilities?

Built
Environment

A2

Is there a legal time frame for all existing buildings, to which there is public access,to
be madeaccessible to all persons with disabilities?

Built
Environment

22

18

81

0.26

0.30

0.33

0.33

0.07

A3

Are all urban public transports (bus, metro, tram) accessible to all persons with disabilities?

Transport

52

64

0.23

0.42

0.29

0.15

0.10

Personal rights

In a situation of risk, is the states early warning system accessible to all persons with
disabilities?

Emergency

0.10

Data

A5

Does the law provide for the possibility of partial guardianship?

Independent

27

49

31

14

0.48

0.58

0.48

0.52

0.33

A6

Is sign language an officially recognised language in the courts?

Personal
rights

37

44

34

0.51

0.72

0.56

0.43

0.34

0.12

Independent

67

41

0.35

0.46

0.43

0.25

0.27

A8

Do safeguards exist to ensure that, when persons with disabilities in institutions have
the choice as to whether to stay or to leave, they stay only under their own volition?

Independent

12

52

44

0.35

0.46

0.40

0.29

Do persons with disabilities have the same rights as others to marry, have children and
raise those children?

Personal
rights

70

43

0.76

0.78

0.82

0.73

Does a childwith disabilities have the right to receive free and compulsory primary
education within the mainstream educational system?

Education

51

60

0.68

0.71

0.74

0.55

Do university students with disabilities have access to alternative testing methods?

Education

17

60

35

0.42

0.64

0.44

0.31

0.31

A12

Are official statistics published covering the number of persons with disabilities who
graduate from university?

Data

27

82

0.18

0.19

0.23

0.16

0.15

A13

Does the state oblige employers to take the necessary action on accommodations made
in the work place for all employees with disabilities?

Employment

29

42

44

0.43

0.56

0.53

0.33

0.32

A14

Is the number of persons with disabilities employed by the state both calculated and
published?

Employment

17

35

66

0.29

0.37

0.41

0.29

0.10

A15

Did the percentage of persons with disabilities employed increase in calendar year
2011/2012?

Employment

20

28

66

0.30

0.23

0.40

0.36

0.19

A16

Are official statistics published annually covering, at a minimum, the number, age group, Data
sex, and care provided to all those persons with disabilities living in institutions?

12

36

65

0.27

0.27

0.35

0.27

0.16

A17

Are official statistics about the education and employment of persons with disabilities
published at least every 10 years?

Data

29

38

51

0.41

0.50

0.47

0.45

0.21

A18

Is there an umbrella organisation representing, at a minimum, 50% of all those associations for persons with disabilities, that directly receives basic public funding?

CRPD

45

39

35

0.54

0.62

0.53

0.39

0.62

55

37

0.44

0.60

0.48

0.39

0.30

Services

0.68

A11

ICT

0.72

A10

Procurement

0.24

A9

CRPD

Curriculum

A19

If the state has signed or ratified the Convention, has it designated focal points within
government to address matters relating to the Convention's implementation?

CRPD

A20

Is an audio version, a sign language translation and a plain language version of the
Convention available on an official state website, in all official languages of the country?

CRPD

14

42

59

0.30

0.50

0.33

0.17

0.22

B1

Do public authorities in your country have obligations/rules to include functional accessi- Procurement
bility requirements in ICT and built environment public procurement procedures?

11

46

59

0.29

0.40

0.36

0.32

0.11

B2

Is there a legal requirement for public sector bodies websites and websites of publicly
available services in your country to be accessible to all persons with disabilities?

ICT

13

28

73

0.24

0.32

0.28

0.22

0.13

B3

In public services related to social security benefits, are the communication and delivery
of the service accessible to all persons with disabilities?

Services

57

53

0.30

0.38

0.40

0.22

In your country, are accessible broadcasting services (TV and radio programmes) readily ICT
available to all persons with disabilities?

76

41

0.34

0.45

0.30

0.28

In your city, are accessible private taxi transportation services (reservation systems and
vehicles) readily available to all persons with disabilities?

Transport

10

40

69

0.25

0.52

0.20

0.13

Is there reliable information about the accessibility of tourism, sport and leisure services
and facilities in your city?

Personal
Rights

13

68

36

0.40

0.46

0.43

0.27

Are your country's main emergency phone lines (police, fire brigade, ambulance) accessible to all persons with disabilities?

Emergency

14

52

52

0.34

0.52

0.32

0.27

Do ICT university students receive mandatory training modules about inclusive design
solutions?

Curriculum

35

80

0.17

0.21

0.15

0.17

Do architects and engineers receive mandatory training modules about inclusive design
solutions?

Curriculum

49

56

0.29

0.37

0.31

0.29

In your country, is the information about banking services (i.e. bank accounts, loans,
mortgages) accessible to all persons with disabilities?

Services

58

56

0.28

0.43

0.30

0.17

In your country, are accessible ATMs (cash dispensing machines) readily available to all
persons with disabilities?

Services

61

52

0.31

0.43

0.23

0.31

0.28

B12

In your country, are accessible mobile phone handsets readily available to all persons
with disabilities?

Services

28

61

30

0.49

0.71

0.50

0.41

0.36

A11
Altern
ative
testin
g me
thods
stude
for
nts a
vailab
le
A1
4
dat Ava
il
a
and on e able
duc
em
a
plo
B6
ym tion
ent
on In
fo
to acc rm
ur
ism ess atio
ib
n
av i l i t
ai y o
la
bl f
e

0.22

B11

A13 Accommodation
in the work-place
required by law

0.23

B10

0.00

0.13

B9

0.10

0.26

B8

CRPD
A19
oints
ocal P
F
lled
insta

0.20

0.44

B7

0.30

0.17

B6

0.40

0.34

B5

0.50

le
ib
ss
le
ce one lab
i
Ac h
2 e p a va
B1 bil ets
o
m nds
y
ha
ilit
sib
Po s a l
A5 arti
p
shi
p
of rdian
a
gu

0.23

B4

0.60

inforsible
Acces
nking
on ba
n
matio
s B10
ervice
s
on
ata ith
le d
w
ilab sons
17
Ava per
sA
all bilitie
a
dis
ire
qu lic
re pub 1
y
B
ilit in nt
ib ts
e
g
n
ss
m
in
ce me ure
Key to questionnaire
in re
c
Ac
ro
ra c t u B 9
responses
p
t
y ite s
or h nt
at arc de
d
u
0.90 * Yes
an of st
M
0.50 * Yes, with qualifications

HDI Countries 1

23

0.80
0.70

Available data on person

with disabilities living
in institutions A16

0.00 * No

0.90

g
l
in
ia
liv
nc r
na t fo ent
Fi
r
or nd
7
fo
A
pp pe
ds is- ons
ar
i
su de
gu th d itut
in
i
t
fe
Sa s w ins
n
A8 rso s in
ie
pe
ilit
ab
ible
ess io
e
d
Acc
abl
B 4 n d r a a va i l
a
ms
TV
g ra
pro
ency
merg
B7 E
s
e line
phon
to all
sible
acces

Are all persons with disabilities legally entitled to all the finance needed to support their
living independently and being included in the community?

Employment

B11 Accessible
ATMs
available

A7

Pu
b
ce re lic
ss qu we
ib
le ired bsit
es
to
t
al o b
Acc
lB e
ess
2
ibl
tax e priv
i
a
a va s e r v t e
ilab ices
le B
5
Legal
time
frame
for ac
cessib
ility o
all bu
f
ilding
s A2
ac

rs
Mu
io
av n s l t i m
o
e
ai
la f C dia
bl
e RPD
Acc
A2
ess
0
m
i
sec ation ble in
uri
for
on
ty
ben soci
efit al
B3
Incre
ase in
emplo
of pe
ymen
rsons
t
w
ties la ith disabil
s t ye
ar A1
5

0.14

Education

ve

0.21

ib

0.14

ll

ss

89

28

Independence

ce

Emergency

ac

A4

Transport

ur

A1

54

A1
Acc
for
ess
a
din ll ne ibilty
w
gs
req buil
uir
A1
ed
or 8 U
ga
m
ex
ist nisa bre
ll
t
in
A
g ion a
6
an
o
S
d
re ffic ig
fu
co ia n
nd
ed
gn lly lan
gu
is
ed
ag
e

'Yes'

A10
Inclu
sive
prima
ry ed
ucatio
mand
n
atory

Focus

early
gency
Emer
stem
ing sy A4
wa r n
to all
sible
acces
ry
ato T
nd
Ma of IC
g
B8
ts
inin
t ra
den
stu
y
sit
er th
iv
wi 2
un es
1
on at s A
ta adu tie
ic
Da gr bili
bl rt
sa
pu o
di
n nsp A3
b a ra a l l
t o
t
le

Question asked

HDI countries

ANALYSIS OF ALL
132 COUNTRIES

Questions and Focus

No.

ZERO PROJECT GRAPH on DEVElopment, Grouped according to the Human Development INdex
A9 Same rights as
others to marriage
and children

The KEy findings of the Social Indicators of the ZEro Project 2014

14

HDI Countries 2
HDI Countries 3
HDI Countries 4
* Coefficient

All 32 questions ranked by approval of worldwide experts; a line farther away from the (red) centre indicates higher
approval rates, comparing the four country groups of the Human Development Index

Innovative Practice 2014 from Ethiopia: the guidebook on accessibility is a very useful tool in a low-income context; guidebooks in
general are highly efficient tools to support accessibility

Innovative Policy 2014 from the United Kingdom: In 2012, London

hosted the most inclusive Olympic and Paralympic Games ever.
Mark Todd
15

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INNOVATIVE PRACTICES that Create Change

The Zero Project has grouped both the shortlisted and the
selected Innovative Practices according to the technique - i.e.
solution or approach - that they use. A selection is shown
here; the full list is in the section on Innovative Practices.

THE 54 INNOVATIVE PRACTICES 2014 of the Zero Project on Accessibility

Practices USING GUIDEBOOKS

Innovative Practice

Organisation

Country

Details

NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)

NV Access Limited

Australia

NVDA is a free, fully functional, portable screen reader for Microsoft Windows

Printed guidebooks are powerful even in the electronic age,

especially, but not only, in the countries with low human development. Example: ECDD (Ethiopia).

Accessible Map

CEIT ALANOVA gGmbH, Hilfsgemeinschaft

Austria

Talking city maps for visually impaired persons

AppHear

hrwelt GmbH

Austria

Mobile hearing aid on shopping carts

Barrierefreie Bank Austria

Bank Austria

Austria

Accessible banking services, barrierfree foyer

easy entrance - Unternehmensberatung und Architektur

easy entrance GmbH

Austria

Business consultancy for accessible working environments

Practices USING Online Maps

Maths in Braille

Hilfsgemeinschaft der Blinden u. S.

Austria

Open source tool to convert mathematical formulas

MoViH

WU Wien, Institut fr Transportwirtschaft

Austria

Database for barrier-free public transport systems

ZIV Access

ZIV, sterr. Zivilinvalidenverband

Austria

Advocacy to sensitize on accessibility

RelayService

GSbarrierefrei

Austria

Telephone exchange service for deaf people

ways4all

FH JOANNEUM GmbH

Austria

Public transportation made accessible

wege-finden.at

Forschungskonsortium B I S

Austria

Online route planning tool

European standards for easy to read

Inclusion Europe aisbl

Belgium

European easy-to-read logo

Making events accessible

Intro vzw

Belgium

Enabling access to various events

Housing and access

RIOinclui

Brazil

Accessible housing in poverty striken areas

Theater in the Service of Diversity

Escole de Gente

Brazil

Cultural inclusion through accessible theater, various translation tools used

Ayudas tcnicas y asistencia tecnolgica

Corporacion CETRAM

Chile

Low cost and high performance technical aids and assistive technology

Kit de inclusin digital para personas con discapacidad

Corporacin Discapacidad Colombia

Colombia

Platform offering solutions for IT inclusion

The Most Accessible Office House in the World

Disabled peoples organisations Denmark

Denmark

Inclusive office building

Accessible and supportive university

Tallinn University of Technology

Estonia

Disabled students as consultants for accessibilty at university

Promote accessibility in Ethiopia

ECDD

Ethiopia

Guide book on accessibility, inclusive urban development

ACCEO

Delta Process

France

Service provider for accessible phone calls

Accessibilit de la communication

SCOP LE MESSAGEUR

France

Simultaneous transcription in Braille and other languages, on-site and remote

Artesens, l'veil artistique par les sens pour tous

ARTESENS

France

Reproduction of art, historical role plays

Online Translationsystem

Verba Voice

Germany

Online interpreting system for hearing-impaired people

PIKSL

In der Gemeinde leben gGmbH

Germany

Cooperation reduces (digital) complexity

Wheelmap.org

Sozialhelden e.V.

Germany

Online and interactive city-map, wheelchair accessibility

E-Speak Text To Speech (TTS)

Centre for Internet and Society

India

Open source text-to-speech engine

Home from Home Appartment

Muscular Dystrophy Ireland

Irland

Independent fully accessible accommodation with aids & appliances

Evacuation manual using DAISY

Assistive Technology Deveopment Org.

Japan

Evacuation manual in DAISY multimedia format

e-Accessible Education in Macedonia and Serbia

Open the Windows EHO

Macedonia

Children with disabilities in mainstream primary education, assistive technology

Accessibility Guide for Employers in Mexico, Peru, Ecuador

The Trust for The Americas

Mexico

Accessibility at Work

Accessible Transport

Association of Youth with Disabilities

Montenegro

Transport support for students

Accessibility as part of the business concept

Scandic Hotels

Norway

Accessibility incorporated in everything

Color ADD - Colour is for all!

Color ADD

Portugal

Universal graphic code to identify colors

Mada - Qatar Assistive Technology Center

Mada (Qatar Assistive Technology Center)

Qatar

One-stop-shop for assistive technology in arabic language

The BCA Universal Design (UD) Mark

Building and Construction Authority (BCA)

Singapore

Certification scheme on Universal Design

Learnership for unemployed rural youth

ATHENA - Interactive Training Network

South Africa

Dual Education, workexperience, mobile college

Amovil

Fundacin ONCE

Spain

Comparative analysis of accessibility features in mobile devices

ASPACEnet

ASPACE y Fundacion Vodafone Espana

Spain

Social interaction of people with cerebral palsy through new technologies

ICT to make public bus more accessible

EMT Madrid

Spain

Visual and acoustic information on public buses in Madrid

Network for Excellence o. t. Flag of Towns a. Cities for All

Design for All Foundation

Spain

Urban centers made accessible for all

Accessible Museums in the Western Balkans

Cultural Heritage without Borders

Sweden

Communicating art in the Western Balkans

The key criteria are impact, innovation, professional ap

proach and scalability, non-profit, but also for-profit
models.

Obstacle-Free Airport Project

TAV Istanbul

Turkey

Airport made accessible

Inclusive Education practices

USDC Uganda

Uganda

A fully inclusive and accessible school in Uganda

Accessible information adapted by pwd

Inspired Services Publishing

UK

Accessible information adapted by people with intellectual disabilities

Accessible London

City Bridge Trust

UK

Improving access to buildings of 3rd sector

Innovative Practices are nominated, evaluated and

selected by the Zero Project network.

Changing Places Toilets

Changing Places Consortium

UK

Campaign for accessible toilets in public spaces

Stations made easy

ATOC Ltd

UK

Maps of railway stations, community based

The talking ATM (Automatic Teller Machine)

Barclays Bank

UK

Audio enabled ATMs

Virtual object handling in museums

Manchester Museum

UK

Haptic and tactile museum experience, 3-D scan

Access programmemes, MoMA New York

The Museum of Modern Arts NY

USA

Training on inclusive art education

AMAC

AMAC Accessibility Solutions

USA

One stop shop for digitized media

Leveraged Freedom Chair (LFC)

Global Research Innovation and Technology

USA

Wheelchair to travel on unpaved surfaces

Community based Disaster Risk Reduction Management

Malteser International

Vietnam

Community based disaster risk management

ANALYSIS OF Techniques Used

Shortlisted

Selected

All stakeholder

14

App/Software

15

Assistance

Database

E Books

Easy Language

Guidebooks

Innovative Devices

16

Maps

11

Multimedia Guides

Multimedia Presentation

One-Stop Shop

Peer

Professionals

10

Standards

Translation

Universal Design

14

Practices with All-Stakeholder involvemenT

Stakeholders always include persons with disabilities themselves, but also almost always professionals (architects, engineers etc.), planning and financing bodies, and businesses.
Example: RIOinclui (Brazil).
Practices USING APPS and SOFTWARE
Since persons with disabilities can be considered as sophisticated users of technology, apps and software can be highly
efficient, cheap and accessible to all. Example: EMT Madrid
(Spain).

Successful online maps bring down two further barriers:

making maps accessible to all, including the blind and persons
with learning difficulties, and finding ways to access the latest
and most comprehensive data. Examples: wheelmap.org,
ways4all, wege-finden.at.
Practices BASED ON Standards And Norms
These practices help to define minimum requirements for the
accessibility of buildings and prompt the construction industry
to produce adequate materials and professional craftsmen
to develop the right skills. In ICT, standards and norms are
about defining interfaces for hardware and software to create
connectivity. Examples: Amvil (Spain), BCA Singapore.
Practices BASED ON UNIVERSAL DESIGN
Universal design refers to broad-spectrum ideas meant to
produce buildings, products and environments that are inherently accessible (source: wikipedia.org), in a sense that the
usability by all persons is at the core of the design process,
and not only through added elements that make them a little
more accessibile. Examples: "Most accessible office building in
the world" (Denmark), Airport Istanbul, intro vzw (Belgium).
ABOUT INNOVATIVE PRACTICES

Practices USING E-Books/Digital LibrarY

Online libraries of e-books, audio books and all different kinds
of alternative formats are at the heart of several education
and training projects. Example: AMAC (USA).
Practices, Based on Innovative Devices
Innovation and technology are definitely drivers of accessibility. Examples: Leveraged Freedom Chair; NVDA, Artesens and
Manchester Museum in Arts; Barclays Bank and Bank Austria
in Financial Services.
16

I
 nnovative Practices are examplary practices in the field
of disability that are social innovations with a proof-ofconcept, working in the field of accessibility.

243 projects were nominated, 134 shortlisted and

finally 54 selected as Innovative Practices 2014, all
working on different aspects of accessibility.

All shortlisted and selected Practices can be fully

researched on the Zero Project website.

17

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
the 15 Innovative POlicies 2014 of thE ZERO PROJECT on Accessibility

INNOVATIVE Policies that Create Change

Policies can be excellent tools for promoting social change.
Whilst employing a broad range of mechanisms, the 15 selected Innovative Policies can be categorized as follows:
Laws (3): India, Norway, and Qatar
Action plans (5): Australia, Cape Town/South Africa, Colombia, Kuala Lumpur/Malaysia, and London/UK
Programmes (3): Hong Kong/China, Japan, Spain
Standards (4): Berlin/Germany, Ireland, Solo City/Indonesia, and Uganda.
Innovative Policies 2014 concern all government levels, from
the local level, to the regional, up to the national level.
Drivers of legislative action
Most Innovative Policies were developed by public authorities.
However, other organizations also drive legislative action.
Notably three of the policies were the direct result of lobbying
by DPOs: India, Uganda and Solo/Indonesia.
POLICIES FOR ALL ASPECTS OF UN CRPD ARTICLE 9
Increasingly, accessibility is addressed in all its complexity.
Countries enact comprehensive approaches such as nondiscrimination laws mandating accessibility for several or all
aspects of CRPD Article 9. More and more policies are tackling
specifically the access to information and communication (Qatar) as well as products and services (Ireland).
BENEFITs PERSONS WITH ALL TYPES OF DISABILITIES
Most Innovative Policies pay attention to the universal design
approach. Many policies implement measures that benefit
people with physical disabilities as well as people who are
sight or hearing impaired. However, accessibility policies
tackling the exclusion of people who use easy language and
persons with psychosocial problems, are still rare.
POLICIES Improving accessibility expertise
Appropriate training for all relevant stakeholders is needed,
as well as professionals who can confidently act as experts
in matters of accessibility. Kuala Lumpur and Berlin require
accessibility expertise amongst planners, who are obliged to
submit a concept of accessibility. Hong Kong/China established
specific Access Coordinators and Access Officers.

18

TITLE

COUNTRY

BRIEF SUMMARY

CATEGORY

POLICIES Mandating standards and compliance

Development aid as enabler for

accessibility, 2009-2014

Australia

Action Plan (Built Environment,

Transport, Information);
Country Level

Standards and compliance should be mandated by law. Norway established inaccessibility as a case of discrimination and
universal design as an enforceable legal standard.

With its Development for All: Towards a Disability-inclusive Australian Aid Program of 2009-2014,
Australia has improved the reach and effectiveness of its development assistance by ensuring
that people with disabilities are included, contribute and benefit equally from development
efforts. From 2009-2014, it provided 5.5 million USD for 125 disabled peoples organisations.

Hong Kongs retrofitting programme,

2010

China

In 2010, Hong Kong established two programmes - the Barrier-free Access & Facilities Retrofitting Programme and the Access Co-ordinator & Officer Scheme - that make existing government
premises accessible, supported by accessibility coordinators for departmental awareness raising.
By 2013, 90% of the 3,500 premises covered have been retrofitted and 80 Access Coordinators
appointed.

Programme (Built Environment,

Services); City Level

Internet access for disadvantaged

Colombians, 2010-2014

Colombia

Colombias Plan Vive Digital: Technology in the Life of Every Colombian of 2010-2014 is exemplary as it is a generic action plan fostering Internet access for everyone, whilst mainstreaming
the specific accessibility needs of people with disabilities. By 2014, more than 800 centres will
provide tools promoting accessibility and offer 1.2 million people with disabilities opportunities
to use ICTs.

Action Plan (Information);

Country Level

Mandatory barrier-free construction in

Berlin, 2011-2

Germany

The German capital has published the comprehensive handbooks Berlin - Design For All:
Accessible Public Buildings of 2012 and Design For All: Public Outdoor Spaces of 2011 that are
mandatory for all Berlin State construction projects. In 2012 Berlin received the Access City
Award of the European Commission and is the coordinator of the EUROCITIES Working Group
Barrier-free City for All.

Standard (Built Environment);

City Level

Copyright exception for accessible

formats, 2012

India

Among the 50 countries with copyright exceptions, the approach of Indias Copyright Amendment Act No. 27 of 2012 stands out as it is inclusive and non-bureaucratic, catering to the needs
of persons with disabilities living in the Global South. As of 2013, 95 Indian members of DAISY
(Digital Accessible Information System) have converted 25,000 books, available to some 50,000
users.

Law (Information); Country

Level

Access to transport that can be

enforced, Solo City, 2006

Indonesia

Solo citys Standard of Accessibility of Public Transportation, Information and Communication

of 2006 is legally binding and significant as it includes provisions for accessible information
and communication. Its accessible facilities include 60 bus shelters, three railway stations, 54
traffic lights, four city walks, as well as the availability of sign language interpreters and screen
readers.

Standard (Transport, Information); City Level

Accessible services for energy customers, 2012

Ireland

Specifically designed to be easily applicable, Irelands Standard SWiFT 9:2012 Universal Design
For Energy Suppliers offers managers, developers, providers and procurers guidance that illustrates how to communicate with 1.6 million energy customers. It is the worlds first accessibility
standard to be adopted in the energy sector and is being implemented by all seven energy
suppliers.

Standard (Services); Country

Level

Cheaper mortgages for accessible

homes, 1996-2007

Japan

By offering lower interest rates, Japans Housing Mortgage Scheme For The Ageing Future,
1996-2007 incentivises individuals and housing providers to construct dwellings that respect
requirements on accessibility and usability, addressing the need for accessible private housing in
an ageing society. Housing mortgages related to design for ageing increased to over 60%.

Programme (Built Environment); Country Level

Kuala Lumpur: Monitoring and enforcing accessibility, 2010

Malaysia

The Action Plan Towards Kuala Lumpur as Accessible City of 2010 sets out an implementation
framework for its accessibility standards of the built environment that includes comprehensive
monitoring and enforcement, from design to post-construction. Since 2010, 70 access audits
have been carried out and nine training workshops held.

Action Plan (Built Environment); City Level

Universal Design in Non-Discrimination Law, 2008

Norway

Focusing on the built environment, transport and information, Norways Anti-Discrimination and
Accessibility Act of 2008 established inaccessibility as a case of discrimination. Universal design
is now an enforceable legal standard. Norways Equality and Anti-discrimination Ombudsman
receives 320 requests a year regarding universal design and, as of 2012, completed 291 cases.

Law (Built Environment, Transport, Information); Country

Level

Comprehensive eAccessibility policy,

2011

Qatar

The National eAccessibility Policy of Qatar of 2011 addresses key issues around information
and communication technologies. Since 2011, 20 assistive technology solutions for Arabic were
introduced, 1,100 people with a disability and 950 professionals were trained, over 60 websites
became more accessible and telecoms providers now offer 50% discount on tariffs to persons
with disabilities.

Law (Information); Country

Level

Inclusive design of Cape Towns Bus

System, 2009

South Africa

The Universal Access Policy of Cape Towns MyCiTi Integrated Rapid Transport System of 2009 is
a comprehensive, long-term, multi-level effort that mainstreams universal design, covering the
entire journey. All 379 buses, 35 stations and 161 roadside bus stops are accessible, as well as
22.4 km of pathways.

Action Plan (Transport); City

Level

Public-Private Partnership for Accessibility, 2011

Spain

In Spain, one of the worlds biggest public-private partnerships between the government and
civil society concerning universal accessibility has been established. The Framework Agreement
between IMSERSO and Fundacin ONCE of 2011 implemented 124 accessibility projects in 120
municipalities with a 4.7 million investment.

Programme (Built Environment,

Transport, Information);
Country Level

Mandatory Accessibility Standards,

2010

Uganda

Uganda is among the first sub-Saharan countries to have developed their own accessibility
standards. Adopted by the Ministry of Education as well as the Ugandan Society of Architects,
Ugandas Obligatory Accessibility Standards of 2010 are mandatory for school construction projects and serve as a basis for accessibility audits and court cases. A National Accessibility Audit
Committee was set up.

Standard (Built Environment,

Information); Country Level

The most inclusive Olympic and Paralympic Games, London, 2009-2012

United Kingdom

London 2012 approached the Olympic and Paralympic Games for the first time as one event. The
Accessibility Policy of the London Organising Committee of 2009-2012 inculcated accessibility
into everything, from venue management to ticketing, and provided additional services. For the
first time people with disabilities were able to participate in every single aspect of the Games.

Action Plan (Built Environment,

Information); City Level

Policies using reviews and inspections

Accessibility standards need to be part of building regulations.
Access auditors should inspect construction and have the possibility to issue a stop-work order, as in Kuala Lumpur/Malaysia. Ugandas Ministry of Education mandated accessibility for
all national school construction projects and can review plans
as part of its approval process.
POLICIES FOR LOW-INCOME CONTEXTS
Increasingly, countries in the Global South develop minimum
accessibility standards that, as in Uganda, contain contextspecific guidance on accessible water wells for example.
In the field of transport, enforceable standards (Solo City/
Indonesia) and action plans (Cape Town/South Africa) can
mainstream universal design in transport services. A strategic
approach with priorities can make the most of limited resources. For example, Colombias Plan Vive Digital creates Internet access for rural populations, whilst implementing specific
measures to overcome the digital exclusion of people with
disabilities. As well, too many development programmes and
projects are disability-specific. Australia developed a strategy
that mainstreams disability into development cooperation.
ABOUT INNOVATIVE POLICIES
Innovative Policies have achieved identifiable improvements
on the ground, and point to a positive dynamic of change
that can be easily replicated in many countries to advance
the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities (UN CPRD). Innovative Policies are
nominated by the Zero Project network, researched by the
World Future Council and selected by the Zero Projects Scientific Advisory Board. Key selection criteria are innovation,
impact and transferability. 68 policies from 34 countries
have been nominated, 25 shortlisted and finally 15 selected
as Innovative Policies. All shortlisted and selected policies
can be fully researched on the Zero Project Website.

19

SOCIAL INDICATORS

Introduction to the
Social Indicators
20 questions on the implementation of the UN CRPD plus 12 questions specifically on
accessibility, this year's focus.
164 experts from 130 countries answered the questionnaire, covering most of the countries
that have signed or ratified the UN CRPD.
Experts vote with a traffic light system, a green light indicating a 'Yes', an orange light indicating a 'Yes with
qualifications' and a red light indicating a 'No'.
Experts were also encouraged to comment on the traffic light decisions, in many cases giving a
unique insight into the situation on the ground.
All answers are presented on the Zero Project website as world maps. Data can be drilled
down to individual expert levels and their comments.
Questionnaire respondents are encouraged to update their answers and comments regularly
via the Zero Project website.

INTRODUCTION

The roots of the Zero Project lie in social indicators designed to measure the implementation of the UN CRPD (first
launched as the 'Essl Social Index' back in 2009). The social
indicators of the Zero Project were, and still are, designed to
complement work done by national monitoring bodies that
assess the implementation of the UN CRPD and by others like
ANED.
The Zero Project questionnaire focuses on concrete implementations of the most important rights granted by the UN CRPD.
The questions asked of expert panels can be answered by
choosing 'Yes', 'Yes, with qualifications' or 'No', illustrated by a
traffic light system and very often supplemented by additional
remarks from the experts.
Coverage of 130 countries, with significant
help FROM partner organiSations

Online presentation with world map and continuous updateS

In this years Zero Project Report, with the essential help of

the respondents to our questionnaire from around the world,
we have been able once more to increase the coverage of our
survey substantially, as these figures show:

All results of the 2014 survey have now been transferred to

the Zero Project website, where they are presented on a world
map. The map can be zoomed in and out. When clicking on a
symbol, the name of the respondent and additional remarks,
if available, are shown, making it easy to access and compare
data.

The online database enables the Zero Project to update and

expand data continuously. All experts that have already contributed with their expertise will be contacted regularly to check
and update their answers and comments.

 5 countries in 2010
1
 6 countries in 2012
3
 5 countries in 2013
5
 30 countries in 2014
1

This tremendous increase in our coverage of countries can be

attributed to the recognition of the Zero Project by worldwide experts, and also to the increasing quality of its database
that contained more than 2,500 experts by mid 2013. Most
important, however, is the support that the Zero Project gets
from several organisations that forward the request to fill in
the questionnaire to their network partners or membership
organisations.
In 2014, outstanding support was again given by DPI. More
than a hundred member organisations of DPI worldwide (!)
filled in the questionnaire. RIADIS contributed a lot to the
above-average coverage of Latin American countries, and
NAWAF achieved the same for several Arab countries.
New languages and formats added
The Zero Project Questionnaires were made available in 8 different languages - English, French, Spanish, German, Italian,
Russian, Arabic and Chinese - and were downloadable from
the Zero Project website.

20

Respondents could choose between answering online (using

an online survey tool and a registration code) or by sending
the questionnaire as an e-mail attachment (using either MS
Excel or a barrier-free version of MS Word).

Other experts worldwide will be regularly encouraged to register and add their answers to the database. Thus, the Zero
Project team is confident that the available data will allow
new kinds of analysis in the near future, based on a growing
quantity and increasing quality of data, based not only on the
traffic lights but also on the comments of the experts.
Because of the enormous amount of data, the presentation on
a question-per-question basis used in the former Zero Project
Reports had to be abandoned. Only summarised results are
being published this year.
Open-source data available
As a new feature in 2014, it is possible for more than one
expert per country to fill in the questionnaire. A total of 164
experts had completed the questionnaire by the end of 2013.
Countries covered by more than one expert include Bangladesh, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, India, Iraq, Ireland, Jordan (best covered country of all,
with 5 respondents), Lebanon, Libya, Mexico, Palestine (not

21

SOCIAL INDICATORS

a member of the UN, but recognised by 134 of UN member

states), Portugal, Senegal, Serbia, Spain, Syria, Tunisia, USA
and Uzbekistan.
For the first time, with the introduction of the online database, the Zero Project can offer full transparency of all data and
research published. The complete open-source data, as of
December 2013, is also freely available for download on the
website, enabling every social scientist the chance to conduct
his/her own research.
Experts and social scientists are encouraged to use the database to find different methods of analysing this unique set of
data!
Questionnaire A on UN CRPD, B on accessibility
For the third year in succession, the Zero Project has maintained the core of 20 social indicators around which the questions are formulated in the questionnaire, calling it 'Questionnaire A on the UN CRPD'. Only some minor changes have
been made compared to last year:
1. Question A3 on transportation: following experts'
recommendations, the scope has been extended and the
question addresses not only public buses but 'urban public
transport'.
2. A question on website accessibility has been included
in the Accessibility questionnaire (question B2). Also, the
scope has been extended to ask not only about government
websites but also the websites of publicly available services.
3. Question on education (A10). In the additional remarks,
we have explicitly included: 'Together with "child", this question refers also to adults with disabilities who lacked the opportunities when they were young', in order to better represent
persons with intellectual disabilities and persons with mental
health problems.
4. Two questions on participation in public and political life
have been removed.
Since last year, a second questionnaire has been created
annually, covering the special topic for that year. Thus in 2014
an additional Questionnaire B on Accessibility was created.
Much of the work was done by the EFC, who aggregated numerous discussions, interviews and background research into
a questionnaire with 12 questions, covering all different kinds
of accessibility, including banking services and the requirement for accessibility in public procurement procedures.

22

INTRODUCTION

Respondents were encouraged to answer both Questionnaires A and B, which most of them did; only a few filled in
only Questionnaire A or B. Consequently, with some minor
exceptions, most questionnaires were answered completely:
only approx. 3 percent of all answers were 'n/a' or blank.
Three questions clearly had more impact than the others: the
possibility of partial guardianship (question A5), safeguards in
institutions (A15), and the development of employment data
(A18).
Since Questionnaire A also contains several questions on
accessibility, an impressive 17 questions on accessibility were
asked, and answered by up to 160 experts in 123 countries.
How data was analySed and published
All social indicators of the Zero Project are based exclusively
on answers given by experts. No statistics from other sources
were used or added. Using expert panels is a common technique in all social sciences, mostly where data and statistics
are not available, being especially true for disability issues.
Answers given by experts may by biased in several ways.
Experts may have different levels of knowledge, may have
different backgrounds and priorities. They may spend different amounts of time, and involve different numbers of other
people. Some of them may do background research and some
may not, and so on.
Thus, the quality of data that is based on expert panels limits
the possibilities for aggregating and comparing results. The
quality can be improved, e.g. by using standardised questions.
Or it can be improved by asking for clear facts, figures and
numbers, which the Zero Project has done extensively.
Still, because of data quality, certain calculations must not
be done, and certain conclusions must not be made. It is not
possible to conclude, for example, that country A is doing
worse than country B in implementing the UN CRPD, always a
very tempting thing to do.
How social indicators were created
Working on a database of 130 countries (with 164 respondents) and 32 questions - a total of roughly 5,000 data items
augmented with hundreds of interesting comments - several
interesting and unique calculations could be made, leading to
powerful and completely new insights.

Analysis of 8 World Regions

All countries were divided into 8 subgroups:
1. European Union (20 countries)
2. 
Central & Eastern Europe (12 countries;
including 6 EU members)
3. 
Central Asia (10 countries, mostly former
Soviet Union)
4. Asia Pacific (20 countries)
5. (Sub-Saharan)Africa (32 countries)
6. Arab countries (13 countries)
7. South America (8 countries)
8. Central America (17 countries)
Every defined region contained 8 to 32 countries, and an
average of all those countries was calculated for every question. (In the case of more than one respondent per country,
an average per country was first calculated.) Aggregations
were made by giving 1 point for a green light, 0.5 points for
an orange light, and 0 points for a red light (missing answers
were excluded from averaging). This added up to a scale of 0
to 1 for each region and for each of the 32 questions:
Indicator 0: means that all the respondents from all the
countries in one region have answered the question with a red
light
Indicator 1: means that all the respondents from all the
countries in one region have answered the question with a
green light
The 'big gap' in this analysis is North America, which could not
be included as it contains only two countries (represented by
three respondents): the USA and Canada. The Zero Project
team is aware that their absence is a clear shortcoming of the
current research, a gap to to be filled in the new future.
Other countries that are not covered in the 'regions analysis'
are the non-EU and non-CEE countries of Norway and Iceland.
Regional Breakdown according to the Human
Development index
The Human Development Index (HDI) of the United Nations
clusters all countries into one of four groups, according to
their level of human development. HDI 1 are the most developed countries, HDI 4 the least developed countries. (http://
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Development_Index).

The Zero Project has used this system to compare how the
'rich' and the 'poor' countries fare in implementing the UN
CRPD, measured by every one of the 32 questions.
In another, similar approach, countries that have ratified the
UN CRPD were compared with those that have only signed the
UN CRPD and those that have not even gone that far.
Aggregating the 32 Individual questions to 13
thematic clusters
A final approach was chosen in which not only countries were
aggregated, but the 32 questions were also grouped into the
following 13 thematic clusters:

Built Environment
CRPD (e.g. Installation of Focal Points)
Data Availability
Curriculum of Universities
Education
Emergencies
Employment
ICT
Independent Living
Personal and Political Rights
Products and Services
Public Procurement
Transport

Divergences are the most interesting part

Using the methodology stated above, a world average of all
130 countries for every one of the 32 questions was calculated, yielding an indicator (between 0 and 1) for each of the
questions. In a second step, all questions were ranked by
this indicator. The graphic representation of this ranking as a
circle compared different regions and continents as well as the
countries with higher and lower human development..
Now, the most interesting findings can be derived from the
divergences of the regions from the world average, or - in a
similar approach - the differences between two regions of the
world, or the differences between the more and less developed. Naturally, on average, the very high developed countries
(HDI 1) are doing better on most questions and therefore on
implementing the UN CRPD. But where are they exceptionally
far ahead, and where are they close to the others, or even
behind? These are the results to look at. The same is true for
differences between, say, the European Union and Central &
Eastern European countries, or the African and Arab regions.

23

SOCIAL INDICATORS

OVERVIEW

Summary of results of all 32 Questions on the UN CRPD and on Accessibility

QUESTION
NO.

QUESTION

TOPIC
Y

ANALYSIS OF ALL
130 COUNTRIES
YwQ
N
NA

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
UN CRPD STATUS
INDEX (1: Very high; 4: low)
All
1
2
3
4
R
S
N
130

Number of countries

32

35

30

33

101

18

11

REGIONS AND CONTINENTS

EU
20

CEE
12

Central Asia
10

Asia Pacific
20

South
America
8

Central
America
17

(Subsaharan)
Africa
32

Arab
Countries
13

Coeff Coeff Coeff Coeff Coeff Coeff Coeff Coeff Coeff Rank Coeff Rank Coeff Rank Coeff Rank Coeff Rank Coeff Rank Coeff Rank Coeff Rank
A1

Are all newly constructed buildings, to which there is public access,required by law to beaccessible to all persons with disabilities?

Built

54

43

22

0.63 0.67 0.70 0.68 0.48 0.64 0.62 0.60 0.67

7 0.82

2 0.75

1 0.68

2 0.69

2 0.44

4 0.57

4 0.62

18

81

0.26 0.30 0.33 0.33 0.07 0.26 0.26 0.20 0.40

24 0.50

12 0.25

21 0.29

22 0.25

27 0.34

14 0.15

25 0.12

29

A2

Is there a legal time frame for all existing buildings, to which there is public access,to be madeaccessible to all persons with disabilities?

Built

22

A3

Are all urban public transport systems (bus, metro, tram) accessible to all persons with disabilities?

Transport

52

64

0.23 0.42 0.29 0.15 0.10 0.24 0.18 0.25 0.42

19 0.30

26 0.11

30 0.18

31 0.36

16 0.26

23 0.12

29 0.27

21

A4

In a situation of risk, is the states early warning system accessible to all persons with disabilities?

Emergency

28

89

0.14 0.21 0.14 0.12 0.10 0.15 0.12 0.10 0.21

30 0.14

10 0.05

5 0.18

32 0.13

32 0.31

18 0.08

32 0.00

32

A5

Does the law provide for the possibility of partial guardianship?

Independent

27

49

31

14

0.48 0.58 0.48 0.52 0.33 0.50 0.50 0.30 0.67

8 0.55

1 0.50

8 0.50

6 0.31

22 0.42

9 0.28

12 0.50

A6

Is sign language an officially recognised language in the courts?

Personal
rights

37

44

34

0.51 0.72 0.56 0.43 0.34 0.52 0.53 0.45 0.78

2 0.83

13 0.45

9 0.50

7 0.43

10 0.43

6 0.30

11 0.65

A7

Are all persons with disabilities legally entitled to all the finance needed to support their living independently and being included in the community?

Independent

67

41

0.35 0.46 0.43 0.25 0.27 0.37 0.31 0.25 0.50

15 0.50

16 0.45

14 0.31

20 0.36

17 0.32

17 0.27

16 0.35

14

A8

Do safeguards exist to ensure that, when persons with disabilities in institutions have the choice as to whether to stay or to leave, they stay only under their own volition?

Independent

12

52

44

0.35 0.46 0.40 0.29 0.24 0.38 0.33 0.15 0.53

13 0.45

4 0.33

2 0.33

13 0.36

18 0.40

10 0.23

19 0.27

22

A9

Do persons with disabilities have the same rights as others to marry, have children and raise those children?

Personal
rights

70

43

0.76 0.78 0.82 0.73 0.72 0.77 0.79 0.61 0.85

1 0.79

5 0.75

3 0.82

1 0.57

5 0.81

1 0.73

1 0.73

A10

Does a childwith disabilities have the right to receive free and compulsory primary education within the mainstream educational system?

Education

51

60

0.68 0.71 0.74 0.55 0.68 0.68 0.76 0.45 0.69

5 0.68

14 0.67

22 0.68

3 0.79

1 0.62

2 0.68

2 0.58

A11

Do university students with disabilities have access to alternative testing methods?

Education

17

60

35

0.42 0.64 0.44 0.31 0.31 0.45 0.44 0.15 0.71

4 0.50

29 0.25

31 0.32

17 0.50

7 0.44

5 0.32

10 0.35

15

Data

27

82

0.18 0.19 0.23 0.16 0.15 0.18 0.15 0.25 0.17

32 0.23

3 0.06

11 0.19

30 0.19

30 0.18

30 0.18

21 0.21

24

42

44

0.43 0.56 0.53 0.33 0.32 0.46 0.34 0.35 0.73

3 0.80

18 0.40

10 0.21

29 0.64

3 0.43

7 0.37

6 0.31

19

A12

Are official statistics published covering the number of persons with disabilities who graduate from university?

A13

Does the state oblige employers to take the necessary action on accommodations made in the work place for all employees with disabilities?

Employment

29

A14

Is the number of persons with disabilities employed by the state both calculated and published?

Employment

17

35

66

0.29 0.37 0.41 0.29 0.10 0.30 0.24 0.30 0.41

23 0.41

15 0.44

6 0.26

26 0.43

11 0.20

27 0.15

26 0.38

10

A15

Did the percentage of persons with disabilities employed increase in calendar year 2011?

Employment

20

28

66

0.30 0.23 0.40 0.36 0.19 0.32 0.23 0.20 0.25

29 0.50

28 0.50

7 0.33

14 0.50

8 0.29

22 0.15

27 0.38

11

A16

Are official statistics published annually covering, at the minimum, the number, age group, sex, and care provided to all those persons with disabilities living in institutions?

Data

12

36

65

0.27 0.27 0.35 0.27 0.16 0.28 0.28 0.15 0.31

27 0.25

11 0.50

12 0.28

23 0.29

23 0.21

25 0.15

28 0.31

20

38

51

0.41 0.50 0.47 0.45 0.21 0.41 0.44 0.30 0.56

12 0.54

8 0.35

13 0.47

9 0.50

9 0.33

16 0.28

13 0.46

4 0.25

28 0.50

3 0.62

3 0.50

A17

Are official statistics about the education and employment of persons with disabilities published at least every 10 years?

Data

29

A18

Is there an umbrella organisation representing, at a minimum, 50% of all those associations for persons with disabilities, that directly receive basic public funding?

CRPD

45

39

35

0.54 0.62 0.53 0.39 0.62 0.58 0.50 0.30 0.65

9 0.59

9 0.35

15 0.59

A19

If the state has signed, or ratified, the Convention, has it designated focal points within government to address matters relating to the Convention's implementation?

CRPD

23

55

37

0.44 0.60 0.48 0.39 0.30 0.49 0.24 0.30 0.60

10 0.59

17 0.33

16 0.53

5 0.64

4 0.40

11 0.28

14 0.38

12

42

59

0.30 0.50 0.33 0.17 0.22 0.35 0.16 0.15 0.56

11 0.45

21 0.30

17 0.34

12 0.43

12 0.22

24 0.17

23 0.19

26

A20

Is an audio version, a sign language translation and a plain language version of the Convention available on an official state website, in all official languages of the country?

CRPD

14

B1

Do public authorities in your country have obligations/rules to include functional accessibility requirements in ICT and built environment public procurement procedures?

Procurement

11

46

59

0.29 0.40 0.36 0.32 0.11 0.33 0.13 0.20 0.42

20 0.35

24 0.28

18 0.32

18 0.36

19 0.35

13 0.17

24 0.32

16

B2

Is there a legal requirement for public sector bodies websites and websites of publicly available services in your country to be accessible to all persons with disabilities?

ICT

13

28

73

0.24 0.32 0.28 0.22 0.13 0.25 0.17 0.25 0.31

28 0.33

19 0.28

19 0.22

28 0.43

13 0.21

26 0.12

30 0,14

27

B3

In public services related to social security benefits, are the communication and delivery of the service accessible to all persons with disabilities?

Services

57

53

0.30 0.38 0.40 0.22 0.23 0.33 0.20 0.23 0.50

16 0.40

22 0.28

24 0.30

21 0.29

24 0.31

19 0.25

17 0.20

25

ICT

76

41

0.34 0.45 0.30 0.28 0.34 0.38 0.27 0.14 0.44

18 0.35

31 0.22

27 0.33

15 0.43

14 0.31

20 0.35

8 0.32

17

40

69

0.25 0.52 0.20 0.13 0.17 0.26 0.30 0.09 0.38

25 0.15

6 0.19

28 0.28

24 0.36

20 0.19

28 0.20

20 0.09

30

B4

In your country, are accessible broadcasting services (TV and radio programmes) readily available to all persons with disabilities?

B5

In your city, are accessible private taxi transportation services (reservation systems and vehicles) readily available to all persons with disabilities?

Transport

10

B6

Is there reliable information about the accessibility of tourism, sport and leisure services and facilities in your city?

Personal
Rights

13

68

36

0.40 0.46 0.43 0.27 0.44 0.43 0.17 0.45 0.50

17 0.60

23 0.19

23 0.33

16 0.29

25 0.43

8 0.45

5 0.36

13

B7

Are your country main emergency phone lines (police, firemen, ambulance) accessible to all persons with disabilities?

Emergency

14

52

52

0.34 0.52 0.32 0.27 0.26 0.36 0.27 0.27 0.53

14 0.35

30 0.25

25 0.35

11 0.21

29 0.34

15 0.28

15 0.23

23

B8

Do ICT university students receive mandatory training modules about inclusive design solutions?

Curriculum

35

80

0.17 0.21 0.15 0.17 0.13 0.20 0.03 0.10 0.21

31 0.17

25 0.22

20 0.25

27 0.14

31 0.13

32 0.10

31 0.14

28

B9

Do architects and engineers receive mandatory training modules about inclusive design solutions?

Curriculum

49

56

0.29 0.37 0.31 0.29 0.23 0.31 0.20 0.27 0.33

26 0.33

20 0.28

29 0.32

19 0.29

26 0.30

21 0.25

18 0.32

18

B10

In your country, is the information about banking services (i.e. bank accounts, loans, mortgages) accessible to all persons with disabilities?

Services

58

56

0.28 0.43 0.30 0.17 0.22 0.31 0.19 0.14 0.41

21 0.40

27 0.17

26 0.28

25 0.36

21 0.16

31 0.18

22 0.45

61

52

0.31 0.43 0.23 0.31 0.28 0.32 0.28 0.32 0.41

22 0.30

7 0.22

4 0.43

10 0.43

15 0.19

29 0.33

9 0.09

31

61

30

0.49 0.71 0.50 0.41 0.36 0.52 0.43 0.32 0.68

6 0.60

32 0.56

32 0.48

8 0.57

6 0.38

12 0.37

7 0.64

B11

In your country, are accessible ATMs (cash dispensing machines) readily available to all persons with disabilities?

Services

B12

In your country, are accessible mobile phone handsets readily available to all persons with disabilities?

Services

28

Explanations: A1 to A20; B1 to B12: Number of the questions in Questionnaire A and Questionnaire B; Coeff: Coefficient (1,0: maximum - all respondents answer with "yes", 0,0: minimum: all
respondents answer with "no"; Y: Yes, YwQ: Yes with Qualifications; N: No; NA: not answered; UN CRPD: R - ratified; S - signed, N - not signed; Human Development Index: 1: countries with very

24

high development, 2: countries with high development, 3: countries with medium development; 4: countries with low development; CEE: Central and Eastern Europe (inlcuding some EU countries);
Northern American countries are not covered in"Regions and Continents" because the sample of respondents was too small to analyze; Rank: Rank of all 32 questions by coefficient within the region/
continent

25

KEY FINDINGS

SOCIAL INDICATORS

Coming in last: Emergency issues

Where wealth and welfare are not dominant

Looking at the Zero Project 'Spiderweb' that aggregates all
countries according to the HDI, and all 32 questions into 13
topics of the UN CRPD, what are the most interesting results
to look at?

The three questions related to the UN CRPD itself (A18 to

A20) result in the most equal answers: HDI 1 to HDI 3 countries have almost similar indicators on average, and the gap
between them and HDI 4 countries is comparatively small.

Looking at the questions individually, there are some findings that reverse the above-mentioned trend regarding HDI
1 countries. The impressive but expected results related to
the decrease in employment of persons with disabilities in

When it comes to Transport, Built Environment, but also Public

Procurement, the gap to the least developed countries is biggest, i.e. in these areas they are lagging behind the most.

ZERO PROJECT 'SPIDERWEB': Where the Highly developed Countries differ most, and where they do
not differ From The less developed COuntries

PD

0.70
0.60

Da

0.50

ta

IC

0.40
0.30

In this graph, the countries of

the world have been aggregated
according to the Human Development Index, and the questions
grouped into 13 topics, covering
the different topics of the UN
CRPD. It shows in which topics
the highly developed countries
differ most from those with lower
development, and where they do
not really differ.

0.20
Curriculum

HDI 1 and HDI 2 countries are apparently very close together

in the implementation of the UN CRPD when it comes to
Independent Living, Employment, Curriculums and Transport.
In the Built Environment, HDI 1 countries are even lagging
slightly behind HDI 2 countries.

Services

0.10
0.00

Em

erg

enc

Ind

epe

nde

nce

Key to questionnaire
responses

em
ur
oc

loym
Emp

ent

ht

Pr

rig

HDI Countries 2

ation

HDI Countries 1

al

0.00 * No

on

0.50 * Yes, with qualifications

rs

en

Pe

0.70 * Yes

Educ

Lower map on the left: Question A4 indicates

that in a case of emergency persons with disabilities will still be left behind as there are no
special warning systems in place that reach all.

AnalySing the individual questions:

Europe's unemployment problem

Where the 'POoR' are left behind

Analysing the 'Spiderweb' graph, there is apparently a correlation between the status of implementation (shown by the lines
being more on the outer/greener area of the spiderweb) and
the HDI (shown by the differently coloured lines). This is not
really surprising. Consequently, what is surprising is the fact
that this correlation is disrupted in several instances, meaning
that the Human Development of a country (or wealth, to put it
more bluntly) is not the only deciding factor.

Upper map on the left: Question A6 indicates

that in most countries there is no legal discrimination of the law (any more) regarding the right
to marry or to have children.

Please note: the graph should not be analysed by comparing the aggregated indicators. It must not be concluded, for
example, that education is better implemented than, say,
transport.

CR

If personal rights have a good score, there are particularly dispiriting results on emergency issues: 89 out of the 130 countries surveyed replied with an overwhelming 'No' to the accessibility of the states early warning systems (question A4);
only 7 countries replied 'Yes' (Bangladesh, Jordan, St. Vincent
and the Grenadines, Nicaragua, St. Lucia, UK and USA) but

But more importantly, the Zero Project research has also

found an inspiring example of how to improve the situation:
the easy-to-understand, accessible evacuation manual for
tsunamis and heavy rain disasters in DAISY multimedia format
for persons with intellectual disabilities created by ATDO in
Japan (page 128).

most equal: the UN CRPD itself

But although the figures offer positive results, it is also necessary to take into account the additional comments made
by questionnaire respondents, as they often show a different
perspective or highlight additional concerns. For instance,
regarding access to justice, it may be true that sign language
is officially recognised in court, but - quoting one comment 'it is very unusual that the interpreter is paid directly by the
state'.

HDI 1 countries have distinctly better results than all other

countries in only 2 themes of the UN CRPD: ICT and Data
Availability. In ICT HDI 3 and HDI 4 countries are at the same
- extremely low - level.

or

As the key statistics included in the previous pages show, and

looking at them at a glance, there are encouraging positive
answers to question A9 about matters relating to marriage,
family, parenthood and relationships, which has the best coefficient in the research for all respondents: 0.78.

looking at the additional comments, the answer is closer to

'Yes, with qualifications' in all those countries. The situation is
not much better for emergency phone lines (question B7), as
only 14 out of 130 countries replied positively and most of the
'qualified yes' responses reflect a clear lack of accessibility for
persons with hearing impairments.

Analysing the questions on personal rights, HDI 4 countries

(predominantly sub-Saharan African countries) rank as a
clear No. 3, doing much better here than HDI 3 countries. All
of these results seem to be worth analysing in detail, which
exceeds the data made available by the Zero Project.

sp

Personal rights are in the lead

Personal rights: 'Poor' countries At THEIR best

Tra
n

In this section of the Zero Project Report the most outstanding findings of the Social Indicators are covered. For
detailed analysis of questions or countries, please visit the Zero Project website www.zeroproject.org

ICT and Data: a fortress of Highly Developed

Countries

Built environment

Key findings of the Social Indicators

HDI Countries 3
HDI Countries 4
* Coefficient

26

27

KEY FINDINGS

SOCIAL INDICATORS

2012/13, where the coefficient of positive answers is only

slightly higher than HDI 4 countries (0.27 vs 0.22), but lower
than in HDI 2 and HDI 3 countries.
It seems to be quite legitimate to explain this deviation as
a result of the economic crisis. In contrast to this, there is
a good performance of countries in Asia and of Central and
Eastern European countries.
Regarding state allowances towards independent living (question A7), the situation seems to be directly related to the type
of welfare system of the country under consideration. Similar

to the results on employment, the EU is depicted at the same

level as Central and Eastern Europe - effects that can also
be linked to the austerity measures and cuts made by EU
governments amongst other reasons as a consequence of the
financial crisis.
Armenia should be mentioned here as a very positive example
of a state that is promoting programmes such as vocational
training, even contributing up to 50 percent of salaries, and
supporting the accessibility of workplaces. The bad news:
most of these Armenian programmes are only in place for one
or two years, according to commentators.

Emergency

ll

ac

Independence

ur

ce

ss

Personal rights

ib

Education

Pu
b
ce re lic
ss qu we
ib
le ired bsit
es
to
t
al o b
Acc
lB e
ess
2
ible
pri
tax
va
i
a va s e r v t e
ilab ices
le B
5
Legal
time
frame
for ac
cessib
ility o
all bu
f
ilding
s A2
ac

Data
Employment
CRPD
Procurement
ICT
Services
Curriculum

0.60
0.50
0.40
0.30

0.00

All countries
* Coefficient

28

ve

rs
Mu
io
av n s l t i m
o
e
ai
la f C dia
bl
e RPD
Acc
A2
ess
0
m
i
sec ation ble in
uri
fo
on
ty
s o c rben
efit ial
B3
Incre
ase in
emplo
of pe
ymen
rsons
t
w
ties la ith disabil
s t ye
ar A1
5

Central and Eastern Europe

g
l
in
ia
liv
nc r
na fo nt
Fi rt de
r
o n
7
fo
A pp pe
ds is- ons
ar
i
su de
gu th d itut
in
i
t
fe
Sa s w ins
n
A8 rso s in
ie
pe
ilit
ab
ible
ess io
e
d
Acc
abl
B 4 n d r a a va i l
a
ms
TV
g ra
pro
ency
merg
B7 E
s
e line
phon
to all
sible
acces

European Union

A13 Accommodation
in the work-place
required by law

A11
Altern
ative
testin
g me
thods
stude
for
nts a
vailab
le
A1
4A
dat
va i
l
a
and on e able
du
em
plo catio
B6
ym
n
ent
on In
f
to acc orm
ur
ism ess atio
ib
n
av i l i t
ai y o
la
bl f
e

B11 Accessible
ATMs
available

0.00 * No

CRPD
A19
ints
c a l Po
Fo
lled
insta

0.10

on
ata ith
le d
w
lab ons
7
i
Ava pers es A1
all biliti
sa
di
ire
qu lic
re pub 1
y
B
ilit in nt
e
sib ts
ng
es men rem
c
ni re
cu
Ac
ai tu 9
ro
p
tr c B
y ite s
or h nt
at arc de
d
u
an of st
M

0.50 * Yes, with qualifications

le
sib
le
es e
cc hon ilab
A p
va
12 ile s a
B b et
o
m nds
ha
ity
ibil
oss
5 P tial
A
p
shi
par
of rdian
a
gu

0.20

inforsible
g
Acces
bankin
n on
10
matio
ices B
serv

0.90 * Yes

0.80
0.70

Available data on person

with disabilities living
in institutions A16

Key to questionnaire
responses

0.90

All 32 questions ranked

by approval of worldwide
experts; a line farther
away from the (red)
centre indicates higher
approval rates

A1
Acc
for
ess
a
din ll ne ibilty
w
gs
req buil
uir
A1
ed
or 8 U
ga
m
ex
ist nisa bre
ll
t
in
A
g ion a
an
of 6 S
d
re fic ig
fu
co ia n
nd
ed
gn lly lan
gu
is
ed
ag
e

Transport

A10
Inclu
sive
prima
ry ed
ucatio
mand
n
atory

Built environment

early
gency
Emer
stem
ing sy A4
wa r n
to all
sible
acces
ry
ato
nd ICT
Ma
f
g o B8
ts
inin
t ra
den
stu
y
sit h
er
iv wit
un es
12
on at s A
ta adu tie
ic
Da gr bili
bl rt
sa
pu o
di
n nsp A3
ll
ba a
tr o a
t
le

Key to colours for

question categories

A9 Same rights as
others to marriage
and children

Zero Project graph EUROPE: THE UN CRPD iN THE EU COMPAred to CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE

Map 1 on question A13 shows that in most EU countries

the employment level of persons with disability has decreased

Graph. 1

Map 2 on accommodation in the workplace (A15) shows

that the Asian countries, the 'workbench' of the world, are
particularly worse off

AccomModation IN the Workplace: The 'Workbench of the World' is less accessible

Looking at the question on accommodation in the workplace
(question A13), it is remarkable that Central and Eastern
Europe is, again, performing better than EU countries. Central
America is clearly taking the lead in terms of accommodation
in the workplace (second position after CEE). On the downside, Asias score is far below average.

Graph 2

Connecting this fact to the huge presence of the worldwide

manufacturing industry in Asia means that accommodation
in the workplace is consequently a much bigger issue than in
other regions of the world. This reveals a big problem related
to globalisation that has not been sufficiently tackled so far.
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION is not mainstreameD in
Belgium and Finland
In most of the countries all children receive education within
the mainstream educational system especially in HDI 1 to HDI
3 countries. Only 13 out of 130 countries surveyed gave a
clear 'No' including three EU countries (Belgium, Greece and
the UK).

Graph 3

From the comments a remarkable situation can be seen in

Belgium where children are normally not integrated in the
mainstream education system but in a system of special education that is not particularly inclusive. Even worse, schools
have the right to refuse disabled children. The situation in
Finland is similar: instead of 'special schools' children are segregated in 'special classes'. The situation in HDI 4 countries
is generally bad and probably related both to the non-compulsory primary education and to the relatively high rate of
illiteracy in those countries.

Graph . 4

The comparison of maps 3 and 4 show that accessibility

has mostly not entered curricula of universities; but it also
shows that the situation in architecture (map 3, question
B9) is slightly better than in ICT (map 4, question B8).
29

KEY FINDINGS

SOCIAL INDICATORS

Architecture students are better trained than

ICT students

Not even one capital city in the world can be

travelled without barriers

While the results on primary education are good, the opposite

is the case for the presence in university of training modules
about inclusive design solutions, probably related to the fact
that, in many countries, laws on the accessibility of the built
environment exist but are not taken as a priority and not
sufficiently enforced. In any case, the situation is still better
for architects and engineers than for ICT professionals, where
only two countries replied with a clear 'Yes'.

As the Draft Comment on Art. 9 - issued in 2013 by the UN

CRPD Committee - states, access to the physical environment
and public transport is a pre-condition for freedom of movement for persons with disabilities. Therefore persons with
disabilities are prevented from enjoying some of their basic
rights, such as the right to seek employment or to health care,
by the lack of accessible transport and built environment.
In terms of quantitative results, the situation is particularly
dramatic, as shown by the very low coefficient for question
A3 on the accessibility of urban public transports: not a single

Emergency

ll

ac

Independence

ur

ce

ss

Personal rights

ib

Education

Pu
b
ce re lic
ss qu we
ib
le ired bsit
es
to
t
al o b
Acc
lB e
ess
2
ibl
tax e priv
i
a
a va s e r v t e
ilab ices
le B
5
Legal
time
frame
for ac
cessib
ility o
all bu
f
ilding
s A2
ac

Data
Employment
CRPD
Procurement
ICT
Services
Curriculum

0.60
0.50
0.40
0.30
0.20
0.10

* Coefficient

30

ve

rs
Mu
io
av n s l t i m
o
e
ai
la f C dia
bl
e RPD
Acc
A2
ess
0
m
i
sec ation ble in
uri
fo
on
ty
s o c rben
efit ial
B3
Incre
ase in
emplo
of pe
ymen
rsons
t
w
ties la ith disabil
s t ye
ar A1
5

HDI Countries 4

g
l
in
ia
liv
nc r
na fo nt
Fi rt de
r
o n
7
fo
A pp pe
ds is- ons
ar
i
su de
gu th d itut
in
i
t
fe
Sa s w ins
n
A8 rso s in
ie
pe
ilit
ab
ible
ess io
e
d
Acc
abl
B 4 n d r a a va i l
a
ms
TV
g ra
pro
ency
merg
B7 E
s
e line
phon
to all
sible
acces

HDI Countries 3

A13 Accommodation
in the work-place
required by law

A11
Altern
ative
testin
g me
thods
stude
for
nts a
vailab
le
A1
4A
dat
va i
l
a
and on e able
du
em
plo catio
B6
ym
n
ent
on In
ac form
to
ur ce
ism ss atio
ib
n
av i l i t
ai y o
la
bl f
e

B11 Accessible
ATMs
available

HDI Countries 2

le
sib
le
es e
cc hon ilab
A
2 e p a va
B1 bil ets
o
m nds
ha
ity
ibil
oss
5 P tial
A
p
shi
par
of rdian
ua
g

CRPD
A19
ts
l Poin
Foca
lled
insta

0.00

inforsible
g
Acces
bankin
n on
0
matio
es B1
servic
n
ao
dat ith
ble ns w 7
ila
o
Ava pers es A1
all biliti
a
dis
ire
qu lic
re pub 1
y
B
ilit s in nt
ib
e
ss ent em
ng
ce m ur
Key to questionnaire
ni re
Ac
oc
ai u
responses
pr
tr ect B9
ry it ts
to rch en
da f a ud
0.90 * Yes
an o st
M
0.50 * Yes, with qualifications

HDI Countries 1

0.80
0.70

Available data on person

with disabilities living
in institutions A16

0.00 * No

0.90

This graph shows where the gap between the countries with the highest
and lowest human development is
particurlarly big, where it is smaller
and where there is no gap at all

A1
Acc
for
ess
a
din ll ne ibilty
w
gs
req buil
uir
A1
ed
or 8 U
ga
m
ex
ist nisa bre
ll
t
in
A
g ion a
6
an
of
S
d
re fic ig
fu
co ia n
nd
ed
gn lly lan
gu
is
ed
ag
e

Transport

A10
Inclu
sive
prima
ry ed
ucatio
mand
n
atory

Built environment

early
gency
Emer
stem
ing sy A4
wa r n
to all
sible
acces
ry
ato
nd ICT
Ma
f
g o B8
ts
inin
t ra
den
stu
y
sit h
er
iv wit
un es
12
on at s A
ta adu tie
ic
Da gr bili
bl rt
sa
pu o
di
n nsp A3
ll
ba a
tr o a
t
le

Key to colours for

question categories

A9 Same rights as
others to marriage
and children

Human Development INdex GRAPH: Ratifying the UN CRPD iN THE Countries with the Highest VERSUS
the lowest Development

Map 1 shows that the world map is almost completely red

when it comes to the accessibility of urban transport systems

Graph 1

Map 2 shows that the Arab countries in particular are lacking

door-to-door services

clear 'Yes' was given. Also, as a general remark from the additional comments, most public transport is accessible only for
people with physical disabilities. Still, Innovative Policies from
South Africa and Indonesia (pages 124 and 136) demonstrate
that even outside HDI 1 countries it is possibile to improve the
situation substantially.
From additional comments it can be seen that accessible buses exist mostly in the capital or biggest cities in the country.
Therefore the situation is not only critical in HDI 4 countries
(see graph 6, coefficient 0.10) but rural areas in other parts of
the world are also lagging behind.

Graph 2

Another critical factor was mentioned by commentators: many

accessibility solutions have to be activated by a third person, so that devices cannot be used independently (Norway,
Finland, Australia, Russia and South Africa). Other comments
deplore the lack of training of transport operators which often
leads to situations of discrimination and harassment (especially by bus drivers refusing to take persons with disabilities
on board).

Graph 3

Door-to-Door-Services: SoutH America and EU

in the lead, Arab countries trailing
In HDI 1 countries, normally private door-to door services are
provided which fill the gaps in public transportation, but they
lack flexibility in comparison to the public transport system;
furthermore those services are not affordable to all as only
in a few countries are these services provided by the government.
The availability of private transport services (B5) appears to
be particularly critical in the Arab world (coefficient 0.09), but
also results from Central and Eastern Europe as well as South
America (coefficient 0.19) are discouraging.

Graph 4

Even more importantly, Innovative Practices can be found

here, as the system established by the Association of Youth
with Disabilities in Montenegro to transport university students
shows (page 83).
Map 3 shows that Central & Eastern Europe are doing quite
well in the accessibility of newly constructed buildings (A1)
Legally binding time frames for public buildings to made accessibile exist in only very few countries (A2, map 4)
31

KEY FINDINGS

SOCIAL INDICATORS

Arab and African countries lag

behind in the accessibility of
publicly available website (question B2)

When it comes to the availability of accessible

mobile phones, the Zero Project Social Indicators
show that the digital divide is wide open

Central and Eastern Europe STANDS out with

newly constructed buildings
Regarding newly constructed buildings (question A1) the
situation in HDI 1 to 3 countries is very similar: legal systems
are in place in most of the countries (only 25 of 130 countries

Emergency
Transport
Built environment

ac

Independence
Emergency
Transport
Personal rights
Independence
Emergency
Education
Personal rights
Independence

All countries
South America
* Coefficient
All countries
* Coefficient
* Coefficient

32

ve ve ve
rs rs rs
Mu
io io t Mul Mu
ns ns io s
av av alvimntim ltim
e
ai aof aof d ofed ed
la ilaC ila Cia Cia ia
bl blRP blR R
e e D ePD PD
Acc Ac Ac
A2 A A2
2
e ce ce
m mssmssibssib 0 0 0
i a
l
sec seatson tible iio le in e in
i ea ont n
cur o noo fo fo
uri cur on
ity nf srn s r- rty ity s
ben be oce oci oci
b
n in
efit efialefial al
t t
B3 B3 B3
IncrIncre cre
In
ease ase ase
in
of pof pofin e in ployelo ploy
pe
erson so rm emp m n e me
ers n son me m n n
y
s ws w
with ith ith t t t
d b dis
ties tla sties laisadisabilabil
ies la
ilt yst yst yea - ear ear A r A
A15 15 15

All countries
South America
Central America

0.90

0.90
0.80
0.90
0.80
0.70
0.80
0.70
0.60
0.70
0.60
0.50
0.60
0.50
0.40
0.50
0.40
0.30
0.40
0.30
0.20
0.30
0.20
0.10
0.20
0.10
0.00
0.10
0.00
0.00

le
sib
le
es ne
cc hoble ilab
i a
A ps v
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le
2
l ce on
B1 bice ehsble ilab
o A s st i v
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m
ic
B1 hanle ehs n ilia y
Ac t o a l t
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m l dsp svbi
12 ane osa i
i Pts
B hb 5 e
o
al lity
m Ads pastiibi ship
n f o r s an
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i
haA5 P rdialility
p
a tb
gu assi shi
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A5 uardial PDp
rt R
a9 Cnshi
gp
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Po
a
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Fo C
A 9 alled ts
st l Poin
in
FocaCRPD
A19talled ts
ins Poin
Focal Accommodation
A13
talled
in sthe work-place
A13 Accommodation
required by law
in the work-place
A13 Accommodation
required by law
in the work-place
A11
Alter
by law
terequired native
Asting me
1
t
stud1 Alternhods fo
testents a ative r
A1 ing m vailab
s 1 A ethodsle
A1ttudentlternative for
e
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i
s for
A a den l s
l
and14oA e tabae aila
n
ble
dat e vadu v
A1 mp ilacat
ao
n
B6 ad d 4 A loymbleion
n
e veduc n
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on In ata mpl ailabatt
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Ba anfd r on e ym le ion
to 6cc o e
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ur
m
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e
t
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to Bsmc orm ion me on
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rb
n
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l nlg g g
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F
Fi rti Fe t
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d d i ii
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f
w n
Sa Saw Sainss iw s ins
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A onA s r o i
A8 rs8 rs8 inss nn s in
e ie
pe pe ie ei
lt
ilit ipi ilit
ab ab ab sible ible ible
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o
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Acc Acadiradio blieableable
l
4 A a ra d l
B4 B4 dBrnd and iaaaiavail
an a V a vs v
s
TV TV amramrams
T
gr g g
pro pro pro
ce y
gengy nc ency
Emermer erg
B7 B7 E 7eEm s es
B s e
ne e ll
ne lin lin lin ll
phophophono ato ato all
t
s s
sibleible ible
ac ac
acces ces ces

0.00 No
0.50 * Yes, with qualifications
Central America
0.00 * No
South America
Central America

ac

B11 Accessible
B11 Accessible
B11 Accessible
ATMs
ATMs ATMs
available
available
available

Pu
b
ce rP lic
q
ss eub we
ac
ib uliire bs
Employment
Data
Education
le
ce rP
eq c w
ss u to d eo ites
t
u
bi
a
i
b
CRPD
Employment
Data
Acccce ble lirald sit
r
ce l B be
t
ss equo weo es
ess
t
ilb
al 2
Procurement
CRPD
Employment
Acc t ib elep ired bsbte
lB ie
ri
a
essxi
tova to
2 s
i
ICT
Procurement
CRPD
Acc at a blservicalte be
v i e
l
esaxliab prives B2
sib see ate
l B
Services
ICT
Procurement
a va l e r v 5
c
tax la priives
i b
Legal
i
a
Curriculum
Services
ICT
time selrvB5te
ava fr e
for ac
a ic
cessibilablme es
Legal
Curriculum
Services
timeility e B5
o
framf
foall c uild
r b
Lea alessings A e
gc
Curriculum
ibility 2
a b t
of
for ll c uilime frame
a cesdings
sib
A2
all b on ility o
Available data uild person f
ings A
2
with disabilities living
Available data on person
in disabilities living
institutions A16
with
Available data on person
in institutions A16
with disabilities living
inforsible
in institutions A16
g
Acces
r
bankinon le info10
a cc n
B
mAtioessib ices king
s e r v b a n rn on le info 10
at ce
B
mAcio ssib ices king n
serv banata o
n on
d 10ith
matio
ice B o
ble s nsaw n 7
selrv
ia
1
r o t At
Ava peesdaeswinh
l
i
all b i itns o
aila absloata A17 er
Av dis ee d eswithir
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A rb
se
Ava dipa rs esre 1piue- 1
y
c
all biliitiit en u ntliB
l
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r
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r
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i n qup
n n c
c
i s
cr
Ac ssib oytu e me b ain g r 9
u
1 u
pri n n p t r e nt
ce mlet rie ny tB nic reB
Key to questionnaire
i s
e
Ac sib ocu
aiit t ts
g
r
s pent emtor trh nnu 9
responses
c
ce m ur a yrc tdie reB
Key to questionnaire
a i ne s
c d
Ac
o sa c n t
ro an tofr tchu etu 9
rt
responses
p M a
B
Key to questionnaire
ar te
d ry iud ts
0.90 * Yes
t
o
responses
an tof csh n
M da ar de
0.50 * Yes, with qualifications
0.90 Yes
u
an of st
M
0.00 No
0.50 Yes,
0.90 * Yes with qualifications

Data
Education
Personal rights

This graph shows how the Americas are doing compared to the
world average and compared to
each other; not sufficent data for
Northern America was available

A10 10 10
AI A
In In
nclu clu clu
primaim rimivesivesive
pr pa s a
ry ry ry
mandan edueatioatioation
c
m a mandc dueduc n
d y at n
toratory ory
A1 A1 A1
Ac A Ac
for for cescces ces
fo
all llrsab sib sib
l
din din nan nie lilny ilty ilty
di
gs gsew s wt b w b
gb e
req req uelq ui uil
r
- A1 A A1 uireuiireuirle 8 18
or or U or U 8 U d d d
ga ga gam m
m
ex exn exn b n b b
i
i
is issa issre isre re
ti at a a a
i
A A tAng ting tinlilo tlilo lla
6o 6o 6 a on g a n
n
of
nd and nd
S S
i
re fic ffig ffiic Sig fu f
re rc g
f
ic ein in n
co ao co a
n un un
a
gn llg lllg llan lan ded ded ded
y a
y y
is nis nigu gu gu
ed e sea a a
d dg g g
e e e

question categories
Key to colours for
Built environment
question categories
Transport
Built environment

ly ly
r
y ly r
c e ea ea ear
gengy nc ency
E E erg sys em
Emermermsystemtsystem
ning ing g
warwarn arnin 4 A4 A4
w
oA o
to atll all all
s s
sibleible ible t
ac ac
acces ces ces
ry ry ry
ato ato to
nd nd aT daT T
I n
Ma Ma f MC f IC f IC
gogogo8 8
n n B8 B
inin inintis ints ts B
e
tra tradtraden den
s t u s t u s t u ity ity ty
s s si
er erhv i rh h
iv iv it iwet 2it
w
un un n 2 w 2
e
es us1 es1 1
a a
on on t nt A at A A
a ato s t u s i s
ie
ta atadurtadu lidie tiec ic ic
Da Dgr Da ili gria bili bl rbl rbl rt
t
gb b
ut
sa sa a u o ou o
di di dis p p p
s
s A3 s 3
n nn p nnp Ap A3
l
l
a b
ba rba aala aaln ll
ur utr otr totr o a
lt u
t
ll ll
A A lAl le le
e
ib ib ib
ss ss ss
ce cce cce
a a

Key to colours for

question categories
Key to colours for

A9 A9 A9rights as as as
Same Same rights
Same rights
others othersmarriage
to to to marriage
othersmarriage
andandand children
children
children

ZERO PROJECT GRAPH AMERICAs: THE UN CRPD iN South America compared to Central America

answered 'No') and only the less developed ones are lagging
behind.
Central and Eastern Europe stands out here, even in comparison to EU countries, where a staggering coefficient of 0.82 is
among the highest of all regions in all 32 questions. There is
no clear explanation given by experts, but it may be related
to the fact that many public buildings are built using funding
by the European Union and International Development Banks,
where funding is often dependent on building according to
accessibility standards.
Comments from several HDI 2 to HDI 4 countries indicate that
governments are putting almost no effort into implementing
an accessibility policy for public buildings (e.g. the experts
from Afghanistan). Even more encouraging are those Innovative Policies that prove that it can also work for countries with
low human development, like Uganda (page 140).
Another frequent observation by the respondents is that
accessibility is mainly for persons with physical disabilities and
related only to governmental buildings.
Legal time frames still missing in most countries
In addition, in 88 out of the 130 countries there is no legal
time frame for existing buildings to be made publicly accessible. The situation is particularly worrying in HDI 4 countries,
especially Arab countries (coefficient 0.12) and Africa (coefficient 0.15). In comparison to this, again the CEE countries are
performing much better (coefficient 0.50!).
The digital divide is wide open, and it is not
only A matter of Costs
Together with transportation and the built environment, ensuring full access to information, communication and services
open or provided to the public is indeed a vital pre-condition
for effective enjoyment of many rights covered by the CRPD.
Regarding ICT (questions B2 and B4), there is a big gap
between HDI 1 countries and the others. As mentioned, ICT is
more closely related to economic development and wealth. On
the other hand, ICT in particular is in many cases not a question of affordability but of political will (e.g. defining standards
for software and hardware). In todays world, being excluded

the HUMAN DEVELOPMENT INDEX (HDI) and its

four Subgroups of Countries: HDI 1 to HDI 4
All 130 countries that are covered by the Social Indicators
have been grouped according to the system of the Human
Development Index. 'Very highly developed countries' (HDI
1 countries) include most OECD countries and countries
that are also in the 'rich lists' in terms of e.g. GDP per capita. Countries with low human development (HDI 4 countries), on the other end of the scale, include most of the
poorest countries in the word, with the majority of them
in sub-Saharan Africa. 'Highly developed countries' (HDI 2
countries) are dominated by Central America, Central Asia
and Central & Eastern European countries, while countries
with medium human development (HDI 3 countries) represent a mix of all continents outside Europe.
Red Lights, Green Lights and Coefficients
How are the coefficients calculated?
- Every respondent of the Zero Project Questionnaires
answered with either a 'Green Light' (coefficient 1.0),
'Orange Light' (coefficient 0.5) or 'Red Light'
oefficient 0.0).
c
- When there was more than one respondent per country,
an average coefficient per country was calculated.
- All country coefficients per country per region (or by HDI,
or by CRPD) were calculated as a simple average of the
country coefficients.
- Only coefficients per regions were analysed and published

33

SOCIAL INDICATORS

KEY FINDINGS
Accessibility is rarely a mandatory part of public procurement rules, as shown by the upper graph (question
B1)
The lower map shows that financial suppport for independent living is still centred in Europe.

website does not comply with the standards (Denmark, Luxembourg, Uganda, India and Moldova). As the graph shows,
Arab countries results are particularly poor on web accessibility.

over those keen to win contracts and therefore is a very powerful tool to create an accessible market for both goods and
services.

and in this case accessibility can be considered a result of the

good implementation of proceedings in many other fields such
as the physical environment, transportation, information and
communication, and services. In quantitative terms, the first
remarkable result is the big gap between HDI 1 and 2 countries and HDI 3 and 4 countries on the other side, especially in
terms of financial support and safeguards (A7 and A8).

HDI 1 countries get the best coefficients, but there is not a

big difference between HDI 2 and HDI 3. Only HDI 4 countries
are lagging behind substantially. Results for South America
and Central America seem to paint a comparatively positive
picture, as there the coefficient is almost the same as for the
countries of the European Union (0.35/0.36 versus 0.42).

Comments from respondents clearly show that independent

living is considered a priority issue for several HDI 1 countries (e.g. Ireland, UK). On the other hand, the Americas and
sub-Saharan African regions are scoring well below the world
average. In some countries (e.g. Cambodia) matters related
to independent living are carried out by NGOs instead of the
government.

Employment
CRPD
ICT
Services
Curriculum

0.80
0.70
0.60
0.50
0.40
0.30

0.10

All countries

A13 Accommodation
in the work-place
required by law

A11
Altern
ative
testin
g me
thods
stude
for
nts a
vailab
le
A1
4
dat Ava
il
a
and on e able
duc
em
a
plo
B6
ym tion
ent
on In
fo
to acc rm
ur
ism ess atio
ib
n
av i l i t
ai y o
la
bl f
e

B11 Accessible
ATMs
available

Arabic-speaking countries

rs
Mu
io
av n s l t i m
o
e
ai
la f C dia
bl
e RPD
Acc
A2
ess
0
m
i
sec ation ble in
uri
for
on
ty
ben soci
efit al
B3
Incre
ase in
emplo
of pe
ymen
rsons
t
w
ties la ith disabil
s t ye
ar A1
5

inforsible
Acces
nking
on ba
n
B10
matio
rvices
se
on
ata ith
le d
w
ilab sons
17
Ava per
sA
all bilitie
a
dis
ire
qu lic
re pub 1
y
B
ilit in nt
ib ts
e
g
n
ss
m
in
ce me ure
in re
c
Ac
ro
ra c t u B 9
p
t
y ite s
or h nt
at arc de
d
u
an of st
M

0.50 * Yes, with qualifications

Sub-Saharan Africa

0.00

ve

0.90 * Yes

CRPD
A19
oints
ocal P
F
lled
insta

g
l
in
ia
liv
nc r
na fo nt
Fi rt de
r
o n
7
fo
A pp pe
ds is- ons
ar
i
su de
gu th d itut
in
i
t
fe
Sa s w ins
n
A8 rso s in
ie
pe
ilit
ab
ible
ess io
e
d
Acc
abl
B 4 n d r a a va i l
a
ms
TV
g ra
pro
ency
merg
B7 E
s
e line
phon
to all
sible
acces

Key to questionnaire
responses

le
ib
ss
le
ce one lab
i
Ac h
2 e p a va
B1 bil ets
o
m nds
y
ha
ilit
sib
Po s
A5 artial hip
s
p
of rdian
a
gu

0.20

Available data on person

with disabilities living
in institutions A16

* Coefficient

34

Pu
b
ce re lic
ss qu we
ib
le ired bsit
es
to
t
al o b
Acc
lB e
ess
2
ibl
tax e priv
i
a
a va s e r v t e
ilab ices
le B
5
Legal
time
frame
for ac
cessib
ility o
all bu
f
ilding
s A2
ac

Data

This graph shows how the subSaharan African countries are doing
compared to Arab countries and the
worldwide averages

A1
Acc
for
ess
a
din ll ne ibilty
w
gs
req buil
uir
A1
ed
or 8 U
ga
m
ex
ist nisa bre
ll
t
in
A
g ion a
6
an
o
S
d
re ffic ig
fu
co ia n
nd
ed
gn lly lan
gu
is
ed
ag
e

Education

0.00 * No

The incorporation of accessibility standards into procurement

processes has the potential to exert considerable influence

early
gency
Emer
stem
ing sy A4
wa r n
to all
sible

PUBLIC PROCUREMENT: lotS of unused potential

ur

But as Innovative Practices show, some banks are intensively

working on accessibility issues, and being able to provide accessible solutions that really work (pages 55 and 100).

0.90

ib

Barrier-free ATMs and online banking are currently just in the

beginning stages in many countries and still not readily available to all persons with disabilities (Austria, Honduras, Russia,
South Africa, UK, Benin, Chile, Jamaica, Moldova and Peru).
Staff still lack training (e.g. Norway) and in some countries
only the biggest banks are paying attention (Australia, USA,
Spain, Jordan). Most of the accessible services are located in
the capital city (e.g. Uganda). In some HDI 4 countries accessible ATMs are not available at all.

ll

Personal rights

Procurement

Financial Services: Only in its beginnings

acces

Independence

ry
ato T
nd
Ma of IC
g
B8
ts
inin
t ra
den
stu
y
sit
er th
iv
wi 2
un es
1
on at s A
ta adu litie
ic
Da gr
bl rt
bi
sa
pu o
di
n nsp A3
ll
ba a
tr o a
t
le

Emergency

ss

In most countries a law on website accessibility does not exist

or is in the drafting stage. In several countries, although the
legal framework is in place, there is no enforcement if the

Transport

Web Accessibility is not mandatory in most

countries, Still there is some PROGRESS

Built environment

ce

Looking at the availability of accessible mobile phones, the

results are not bad as an average, since in many countries
respondents confirm a basic availability. The problem is still
the affordability.

For both radio and TV, additional comments show that the
service is usually available only for a limited number of hours.
Accessible broadcasting programs are normally available on
the state channels (Finland, Portugal, Denmark, Chile, Nicaragua, Ethiopia, Spain, Tunisia, Vietnam, Iceland and Tanzania)
and in the national official languages only (Rwanda). They focus mainly on captioning for hearing impaired persons rather
than an audio description.

Key to colours for

question categories

ac

This is something that can be clearly seen in the answers related to services (questions B3, B10, B11 and B12), as several
of the additional comments pointed to the dependency of the
accessibility of services on the availability of Internet services.
Colombia has an outstanding Innovative Policy in this field in
the Plan Viva Digital, that connects 500,000 Colombians to the
internet and is fully accessible for all disadvantaged persons.

ZERO PROJECT GRAPH ARAB/AFRICA: THE UN CRPD iN SuB-Saharan Africa VERSUS the Arab Countries

All aspects of accessibility are related to independent living

A10
Inclu
sive
prima
ry ed
ucatio
mand
n
atory

In terms of accessible broadcasting services, TV programs are

often available while accessible radio programming is less frequent (USA, Argentina, Philippines, Buthan and South Sudan).

from using mobile phones, the Internet, television, computers

and their myriad of applications and services implies being
shut out not only from the information society, but also from
accessing essential public services, as well as from the opportunity of living an independent life.

INDEPENDENT LIVING: Priority still only in EUROPE AND WELFARE STATES

A9 Same rights as
others to marriage
and children

On the other hand, even in countries without legal requirements, there are clear trends towards accessible websites
(South Africa, Philippines and Sweden). The high number of
Innovative Practices in this field also proves the point.

35

KEY FINDINGS

SOCIAL INDICATORS

ZERO PROJECT GRAPH ASIA: THE UN CRPD iN CENTRAL ASIA VErsus The ASIA-Pacific Region

Transport
Emergency
Independence

ib

Education

Pu
b
ce re lic
ss qu we
ib
le ired bsit
es
to
t
al o b
Acc
lB e
ess
2
ibl
tax e priv
i
a
a va s e r v t e
ilab ices
le B
5
Legal
time
frame
for ac
cessib
ility o
all bu
f
ilding
s A2
ac

Data
Employment
CRPD
Procurement
ICT
Services
Curriculum

0.50
0.40
0.30

Central Asia
Asia Pacific

* Coefficient

le
ib
ss
le
ce ne ab
A c p h o va i l
2 e
a
B1 bil ets
o
m nds
ha
ity
ibil
oss
5 P tial
A
p
shi
par
of rdian
a
gu

CRPD
A19
Points
Focal
lled
insta

0.20
0.10
0.00

A13 Accommodation
in the work-place
required by law
A11
Altern
ative
testin
g me
thods
stude
for
nts a
vailab
le
A1
4A
dat
va i
l
a
and on e able
du
em
plo catio
B6
ym
n
ent
on In
f
to acc orm
ur
ism ess atio
ib
n
av i l i t
ai y o
la
bl f
e

B11 Accessible
ATMs
available

0.00 * No

All countries

36

0.60

inforsible
Acces
nking
on ba
n
matio
s B10
ervice
s
n
ao
dat ith
ble ns w 7
ila
o
Ava pers es A1
all biliti
sa
di
ire
qu lic
re pub 1
y
B
ilit in nt
ib ts
e
g
n
ss
m
in
ce me ure
in re
c
Ac
ro
ra c t u B 9
p
t e
ry it ts
to rch en
da f a ud
an o st
M

0.50 * Yes, with qualifications

0.80

g
l
in
ia
liv
nc r
na fo nt
Fi rt de
r
o n
7
fo
A pp pe
ds is- ons
ar
i
su
de
gu th d itut
in
i
t
fe
Sa s w ins
n
A8 rso s in
ie
pe
ilit
ab
ible
ess io
e
d
Acc
abl
B 4 n d r a a va i l
a
T V ra m s
g
pro
ency
merg
B7 E
s
e line
phon
to all
sible
acces

Key to questionnaire
responses

0.90

0.70

Available data on person

with disabilities living
in institutions A16

0.90 * Yes

Lower map: Interestingly enough, the UN CRPD has not been

officially translated or published on government websites in most of
the countries of the world (question A20).

ur

ss

Personal rights

A1
Acc
for
ess
a
din ll ne ibilty
w
gs
req buil
uir
A1
ed
or 8 U
ga
m
ex
ist nisa bre
ll
t
in
A
g ion a
an
of 6 S
d
re fic ig
fu
co ia n
nd
ed
gn lly lan
gu
is
ed
ag
e

Built environment

early
ency
Emerg
stem
ing sy A4
warn
to all
sible
acces
ry
ato
nd ICT
Ma
f
g o B8
ts
inin
t ra
den
stu
y
sit h
er
iv wit
2
un es
A1
on at
s
ta adu tie
ic
Da gr bili
bl rt
sa
pu o
di
n nsp A3
b a ra a l l
t o
t
le

Key to colours for

question categories

ll

Upper map: The question on the existence of umbrella organisations

for disabled people's organisations (A18) brings comparatively positive results, earning the third highest score for all 32 countries.

Lastly, but interestingly enough, accessible versions of the

CRPD are not readily available (question A20). Only 14 countries of 130 answered with a clear yes to the question.

Looking at the availability of data about persons living in

institutions, several comments indicate that no institutions
exist in their countries (e.g. Nicaragua, South Sudan, Cook
Islands, Laos and Mexico). Others complain that the published statistics are too old to give a clear picture of the current
situation. It can been seen that the data on education and
employment is not much better in HDI 1 countries than in HDI
2 and HDI 3 countries; while HDI 1 countries definitely have

Results on UN CRPD-related issues are not very encouraging:

HDI 1, HDI 2 and HDI 3 countries only got a coefficient of less
than 0.30 while HDI 4 countries had a coefficient of around
0.20.

ce

In addition, respondents remarked that there is a large

discrepancy between the number of students who declare a
disability and the number of students who effectively receive
support (e.g. Australia). In general in HDI 4 countries very
few people go to university at all. In addition, in HDI 3 and 4
countries statistics are usually produced by NGOs and not by
the government (e.g. Bangladesh, Lebanon and Pakistan).

Focal points to address matters on UN Convention implementation exist in very few countries in general, and mostly in HDI
1 countries. But it should be taken into account that in some
cases focal points do not exist yet as the country has ratified
the UN CRPD only very recently.

THE UN CRPD AS A LEGAL INSTRUMENT:

Looking for focal points

A10
Inclu
sive
prima
ry ed
ucatio
mand
n
atory

Amongst the questions related to the availability of data (A12,

A14, A16 and A17) the one related to the number of persons
with disabilities who graduated from university is the one that
obtained the worst score, being the third worst of all 32 questions. The situation seems to be particularly bad in Central
Asia, with a coefficient of only 0.06.

Some respondents remark on the lack of a comprehensive

database, which makes it impossible to get a full picture and
definitely prevents an effective, detailed evaluation of the degree of involvement of persons with disability in society (e.g.
Brazil, Luxembourg, Russia and Sweden).

ac

In other cases the comments stated that institutions are

owned by private entities, or that the option of choosing to
stay or leave normally does not exist. But also in some HDI 1
countries where institutions are in place (Finland, Norway, UK)
persons with disabilities do not have freedom of choice. Sometimes the (non-existent) choice to stay derives mainly from
the lack of housing and community services. Therefore the
transition towards community living is an urgent priority and
needs innovative solutions to be covered intensively next
year, when Independent Living, personal and political rights
will be the focus of the Zero Project.

Arab countries are above the average on availability of data,

although from the comments it can be seen that sometimes
data is not considered to be accurate and in other cases the
collection of data is done only by NGOs.

Nevertheless, the question A18 about an umbrella organisation ranks the fourth in positive answers, with 50 countries out
of 130 answering with a clear 'Yes' regarding the presence of
this kind of organisation. In 41 other countries, an umbrella
organisation exists but either does not receive public funding
or does not represent at least 50 percent of the associations.
In this context, HDI 4 countries (0.66) are particularly strong,
having the same coefficient as HDI 1 countries.

A9 Same rights as
others to marriage
and children

Related comments state that those safeguards barely exist in

some HDI 3 and HDI 4 countries (Bangladesh, Chile, Ethiopia,
Somalia) or do not exist at all (Cook Islands, Burkina Faso,
Madagascar, Nicaragua, Senegal, South Sudan, Nepal).

In general terms, the availability of data gets the best scores

in HDI 1 countries, and there is not a big difference between
HDI 2, HDI 3 and HDI 4. Some respondents comment that
the numbers do not reflect the reality as many persons refrain
from providing the information due to the fear of stigmatisation.

better statistics in general, there is obviously a lack of political

will in many countries. These results are similar to those for
information on tourism and leisure facilities.

rs
Mu
io
av n s l t i m
o
e
ai
la f C dia
bl
e RPD
Acc
A2
ess
0
m
i
sec ation ble in
uri
for
on
ty
ben soci
efit al
B3
Incre
ase in
emplo
of pe
ymen
rsons
t
w
ties la ith disabil
s t ye
ar A1
5

With regard to safeguards to ensure the right to choose whether stay or leave institutions (question A8), the same pattern
appears and the gap between countries with high and low
human development.

DATA Availability: Formidable holes, not an

integrated whole

ve

It has been remarked several times that, in those countries

where the government gives a financial contribution to support independent living, the amount given to persons with
disabilities is often not enough and does not cover other basic
needs. Or it is given as a fixed sum and does not cover additional expenses.

37

INTRODUCTION

INNOVATIVE PRACTICES

Innovative Practices 2014:

selection and Key Findings
How the Innovative Practices and Innovative Policies Approach of the Zero Project is defined
 13 steps of the selection process for the Innovative Practices 2014 on Accessibility
The

Why Innovative Practices and Innovative Policies are vital to speed up the implementation
process of the UN CRPD

Innovative Practices are one of the three areas of research

conducted by the Zero Project, together with Social Indicators
(page 20) and Innovative Policies (page 106).
Innovative Practices and Innovative Policies as defined by the
Zero Project are problem-solving techniques commonly known
as 'best practice'. The Zero Project has not only chosen to
name them differently but also to split them into two groups.
Why choose a 'best practice' approach?
According to wikipedia.org, a 'best practice' is a method or
technique that has consistently shown results superior to those achieved with other means, and that is used as a benchmark. Best practice is a feature of accredited management
standards such as ISO 9000 and ISO 14001.
Eugene Bardach, emeritus Professor of Public Policy from
Berkeley University (California, USA), in his book 'A Practical
Guide for Policy Analysis' names some more criteria that define best practices (which he also calls 'smart practices'):
Clear and concrete behaviour that solves a problem or
achieves a goal
Cost-efficiency: Best Practices should achieve the same
results while saving money, or better results with the same
amount of investment
But Bardach also stipulates 'reasonable expectations' when
dealing with best practice. A best practice - even after careful
research - may not be able to solve a problem at all. Furthermore, it may prove to be difficult to transfer it into a different
context.

tiveness and must have the potential for replication among

other organisations.'
The importance of Best Practice for the
implementation of the UN CRPD
The implementation of the UN CRPD is an ongoing process in
all countries that have ratified it, and it will continue for many
years to come. The challenge is to speed up the process.
A consensus exists among many experts that a best practice
approach is preferable to other approaches that try to create
practices from scratch. Social innovation is a complex process
that involves various decision-makers and different kinds of
stakeholders. The innovation process can be accelerated - or
sometimes only starts - when solutions from other contexts
(in most cases other countries or other country states) are
used as prototypes that are studied and adjusted to the local
context.
These examples show that the importance of best practices for
the implementation of the UN CRPD has been fully recognised:
According to the OHCHR, NHRIs (National Human Rights
Institutions, especially those have accepted the Paris Principles, a set of responsibilities recognised by the United Nations)
can be one of the best relay mechanisms at country level to
ensure the application of international human rights norms.
In Europe, for example, a CRPD Working Group has been established to share best practices in promoting, protecting and
monitoring the implementation of the UN CRPD. (www.ohchr.
org/EN/Countries/NHRI/Pages/NHRIMain.aspx)

But even taking that into account, the research on the workability of a best practice may still be valuable since it can
produce thought-provoking concepts on what can and what
cannot work when put into practice.
To create reasonable expectations, the term 'best practice'
has often been modified to 'good practice' or 'evidence-based
practice'. The Federal Rights Agency of the European Union
(FRA) is using 'promising practices', defined as 'using a program, activity or strategy that has worked within one organisation and shows promise during its early stages for becoming
a best practice with long term sustainable impact. A promising
practice must have some objective basis for claiming effec-

182

38

Innovative Practice of the Zero Project 2014: in Denmark the 'most

accessible office building of the world' has been built by a DPO

39

INTRODUCTION

INNOVATIVE PRACTICES

Criteria for selecting Innovative PracticES

The Zero Project has chosen to use the terms 'Innovative
Practice' and 'Innovative Policy'. An Innovative Practice of
the Zero Project is selected according to the following basic
criteria:

Innovation

Impact

Chances of long-term growth and success

Scalability

These criteria have been developed together with Ashoka,

a global organisation that supports social entrepreneurs.
Ashoka, especially Ashoka Austria, works continuously
with the Zero Project to refine the evaluation criteria. A
technique, for example, may be innovative for one country,
but quite common in another. Scalability may depend on
different factors, among them affordability. Other organisations should also be able to pick up and scale an Innovative
Practice in order to create maximum impact.
In the last 2 years, the following sub-criteria for Innovative
Practices of the Zero Project have been added to the selection process that should be as transparent as possible:
A proof-of-concept is clearly preferred to 'ideas only'.
A clear strategy is necessary which is conceivable and can
be analysed.
Non-Profit models are treated the same as For-Profit models, and businesses in the same way as NGOs or foundations, as long as the mission of the project is exclusively
focused on the needs of persons with disabilities.
Projects that directly improve the situation on the grassroots level are preferred to feasibility studies, awarenessraising campaigns or other projects on meta-levels.
For the selection criteria of the Innovative Policies of the
Zero Project, please see the next chapter. It should be
mentioned here that Innovative Policies are not the 'antithesis' of Innovative Practices, but have a clear focus on
changing the behaviour of governments and changing their
laws, regulations, programmes and action plans. Thus, a
few projects may qualify as an Innovative Practice as well
as an Innovative Policy. Since the two evaluation processes
of the Zero Project are completely separate, every nomination was classified as either one or the other according to
the nominations received.
40

As early as 2009, right after ratifying the UN CRPD,
the Joint Committee on Human Rights of the British Houses
of Parliament believed that the British Government should
develop and consult with a range of stakeholders on an action
plan for implementation of the Convention and share this best
practice internationally (according to their report 'UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 2008/2009').

The international conference on 'Human Rights of
Persons with Disabilities in the Balkans and Turkey' concluded
in Istanbul in October 2013 after a 3-day interactive dialogue
and exchange of best practice on the implementation of the
UN CRPD. Organised by the European Disability Forum, People
2 People Programme and UNICEF as a partner, the conference
gathered representatives of the European and international
disability movement, the European Commission and the UN
CRPD Committee.
Zero Project's unique approach:
engaging a worldwide network
In 2011 the partners behind the Zero Project decided to add
a focus on best practice to the research on social indicators. Some best practices that had been included in the first
publication in 2011 merely as an 'add-on' had proven to be of
extraordinarily high interest to readers of the Report. The Zero
Project built on the existing network of experts that had filled
in the questionnaire on the implementation of the UN CRPD
and continuously expanded it from 2012 and 2014. Now it has
developed into a system of nominating and evaluating Innovative Practice and Innovative Policies worldwide.
Because more than 1,000 experts from all kinds of backgrounds contributed their expertise in 2012 and 2013, the
Zero Project is arguably the broadest independent network of
experts that jointly decides on the most outstanding Innovative Practices and Innovative Policies.
The 13 steps of the selection process
FOR the Innovative Practices 2014
1.  call for nominations was made to more than 1,000 exA
perts and expert organisations of the Zero Project network,
using a nomination form that was available in English,
French, German, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese and
Russian (all nomination forms were and still are downloadable from the Zero Project website) in the spring of 2013.
Everyone was entitled to name every project that fit the
criteria, including one's own projects.

2.  everal organisations that have a huge base of members

S
or experts in their networks were encouraged to forward
the nomination forms within their networks. We are thankful to, among others, DPI, RIADIS, GAATES, G3ICT, ITU,
Ashoka, Light for the World, AODP, Verkehrsclub Oesterreich (VC), Lebenshilfe sterreich, Diakonie, Caritas,
Business Disability Forum and the European Foundation
Centre (EFC) who supported the call for nominations.
3.  43 nominations from 58 countries were received by
2
the Zero Project, which can without doubt be considered
a huge response (see statistics and analysis below this
section).
4.  n an initial pre-selection process, 18 nominations were
I
moved to Innovative Policies and more than 50 others
were not considered as they did not meet the criteria or
were double-nominations of the same projects. Around 20
other projects were not shortlisted this year because they
fit better into next year's Zero Project topic, 'Independent
Living, Personal and Political Rights', and will automatically
be considered in next year's research.
5.  he 134 shortlisted nominations were published on the
T
Zero Project website in summer 2013, and are also part of
the Zero Project database that can be researched online.
All of them were briefly analysed (e.g. online check of existence and plausibility, but no editing was done).
6.  ach project's core features were transferred (and transE
lated into English, if necessary) into voting forms in Excel
format for the second phase of the selection process.
7.  he selection process was carried out by again reaching
T
out to the experts of the Zero Project network. More than
1,000 were approached and ask to vote. A two-tier strategy was used, splitting the experts into two groups:
 he 'Special Experts' were those who could be assigned to
T
one of the types of accessibility, namely the built environment, transport, cities & tourism, ICT, services (assistance,
financial, products) and culture.
Cities & Tourism' was defined as an extra group since a
'
huge number of nominations target the accessibility of
whole cities, including elements of the built environment,
transport, ICT and services (mainly tourist services).
Culture' was defined as an extra group since a dispropor'

Various Innovative Practices on Accessibility work

on communicating arts
and entertainment in all
different formats

tionately high number of nominations targed the accessibility of art, museum, theatres etc. and there was a danger
that they would be neglected in the broad area of 'products and services'.
 group of Global South (from HDI countries 2 to 4)
A
experts was also defined, so that nominations from the
Global South were exposed directly to experts from these
countries, avoiding the danger of being neglected in the
context of projects from richer countries.
 he 'General Experts' consisted of practitioners and exT
perts that were not dedicated specialists in any of the basic types of accessibilty (built environment, transport etc.)
8. The 'General Experts' were divided randomly into four
groups. Likewise, the 132 shortlisted nominations were grouped in four Excel spreadsheets. Thus, every voting form listed
34 nominations. The experts were then asked simply to select
the 'better half' - they could choose up to 17 out of the 34 on
the list. They could also comment on their selection.
9.  he 'Special Experts' reviewed only those nominations that
T
fitted into their area of expertise. Thus, their lists of nominations were of different lengths:
Built environment: 18
Transport: 12
Cities & tourism: 28
ICT: 40
Services related to assistance, emergency, financials,
products: 15
Services related to culture (museums, theatres,
cinema, events): 19
Global South: 23. Experts were added separately for
these nominations; all 23 nominations from HDI
countries 2 to 4 got additional exposure to experts
from these country groups.
10. This methodology allows different kinds of in-depth analy
sis, clustering the results into different kinds of groups:

41

OVERVIEW

INNOVATIVE PRACTICES

THE 54 INNOVATIVE PRACTICES 2014 of the Zero Project on Accessibility

Selected by all experts

 lustered according to the target group of the
C
Innovative Practice:
Targeting all persons with disabilities
Targeting the blind and visually impaired
Targeting the deaf and hard of hearing
 argeting persons with physical
T
disabilities
 argeting persons with psychosocial
T
disabilities and learning difficulties

Clustered according to type of accessibility:

Built Environment Practices
Transport Practices
City & Tourism Practices
ICT Practices
Services
Cultural Practices
 lustered by the background of the experts that
C
voted for them:
NGO Experts
Business Experts
Academic Experts
And from a regional perspective:
EU Experts
 lobal South Experts (HDI Countries 2 to
G
HDI Countries 4)

11. In total 208 experts took part in the process:


58 experts voted within the general group.
4
 2 experts came from Global South countries and
voted only on Global South Practices.
 he specialist votes came from the following groups,
T
where experts were deliberately selected in order to
cover as equally as possible these fields of expertise:

Built environment: 8
Cities: 33
Transport: 23
ICT: 23
Assistive and other services: 14
Culture: 7

 o be selected as an Innovative Practice of the Zero ProT

ject, a shortlisted nomination had to: be in the top quartile
in at least one of these clusters (in other words, in the top
25 percent of all votes in that cluster); or get an approval

42

Austria

Accessible banking services, barrierfree foyer

easy entrance GmbH

Austria

Business consultancy for accessible working environments

Hilfsgemeinschaft der Blinden u. S.

Austria

Open source tool to convert mathematical formulas

MoViH

WU Wien, Institut fr Transportwirtschaft

Austria

Database for barrier-free public transport systems

ZIV Access

ZIV, sterr. Zivilinvalidenverband

Austria

Advocacy to sensitize on accessibility

RelayService

GSbarrierefrei

Austria

Telephone exchange service for deaf people

FH JOANNEUM GmbH

Austria

Public transportation made accessible

wege-finden.at

Forschungskonsortium B I S

Austria

Online route planning tool

European standards for easy to read

Inclusion Europe aisbl

Belgium

European easy-to-read logo

Making events accessible

Intro vzw

Belgium

Enabling access to various events

Housing and access

RIOinclui

Brazil

Accessible housing in poverty striken areas

Theater in the Service of Diversity

Escole de Gente

Brazil

Cultural inclusion through accessible theater, various translation tools used

Ayudas tcnicas y asistencia tecnolgica

Corporacion CETRAM

Chile

Low cost and high performance technical aids and assistive technology

Kit de inclusin digital para personas con discapacidad

Corporacin Discapacidad Colombia

Colombia

Platform offering solutions for IT inclusion

The Most Accessible Office House in the World

Disabled peoples organisations Denmark

Denmark

Inclusive office building

Accessible and supportive university

Tallinn University of Technology

Estonia

Disabled students as consultants for accessibilty at university

Promote accessibility in Ethiopia

ECDD

Ethiopia

Guide book on accessibility, inclusive urban development

ACCEO

Delta Process

France

Service provider for accessible phone calls

Accessibilit de la communication

SCOP LE MESSAGEUR

France

Simultaneous transcription in Braille and other languages, on-site and remote

Artesens, l'veil artistique par les sens pour tous

ARTESENS

France

Reproduction of art, historical role plays

Online Translationsystem

Verba Voice

Germany

Online interpreting system for hearing-impaired people

PIKSL

In der Gemeinde leben gGmbH

Germany

Cooperation reduces (digital) complexity

Wheelmap.org

Sozialhelden e.V.

Germany

Online and interactive city-map, wheelchair accessibility

E-Speak Text To Speech (TTS)

Centre for Internet and Society

India

Open source text-to-speech engine

Home from Home Appartment

Muscular Dystrophy Ireland

Irland

Independent fully accessible accommodation with aids & appliances

Evacuation manual using DAISY

Assistive Technology Deveopment Org.

Japan

Evacuation manual in DAISY multimedia format

e-Accessible Education in Macedonia and Serbia

Open the Windows EHO

Macedonia

Children with disabilities in mainstream primary education, assistive technology

Accessibility Guide for Employers in Mexico, Peru, Ecuador

The Trust for The Americas

Mexico

Accessibility at Work

Accessible Transport

Association of Youth with Disabilities

Montenegro

Transport support for students

Accessibility as part of the business concept

Scandic Hotels

Norway

Accessibility incorporated in everything

Color ADD - Colour is for all!

Color ADD

Portugal

Universal graphic code to identify colors

Mada - Qatar Assistive Technology Center

Mada (Qatar Assistive Technology Center)

Qatar

One-stop-shop for assistive technology in arabic language

The BCA Universal Design (UD) Mark

Building and Construction Authority (BCA)

Singapore

Certification scheme on Universal Design

Learnership for unemployed rural youth

ATHENA - Interactive Training Network

South Africa

Dual Education, workexperience, mobile college

Amovil

Fundacin ONCE

Spain

Comparative analysis of accessibility features in mobile devices

ASPACEnet

ASPACE y Fundacion Vodafone Espana

Spain

Social interaction of people with cerebral palsy through new technologies

ICT to make public bus more accessible

EMT Madrid

Spain

Visual and acoustic information on public buses in Madrid

Network for Excellence o. t. Flag of Towns a. Cities for All

Design for All Foundation

Spain

Urban centers made accessible for all

Accessible Museums in the Western Balkans

Cultural Heritage without Borders

Sweden

Communicating art in the Western Balkans

Obstacle-Free Airport Project

TAV Istanbul

Turkey

Airport made accessible

Inclusive Education practices

13. The factsheets of the Innovative Practices that are presented in the Zero Project Report (pages 52 to 105) include
information about which hurdles - and how many of them each Innovative Practice has passed. The more selections, the
broader the acceptance of experts.

Mobile hearing aid on shopping carts

Bank Austria

Maths in Braille

12. Finally, 54 Innovative Practices were selected using this

selection process, out of the 134 that had been shortlisted (40
percent).

Talking city maps for visually impaired persons

Austria

easy entrance - Unternehmensberatung und Architektur

The selection system not only ensured that the total


number of experts had their say; it also considered the
interests of all different kinds of target groups. To take
into account the broadness of a worldwide approach that
tackles a complex issue like accessibility in all its different
contexts, this approach was chosen by the Zero Project.

Austria

hrwelt GmbH

Barrierefreie Bank Austria

Within the additional clusters that were created in the


analysis (EU, NGO, Business, Academics, different types
of disabilities), an Innovative Practice was only considered
when a minimum of 4 experts could potentially vote for it.
Otherwise the Innovative Practice was not considered in
the ranking for the top quartile within this cluster.

CEIT ALANOVA gGmbH, Hilfsgemeinschaft

AppHear

rate of a minimum of 50 percent in at least one of the

clusters, even if it was not among in the top-quartile, in
order to avoid dropouts that could be considered 'too close
to call'.

NVDA is a free, fully functional, portable screen reader for Microsoft Windows

Accessible Map

Various translation systems, using technology and/or personal assistance, have

been selected as Innovative Practices
2014.

Details

Australia

USDC Uganda

Uganda

A fully inclusive and accessible school in Uganda

Accessible information adapted by pwd

Inspired Services Publishing

UK

Accessible information adapted by people with intellectual disabilities

Accessible London

City Bridge Trust

UK

Improving access to buildings of 3rd sector

Changing Places Toilets

Changing Places Consortium

UK

Campaign for accessible toilets in public spaces

Stations made easy

ATOC Ltd

UK

Maps of railway stations, community based

The talking ATM (Automatic Teller Machine)

Barclays Bank

UK

Audio enabled ATMs

Virtual object handling in museums

Manchester Museum

UK

Haptic and tactile museum experience, 3-D scan

Access programmemes, MoMA New York

The Museum of Modern Arts NY

USA

Training on inclusive art education

AMAC

AMAC Accessibility Solutions

USA

One stop shop for digitized media

Global Research Innovation and Technology

USA

Wheelchair to travel on unpaved surfaces

Community based Disaster Risk Reduction Management

Country

NV Access Limited

Leveraged Freedom Chair (LFC)

Organisation

NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)

ways4all

Innovative Practice

Malteser International

Vietnam

Community based disaster risk management

43

NORWAY

UNITED KINGDOM

Accessible information
adapted by persons
with disabilities

Accessible information adapted by

people with intellectual disabilities

Accessibility as part of
the business concept
Accessibility incorporated
in everything
SCAndIC HoteLS

InSPIred ServICeS PuBLISHInG

Improving access to buildings

of 3rd sector

DENMARK

CHAnGInG PL ACeS ConSortIum

The most accessible

office house
in the world

Stations made easy

Stations made easy

IRELAND

Home from home

apartment

training on inclusive art education

tHe muSeum of modern Art ny

Independent fully
accessible accommodation
with aids & appliances

AMAC

one-stop shop for digitised media

muSCuL Ar dyStroPHy

AmAC ACCeSSIBILIt y SoLutIonS

IreL And

Leveraged Freedom Chair (LFC)

wheelchair to travel on
unpaved surfaces

mAnCHeSter muSeum, touCH

And dISCover SyStemS Ltd.

ACCEO

Service provider for

accessible phone calls

Barrierefreie Bank Austria

Accessible banking services,

barrier-free foyer
BAnK AuStrIA

disabled students as
consultants for accessibilty
at university

easy entrance

Business consultancy for accessible working

environments, barrier-free foyer

tALLInn unIverSIt y
of teCHnoLoGy

eASy entr AnCe GmBH

Maths in Braille

open-source tool to convert

mathematical formulas

GERMANY

HILfSGemeInSCHAf t der
BLInden und SeHSCHwACHen

verBA voICe

BELGIUM

database for barrier-free public transport systems

European standards
for easy to read

MoViH

wu wIen, InSt. f. tr AnSPort-wIrtSCHAf t und LoGIStIK

PIKSL

ZIV access

european easy-to-read logo

Cooperation reduces
(digital) complexity

Advocacy to sensitise on accessibility

InCLuSIon euroPe AISBL

In der GemeInde LeBen GGmBH

zIv, Sterr. zIvILInvALIdenverBAnd

Making events
accessible

enabling access to
various events

RelayService

wheelmap.org

telephone exchange service for deaf people

online and interactive city-map,

wheelchair accessibility

GSBArrIerefreI

SozIALHeLden e.v.H

ways4all

Intro vzw

Public transportation made accessible

deLtA ProCeSS

fH JoAnneum GmBH

TURKEY

Artesens, lveil
artistique par les
sens pour tous

JAPAN

wege-finden.at

Evacuation manual
using Digital Accesible
Information System (DAISY)

online route-planning tool

Obstacle-free airport project

forSCHunGSKonSortIum BArrIere
InformAtIonS SyStem

Airport made accessible

reproduction of art,
historical role plays

PORTUGAL

HrweLt GmBH

online interpretation system

for hearing-impaired people

BArCL AyS BAnK

Haptic and tactile museum

experience, 3-d scan

AppHear

mobile hearing aid on shopping carts

Online translation system

Audio enabled Atms

FR ANCE

GLoBAL reSeArCH InnovAtIon

And teCHnoLoGy

dISABLed PeoPLeS
orGAnISAtIonS denmArK
(dPod)

The talking ATM

(Automatic Teller Machine)

Virtual object handling

in museums

CeIt AL AnovA GmBH

Inclusive office building

AtoC Ltd

Access programs, MoMA New York

Communicating art in
the western Balkans

Accessible and
supportive university

Changing places toilets

USA

talking city maps for visually

impaired persons

ESTONIA

CIt y BrIdGe truSt

overview:
Innovative Practices
of the Zero Project 2014

AccessibleMap

Accessible museums
in the Western Balkans

CuLtur AL HerItAGe wItHout

BorderS

Accessible London

Campaign for accessible toilets

in public spaces

AUSTRIA

SWEDEN

tAv IStAnBuL

evacuation manual in dAISy

multimedia format

ArteSenS

Color ADD
Colour is for all!
asistencia tecnolgica

SPAIN

universal graphic code

to identify colours

Amovil

CoLor Add

MEXICO

ASSIStIve teCHnoLoGy deveLoPment

orGAnISAtIon

MONTENEGRO

Comparative analysis of
accessibility features
in mobile devices

Accessibility guide for employers in

Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, El Salvador

QATAR

Accessible transport
the business concept

ASSoCIAtIon of youtH wItH

ASPACEnet

tHe truSt for tHe AmerICAS

Social interaction of people

with cerebral palsy through
through new mobile device
technologies

COLOMBIA

Kit de inclusin digital para

personas con discapacidad

Confeder ACIn ASPACe y

fundACIon vodAfone eSPAnA

ICT to make public

bus more accessible

Platform offering solutions

for It inclusion

CorPor ACIn dISCAPACIdAd

CoLomBIA, emPreSA dISeo
unIverSAL teCnoAyudAS

open source text-to-speech

engine

one-stop-shop for assistive

technology in Arabic language

dISABILItIeS of monteneGro

Centre for Internet

And SoCIet y

mAdA (QAtAr ASSIStIve

teCHnoLoGy Center)

MACEDONIA

ETHIOPIA

Children with disabilities in

mainstream primary education,
assistive technology

Promote accessibility
in Ethiopia

oPen tHe wIndowS (otw),

eCumenICAL HumAnItArIAn
orGAnISAtIon (eHo)

Guide book on accessibility,

inclusive urban development

Sidewalk design competition,

urban centres made accessible
dISABLed PeoPLeS InternAtIonAL
ASIA-PACIfIC reGIon

etHIoPIAn Center for dISABILIt y

And deveLoPment (eCdd)

emPreSA munICIPAL de

BR AZIL

Housing and access

deSIGn for ALL

foundAtIon

mALteSer InternAtIonAL

Bangkok metropolitan
administration
SINGAPORE

The BCA Universal

Design (UD) mark

Certification scheme on
universal design
BuILdInG And ConStruCtIon
AutHorIt y (BCA)

tr AnSPorteS de mAdrId (emt)

urban centres made

accessible for all

Community-based disaster risk

reduction management

Community-based disaster
risk management

THAILAND

e-Accessible education
in Macedonia and Serbia

visual and acoustic information

on buses in madrid

Network for excellence

flag of towns and
cities for all

VIETNAM

E-speak
text to speech (TTS)

Mada Qatar assistive

technology center

transport support for students

fundACIn onCe

Accessibility at work

INDIA

UGANDA

Inclusive education practices

asistencia tecnolgica
A fully inclusive and
accessible school in uganda
uGAndA SoCIet y for
dISABLed CHILdren (uSdC)

Accessible housing in
poverty-stricken areas
rIoInCLuI

Theatre in the service

of diversity

CHILE

Ayudas tcnicas y
asistencia tecnolgica

Cultural inclusion through

accessible theatre, various
translation tools used
eSCoLe de Gente

SOUTH AFRICA

Learnership for
unemployed rural youth

AUSTR ALIA

dual education, work

experience, mobile college

NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)

nvdA is a free, fully functional, portable

screen reader for microsoft windows

AtHenA Inter ACtIve

tr AInInG networK (Pt y) Ltd

nv ACCeSS LImIted

Low cost and high

performance technical aids
and assistive technology
CorPor ACIon Cetr Am

Countries
europe (eu)
europe (non-eu)
northern America
Latin America and Caribbean
Africa
Asia/oceania

44

45

KEY FINDINGS

INNOVATIVE PRACTICES

Key Findings of the Innovative Practices

Analysis of TECHNIQUES OF Innovative Practices

In this chapter are summarised the key findings of the Innovative Practices 2014 when clustered into different
groups of countries, regions, types of accessibility and types of disability.

Analysis of country representation

In the two-step selection process, the number of nominations
was first reduced from 243 to the 132 shortlisted practices,
and finally to the 54 that have been selected.
The nominations came from 58 different countries around the
world; the selected Innovative Practices come from 30 different countries. In the table below, the full breakdown of the
selection process is shown, grouped by country.
Austria leads with an outstanding 11 out of 55 Innovative
Practices, which is definitely due to the home-turf advantage
of the Zero Project - the experts network is still woven most
tightly in the mother country of the Essl Foundation. Nonetheless this can be considered fair since the dropout quota of all
nominations in Austria is roughly 74 percent (from 43 to 11),
compared to the overall dropout quota of 73 percent.
Although the representation of the Global South in Innovative
Practices (and Innovative Policies) has improved in the last
two years, there is still room to improve in this regard. An
astonishing fact: out of 20 nominations from Italy, not a single

Nominations Shortlisted

Selected

Country

Analysis of types of accessibility

The selected Innovative Practices work relatively evenly on all
types of accessibility. The emphasis placed by the Zero Project
on 'city & tourism' is supported by the fact that an impressive
nine Innovative Practices can be allocated to this area. The
importance of this clustering should not be overestimated
since in many cases quite difficult allocations had to be made.
Online maps, for example, may be considered as ICT but can
also be attributed to the accessibility of transport, cities or in
some cases also of the built environment as well.
Analysis of types of Disability
The majority of the selected Innovative Practices work to
improve accessibility for all, or cannot be attributed to a single
group of persons with disabilities. This breakdown too is not to
be considered as 'hard currency' since the allocation is difficult
for many of the Innovative Practices.

Nominations Shortlisted

Selected

Country

Shortlisted

Selected

All stakeholder

14

App/Software

15

Assistance

Database

E Books

Easy Language

Guidebooks

Nominations Shortlisted

Selected

Argentina

Guatemala

Poland

Australia

Hong Kong/China

Portugal

Austria

41

23

11

Hungary

Russia

Azerbeijan

India

San Marino

Bangladesh

Indonesia

Saudi Arabia

Belgium

Ireland

Senegal

Bolivia

Israel

Serbia

Brazil

Italy

20

10

Singapore

Canada

Japan

South Africa

Chile

Kenya

Spain

21

14

Colombia

Macedonia

Sweden

Congo

Mexico

Switzerland

Croatia

Moldova

Tansania

Denmark

Montenegro

Thailand

Estonia

Netherlands

Turkey

Ethiopia

Nigeria

Uganda

France

16

11

Norway

UK

16

11

Germany

13

Pakistan

USA

13

Ghana

Peru

Vietnam

Greece

Philippines

All Stakeholder techniques (12 shortlisted, 5 selected):

Involving as many different stakeholders as possible in the
process is a key factor for success. These stakeholders of
course always include persons with disabilities, but also almost always include professionals (architects, engineers etc.),
planning and financing bodies, and businesses.
Innovative Practice example: RIOinclui (Brazil, p. 65): Working at the nexus of architecture and social service
Combining architecture, universal design and social work, RIOinclui provides accessible housing for children and youth with
disabilities living in poor conditions in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Targeting physical and social mobility at the same time,
the project goes beyond architecture: reasonable accommodation for the beneficiaries and their caregivers is created. The
whole family is empowered to benefit from statutory social
welfare; a network of local support is provided.
Apps and Software (15 shortlisted, 5 selected): Since
persons with disabilities can be considered as having a strong
affinity to technology, especially smartphones and tablets,
apps and other software are often highly efficient, cheap and
accessible to all, including blind persons and persons with
learning difficulties.

Innovative Devices

16

Maps

11

Multimedia Guides

Multimedia Presentation

One-Stop Shop

one made it in the final selection. The Zero Project has no

explanation for this shortfall.

NOminations, Shortlistings and Selections Per Country

Country

The Zero Project has clustered the shortlisted and also the
selected Innovative Practices not only according to the issues
that they address, but also according to the technique(s) - i.e.
solution or approach - that they use. This is a tool used by
the Zero Project for looking at similarities within the nominations. The techniques that have been 'distilled' out of the huge
variety of projects enables new insights into Practices that
work and should provide thought-provoking ideas for decision
makers and opinion leaders.

ANALYSIS OF Techniques Used

Peers

Professionals

10

3
4

Standards

Translation

Universal Design

14

Assistance (3 shortlisted, 3 selected): Personal assistance

is irreplacable in many approaches, and is also not replacable
by technology.
Innovative Practice example: ATHENA - Mobile College in South Africa (page 88)
In order to empower the rural youth with disabilities to overcome unemployment, ATHENA offers learnerships free of charge. The learners and their families do not have to pay extra
costs for travel and accommodation as is the case when they
attend a campus far from home. Each learner is placed in a
host workplace close to their home and allocated a permanent
employee as a coach and mentor.
Innovative Practice example: Transport for Students in Montenegro (page 83)

46

Innovative Practice example: ATOC - web-based maps for

2,500 train stations in the UK (page 99)

This transportation service enables young persons with disabilities to actively participate in society and study at university.

Stations Made Easy allows passengers to evaluate accessibility

before they start their journey. ATOC have produced detailed
plans, in the form of interactive station maps, for every station on the rail network in Great Britain. The maps provide detailed information about accessibility at every station. Stations
Made Easy also allows passengers to identify routes through
stations which best meet their needs. This includes delivering
a step-by-step plan to passengers showing them what they
will encounter using a particular pathway through a station.

47

KEY FINDINGS

INNOVATIVE PRACTICES

Databases (5 shortlisted, 1 selected): A database is the

basis for many apps, online maps, education tools, digital and
alternative media solutions. Creating databases that are accessible (and affordable and in the right language) is therefore
to be considered a key information strategy, comparable to
many commercially successful tools like GPS, Webshops and
Dictionaries.
E Books/Digital Books (4 shortlisted, 1 selected): Online
libraries for e-books, audio-books and all kinds of alternative
formats are at the heart of several education and training projects, bringing down barriers in education and employment.
Innovative Practice example: AMAC, a digital library (p. 103)
AMAC offers a one-stop shop for digital and alternative media
textbooks, cost-effective reuse of digital libraries, remote
captioning and downloadable assistive technology software to
quickly access materials at universities, colleges, government
agencies, non-profits, and corporations.
Guidebooks (5 shortlisted, 2 selected): Printed guidebooks are powerful, even in electronic times. For example, in
the Global South, where digital access is still a huge barrier
and in the case of 'Mandatory Guidebooks' for all professionals
working on accessibility issues.

ANALYSIS OF TYPES OF ACCESSIBILITY

Ethiopia. A 'Guide to Accessible Ethiopia' has been produced,

printed and distributed.

Shortlisted

Innovative Practice example: Bank Austria's barrier-free bank

services (page 55)
Bank Austria aims to make banking accessible for all: there
are no steps at the entrance to branch offices; a tactile guiding system leads from the entrance area to the information

Q AccesstoCities (Tourism)

25

34

Access to Products and Services

C Culture

Innovative Practice example: Accessible Map (Austria) - a city

map read out aloud (page 53)

10
19

F
P
Financial
Services
andotherproducts,services

Maps (11 shortlisted, 6 selected). Online maps are among

the most innovative and powerful tools right now, because
they are cheap and easy to use. Successful online maps bring
down two barriers: making maps accessible to all, including
the blind and persons with learning difficulties, and finding
ways to access the latest and comprehensive data, either
using existing databases or by engaging the community.

39

AAssistiveTechnologyand
Services

A prototype of the 'talking city map' for Vienna has been launched. The spoken description of the map gives an idea of what
a street looks like, how long it is, and what infrastructure,
shops, parks are there. The tool can be used either to prepare
for an upcoming trip or, using the mobile application, to get
detailed information about one's surroundings while walking
through the city. Currently the spoken voice is only available
in German but there are plans to implement more languages.

Innovative Practice example: ECDD Ethiopia, a guidebook to

an accessible Ethiopia (page 73)

14

I AccesstoInformationandCommunication

Innovative Practice example: Artesens (France): Experience

art through different senses (page 74)
Children and adults with and without disabilities discover their
cultural heritage based on a sensitive, artistic and playful
approach. Paintings are reproduced and historical objects are
experienced in interactive roleplays. Artesens designs exhibitions in which the nose, ears and fingers are used as well as
the eyes, and reproduces art and develops training packages
in relationship with the global museum community.

22

T AccesstoTransport

Innovative Devices (16 shortlised, 7 selected): Innovation and Technology are definitely drivers of accessibility.

Selected

B AccesstoBuiltEnvironment

10

Innovative Practice example: Escola de Gente - Inclusive theatre in Brazil (page 77)
Escola de Gente enables actors and the audience with and
without disabilities to participate and to enjoy theatre. It
publishes accessible materials, conducts research, organises
communication workshops for youth and advocates for an
inclusive education system. The stories told on stage address
themes like discrimination and inclusion. Descriptive subtitling, sign language interpreters, audio description, programs
in Braille and multimedia materials play an essential part.
Innovative Practice example: e-accessible education in Macedonia and Serbia (page 81)
The e-Accessible Education Project introduced assistive
technology into mainstream primary schools in the country:
schools were equipped with assistive computer peripherals
(e.g. big-button keyboards, trackballs, etc.) and over 300
teachers were trained in using assistive technology in their
work with students with disabilities.

Innovative Practice example: wheelmap.org (Germany - Interactive city-map for wheelchair accessibility (page 66)
desk; advice counters are furnished with induction units; the
website is translated into sign language and simple language.
Innovative Practice example: Leveraged Freedom Chair, a
'Mountainbike-Wheelchair' for rough terrain (page 104)

ECDD is partnering with Light for the World Austria to provide

technical information on accessibility standards to government, non-governmental organisations, universities and
the private sector. Persons with disabilities were trained to
undertake the audits and survey the accessibility of hotels,
restaurants, schools and other public facilities in 12 towns in
48

The LFC is built out of steel and bicycle parts that can be
found in any rural village in any developing country. This
enables repair anywhere. A mass production manufacturing
centre for the LFC was established in 2012 in India. The close
proximity to developing countries across Asia and Africa facilitates the shipment of wheelchairs to those countries.

Wheelmap.org is a global tool that can be used by everyone everywhere. It is available on the internet and as an app
for iPhone and Android. The information provided empowers
persons with mobility impairments to plan their day more
efficiently, increase their mobility and participate more easily
in society. The collected data is also a great tool to raise awareness and set the political agenda by showing what has been
achieved and what still needs to be done.
Multimedia Guides & Presentations (8 shortlisted, 4
selected): Making information available to all by using tools
to distribute it in different formats, from audiobooks to sign
language, to data readable by electronic Braille readers, from
plain language to captioning, from subtitled videos and TV
programmes to e-books.
49

KEY FINDINGS

INNOVATIVE PRACTICES

One-Stop Shops (5 shortlisted, 3 selected): In a world

that becomes more complex every day, decision makers in
governments and businesses can be effectively supported by
providing them with only one contact person who provides all
the support needed, e.g. on employment, barrier-free environments or even more complex issues like city planning.
Innovative Practice example: MADA - Qatar Info Center on
eAccessibility (page 86)
Mada was established by the Supreme Council for Information
and Communication Technology (ictQatar) in June 2010 as a
public-private partnership with Qtel, Vodafone Qatar, Qatar
National Bank and Microsoft. Mada is a one-stop shop for all
aspects of accessible technology for persons with disabilities.
As well as delivering direct services, the centre has sought to
introduce a range of technologies to support Arabic speakers,
introducing website accessibility certification, establishing the
first major repository of accessible books online for Arabic
users, and supporting Arabic innovation and research in access technologies.

specific group of individuals, e.g. employees, on dealing with

persons with disabilities.

tant is the availability of screen-readers for the blind or for

other hardware and software used by persons with disabilites.

Innovative Practice example: Verbavoice online translation

services (pages 75)

Peer-to-Peer Techniques (5 shortlisted, 2 selected):

Using the potentials and abilities of persons with disabilities
to solve accessibility issues seems to be a natural approach,
and is highly efficient as well. Some very efficient Innovative
Practices employ this approach.

Innovative Practice example: ColorADD - tool for the colourblind from Portugal (page 85)

VerbaVoice developed a distant, internet-based interpreting

system. For students and trainees with hearing impairments
the online service offers mobile access to information and
enables full participation in the knowledge society. VerbaVoice
also offers live text and sign language video to enable accessibility in events, conferences, meetings etc.

Innovative Practice example: PIKSL (Germany) - cooperation

reduces digital complexity for all (page 76)
In the PIKSL lab, persons with intellectual disabilities learn to
deal independently with computers and the internet. Using
these skills they become excellent teachers for the elderly
or for other persons with disabilities. They also partner with
scientists, developers, and designers in order to create assistance tools, simplify complex communication technology and
make it more accessible.
Professionals, training and advocacy (9 shortlisted, 3
selected). Professionals - architects, city planners, plumbers, web designers, engineers - are the gatekeepers of
change towards more accessible environments, and often,
they are reluctant to change their habits and traditional ways
of working. Working with professionals is another highly
efficient approach.
Innovative Practice example: Cultural Art without borders Communicating the arts in the Western Balkans (page 93)
Training and capacity building for professionals working in
museums is at the heart of this project. A broader information and education program is also provided to raise awareness
for the persons with disabilities and promote inclusion and
good practice. Children and adults with disabilities are welcomed as museum visitors and take part in various activities
which enable them to experience their cultural heritage.

Innovative Practice example: ZIV Access (Austria) - consulting services for employers (page 59)
ZIV ACCESS offers consultancy services and solutions in
the field of accessibility which are sensitive to the needs of
persons with disabilities and their families. Specially trained
consultants advise in the field of built environment, design,
communications and social accessibility. Tailor-made training
is also offered in order to increase sensitivity and advise a

50

Standards and Norms (8 shortlisted, 4 selected) are

mostly used in the fields of the built environment and ICT.
They help to define minimum requirements for the accessibility of buildings and serve the construction industry to
produce adequate materials and professional craftsmen to
develop the right skills.
In ICT, standards and norms are about defining interfaces for
hardware and software that are universally used and create
worldwide connectivity. In the field of disability, most impor-

ColorADD transforms colour to a graphic code, indicating the

colours used on textiles, medicines, teaching games, coatings, paint materials etc. Based on three primary colours, the
symbols are related to each other and the entire colour pallet
graphically identified (e.g. yellow and blue become green
the symbols of the graphic code are similarly combined).

Universal Design (Design for All; 14 shortlisted, 5 selected). Universal design refers to broad-spectrum ideas aimed
at producing buildings, products and environments that are
inherently accessible (source: wikipedia.org), in a sense that
the usability by all persons is at the core of the design process, and not - for example - added elements that make them
a little more accessibile.
Innovative Practice example: Most accessible office building in
th world from Denmark (page 69)

Translation tools (7 shortlisted, 4 selected). Automated

or assisted translation is a cheap and powerful tool for making
information more accessible in different information channels,
inlcuding plain language, or even to make information that is
not coded into text accessible to the blind.
Innovative Practice example: Text-To-Speech for the blind in
India (page 78)
e-Speak is a Text-To-Speech system that addresses a crucial
gap by providing a voice translation tool in Indian local languages. The TTS tool can be used in combination with screen
readers on computers and on mobile phones. Being opensource software it is affordable and compatible with other
software.
Innovative Practice example: Scop Le Messageur (France) simulatanous transcription of speech (page 73)
SCOP Le Messageur offers simultaneous transcription of
speech in French, in 15 other languages (English, German,
Spanish, etc.) and in Braille (for deaf blind people). The
transcribed text can be read on a PC screen, on a mobile device or on a screen installed in a meeting room or similar.

This office building takes the accessibility needs of all groups

with all kinds of impairments into consideration - accessibility
as a concept and ideology. The future users were involved in
the process from the beginning. Therefore, many elements
included in the building are user-driven innovations. A key
output was the creation of comparative advantages and rolemodels for the building sector in the future.
Innovative Practice example: Airport Istanbul (page 94)
The specific needs of different groups of persons with disabilities were taken into consideration in order to make the
Atatrk Airport accessible. A holistic approach was chosen, not
limiting itself to the transformation of the physical space but
also aimed at creating awareness within the organisation as
well as the general public.
Innovative Practice example: intro vzw - making events accessible (page 64)
Intro vzw makes any kind of event accessible to persons with
disabilities: festivals, shows, sports events, fairs, trainings,
conferences etc. Intro vzw offers solutions to practical problems and provides services for event organisers and the persons with disabilities who attend the events. Solutions include
translation tools, interpreters, ramps and technical equipment.
For persons using hearing aids, a looping system removes
disturbing ambient sounds.

51

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: AUSTRIA/HILFSGEMEINSCHAFT AND CEIT

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: AUSTRALIA/NV ACCESS

Portable screen-reader, free of charge

City maps, read out loud

NVDA is a free, fully functional, portable screen reader for Microsoft Windows that allows blind and vision-impaired persons across the world access to computers at no greater cost than their sighted peers.

AccessibleMaps are 'talking city maps' offering geographic information online and on mobile phone to persons
with visual impairments. The description of the city environment is read out loud by a synthetic voice.

NVDA is open source software, which means the code is

accessible to anyone. This enables translators and developers
around the world to continually contribute to its expansion
and improvement.
(Michael CURRAN)

NVDA (Non Visual Desktop Access)

Organisation:

NV Access Limited

PROJECT
In contrast, NVDA is the only fully functional, multi-lingual,
free download available to everyone. Thanks to NVDA, blind
and vision-impaired people can participate in education, the
workforce and aspects of daily living that were previously
impossible or difficult to access such as reading, shopping,
banking and social networking. Using NVDA, they can do so
regardless of their financial situation, language or location.

Country/region of origin: Australia

CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK

Beneficiaries targeted:
Blind and visually impaired
persons

NVDA software enables blind and vision-impaired people to

use a computer by communicating what is on the screen
using a synthetic voice or braille. It was created by NV Access
founders Michael Curran and James Teh blind computer
programmers who believe passionately in universal access
to computers. NVDA is developed, tested and documented
by users for users. It has received support from noteworthy
international companies such as Mozilla, Adobe, Microsoft and
Yahoo and has been recognised by the World Blind Union.

Approach/model/solution: 
Portable screen reader for
Microsoft Windows
FACTS & FIGURES
More than 60,000 downloads in over 150 countries
Second most popular computer screen reader in the world
Only screen reader for Microsoft Windows that is free and
portable
Outstanding Achievment Award, Taiwan Digital Talking
Books Association (2012)
Access Award, American Foundation for the Blind (2012)

52

Name:

AccessibleMap

Organisation:

Hilfsgemeinschaft der Blinden

& Sehschwachen |
CEIT Alanova

PROJECT
A prototype of the 'talking city map' for Vienna has been launched. The spoken description of the map gives an idea of what
a street looks like, how long it is, and what infrastructure,
shops, and parks are nearby. The tool can be used to prepare for an upcoming trip or, via the mobile application, to get
detailed information about one's surroundings while walking
through the city. Currently the spoken voice is only available
in German but it is planned to implement more languages at a
later stage.

Country/region of origin: Austria

CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK

Beneficiaries targeted:
Blind and visually impaired
persons.

Data from OpenStreetMap and Open Government Data of the

City of Vienna is used. It is translated into spoken text, such
as 'a park on the right' or 'a shoe store on the left'. As long
as there is sufficient detailed data available, the tool has the
potential to be implemented worldwide. AccessibleMap was
developed in cooperation with the following organisations:

Compass Verlag GesmbH

Positec Technologie Entwicklungs GesmbH

sterreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften
GIScience Institut
The project was funded by the BMVIT (Federal Ministry for
Transport, Innovation and Technology) between 2011-2013.

Approach/model/solution: 
Online maps made accessible
FACTS & FIGURES
Tested in the city of Vienna
Approximately 160 people were interviewed online to coll
ect the user requirements

Screenshot of the
web-based AccessibleMap.

Until now, maps and city maps available on the internet were
not accessible to persons with visual impairments. To enable
the independent usage of online and mobile city maps and to
convey an idea of one's surroundings or current location, this
online and mobile application was developed.

Commercial screen readers are expensive, costing up to

thousands of dollars. This is prohibitive for many people, particularly in developing countries.

Nominated by: Axel LEBLOIS, G3ict



(Klaus HCKNER)

PROBLEMS TARGETED

PROBLEMS TARGETED

CONTACT  r. Michael CURRAN

M
NV Access Limited
10 Bunowen Street, Ferny Grove
Qld 4055, Australia | +61 7 5667 8372
mick@nvaccess.org
www.nvaccess.org

AccessibleMap contributes to the information society. Persons with visual impairments are given the chance to participate in new media, information and communication technologies in the form of web-based city maps.

EXPERT VOTING

Top marks from:

All voters
NGO voters
Top marks for:
Access to ICT
Targeting all persons with disabilities

CONTACT  rs. Julia NEUSCHMID

M
CEIT ALANOVA gemeinntzige GmbH
j.neuschmid@ceit.at
Mr. Klaus HCKNER
Hilfsgemeinschaft der Blinden & Sehschwachen
hoeckner@hilfsgemeinschaft.at

EXPERT VOTING

Top marks from:

Business voters
Top marks for:
targeting persons with physical disabilities

Nominated by: Hilfsgemeinschaft/CEIT Alanova

53

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: AUSTRIA/BANK AUSTRIA

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: AUSTRIA/HRWELT

Mobile hearing aid attachable to shopping carts

Towards fully accessible banking services

AppHear is a mobile hearing aid to make information and communication accessibile in supermarkets. It can
easily be fitted as an accessory to shopping carts.

This project takes a holistic approach to the accessibility of banking services: buildings, banking foyers, ATMs,
bank cards and websites are made accessible for persons with all kinds of disabilities.

The AppHear offers a great advantage to all: the tool is

easily attachable and does not require the installation of any
additional technology.
(Tanja REICHL))

installed induction loop, wear any neck induction loop or carry

a receiver since AppHear is attached directly to the shopping
cart. The customer receives spoken information in an understandable format, whether it comes from a customer service
area, counter sales, etc.

We would like to be pioneers not only in our results, but also

in terms of respectful contact with people.

The shopping centre does not need to install any additional

technology or provide additional equipment. This helps to
save time and cost. AppHear is mounted on trolleys and an
information brochure and a poster next to the shopping cart
collection area describe the application.

Organisation:

CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK

Approach/model/solution: 
Barrier-free banking services

AppHear
Organisation:

hrwelt GmbH

Country/Region of origin: Austria

Beneficiaries targeted:
Persons with hearing
impairments
Approach/model/solution: 
Mobile hearing aid to be attached to shopping carts
FACTS & FIGURES

SPAR, a leading Austrian supermarket chain, is the first company to put this product into use. Currently one SPAR branch
- in Linz, Austria - is using this product. A nationwide launch is
planned for the coming years.

Developed in 2013
Recently completed its test run
Used in the SPAR supermarket in Linz, Austria

AppHear is a mobile solution to make

acoustic information and anouncements accessible
for persons with
hearing impairments.

PROBLEMS TARGETED
Persons with hearing impairments face many acoustical challenges in shopping centres. Background noise and simultaneous announcements over the loudspeakers make listening
difficult.
PROJECT
AppHear is a tool that helps provide a clear understanding
of acoustical information in shopping centres. The customer
does not need to stand close to an information booth with an

Nominated by: hrwelt

54

Barrierefreie Bank
Bank Austria

CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK

Beneficiaries targeted:

According to its five-year plan, all Bank Austria's branch

offices and their foyer devices will be modified towards full
accessibility. The website in sign language (videos) and simple
language is unique in the German-speaking region. It enables
persons with hearing impairments and persons with learning
difficulties to access bank products and services. The sites
have been developed in close cooperation with GS (Sign
Language) and Capito (Easy Reading) and were examined by
future users and beneficiaries.

All persons with disabilities

FACTS & FIGURES

67 bank branches were made accessible in 2012

71 additional bank branches will be accessible by the end
of 2013
A new bank card for blind and visually impaired persons
was launched in 2011: extra big font size, greater contrasts
and labelling in Braille

PROBLEMS TARGETED
The design of foyers and regular ATMs can hinder the access
of persons with disabilities to banking services: the screen
is too high for wheelchair users; no acoustic interpreter is
available for blind persons; the font is too small for persons
with visual impairments; there are no tactile surfaces to lead
the way.

EXPERT VOTING

Top marks from:

NGO Voters

Bank Austria aims to make banking accessible for all: there

are no steps at the entrances to its branch offices; a tactile
guiding system leads from the entrance to the information
desk; advice counters are equipped with induction units; the
website is translated into sign language and simple language.

Country/region of origin: Austria

CONTACT  rs. Tanja REICHL

M
hrwelt GmbH
Rathausgasse 6, 4060 Leonding, Austria
+43 (0)650 777 666 1
t.reichl@diehoerwelt.at
www.barrierefrei-hoeren.at

(Willibald CERNKO, CEO Bank Austria)

PROJECT

CONTACT  r. Erwin SCHAUER

M
Bank Austria
Lassallestrae 5, 1020 Wien, Austria
+43-(0)50505-55096
erwin.schauer@unicreditgroup.at
www.bankaustria.at/barrierefrei

Accessibility in many forms: there are no steps at the entrance

and a tactile guiding system leads from the entrance area to the
information desk.

EXPERT VOTING

Top marks from:

Academics voters
CEE Voters
EU Voters

Nominated by: Bank Austria

55

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: AUSTRIA/HILFSGEMEINSCHAFT AND JKU

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: AUSTRIA/EASY ENTRANCE

Consultancy for accessible working environments

Web-portal to convert math formulae into Braille

easy entrance develops workable, realistic and cost-efficient solutions that enable companies and organisations
to create accessible work environments. Sustainable solutions are jointly developed on the conceptual basis of
'accessibility' and 'design for all'.

The open-source software 'Universal Maths Conversion Library' (UMCL) was developed into a web-based tool to
convert all kinds of documents containing mathematical formulae into Braille.

The most effective and efficient way to deal with accessibility

is to implement it in projects from scratch. No doubt a profit
for all of us.

PROJECT

easy entrance consulting and architecture

easy entrance develops workable, realistic and cost-efficient

solutions for companies and organisations. As a business consultancy and technical architecture company, easy entrance
offers services for the entire process from conception through
planning to implementation.

Organisation:

CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK

(Peter MILBRADT)

easy entrance GmbH

Country/region of origin: Austria

Beneficiaries targeted:

Persons with disabilities and

elderly people

Approach/model/solution:

Consultancy on universal de-

sign, capacity building

FACTS & FIGURES

Business consultancy is offered to approx. 80 companies
per year
Covers all of Austria
'Best Practice Office' in Graz since 2013

Sound, light, colour and interior design all support the wellbeing of employees and customers. Bespoke acoustic solutions complement the creation of accessible work places. In
cooperation with its customers, easy entrance has undertaken
various projects to improve accessibility, e.g.:
- Design of a production hall for a large car company
- Optimisation of more than 60 (social) counselling locations
- Training of key employees of a municipal administration
- Advising banks in improving their service zones
- Training of labour inspectors
In 2014 it is planned to incorporate accessibility better into
existing management processes and to improve standards.

MathInBraille is an important contribution to reducing the

digital divide and an innovative step towards inclusive education. (Klaus HCKNER)
MathInBraille
Organisation:
Hilfsgemeinschaft der Blinden

und Sehschwachen

sterreichs| JKU Universitt
Linz
Country/region of origin: Austria
Beneficiaries targeted:
Persons with visual impair-
ments
Approach/model/solution: 
Online tool to convert mathematics into Braille
FACTS & FIGURES
Web-based; does not require software installation
Used by 20 users throughout Austria

PROBLEMS TARGETED
PRoblems Targeted

Nominated by: Susanne WIEDENHOFER, Bundessozialamt


56

MathInBraille further improved the open source software

'Universal Maths Conversion Library' (UMCL) and developed a
web portal as an interface. This means the tool can be used
online without users having to install specific software on their
PC. With the web-based convertion tool the user can convert
different document formats into accessible versions.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
It is planned to double the number of regular users by 2015.
Another goal is to improve the quality of Braille and electronic textbooks and convert complex course material into more
simplified, easy and accessible language for teaching visually
impaired and blind students. The functionality of the web portal is intended to be extended by the following:

MathInAudio: Converts mathematical content into
structured audio format

MathInRepository: Provides a collection of formulae
in Braille and audio

MathInCommunity: Provides an interactive discussion
forum in which ideas and problems concerning mathematical
content for persons with visual impairments can be exchanged
and discussed

60 years since the invention of the computer and after 30

years of successful use of Braille display and speech output,
there are still difficulties for blind and visually impaired persons in accessing scientific documents containing mathematical formulae. The main reason lies in the visual 2-D character
of the mathematical presentation that is in conflict with the
linear nature of Braille and speech output.

Creating a work environment which takes into account the

needs of all employees and customers is increasingly a challenge for the management of companies: people are getting
older and have to work longer. Medical conditions and disabilities occur frequently.

CONTACT  r. Peter MILBRADT

M
easy entrance GmbH
St. Peter Hauptstrae 27/I, 8042 Graz
Austria | +43-664-2330857
milbradt@easyentrance.at
www.easyentrance.at

PROJECT

EXPERT VOTING

Top marks from:

NGO voters
Top marks for:
access to built environment

CONTACT  r. Klaus HCKNER

M
Hilfsgemeinschaft der Blinden & Sehschwachen
Jgerstrae 36, 1200 Wien, Austria
+43-1-330 35 45-24
hoeckner@hilfsgemeinschaft.at
www.mathinbraille.at

Screenshot of the
web-based MathInBraille tool and
its online editor.
Mathematical formulae are converted to accessible
formats.

EXPERT VOTING Top marks for:

Access to ICT

Nominated by: JKU University Linz

57

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: AUSTRIA/ZIV ACCESS

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: AUSTRIA/WU WIEN

Database for barrier-free public transport systems

One-stop-shop for Austrian employers

This research project provides a comprehensive list of barriers in public transport systems and convenient
solutions for vision and hearing impaired passengers. Authorities and public transport companies can use the
results to improve their services.

ZIV ACCESS offers comprehensive consultancy services and tailor-made solutions to companies that employ
persons with disabilities.

Solutions for sight and/or hearing impaired are an important

basis of inclusive design measures. They enable an easy use
of public transport systems.
(Elmar W.M. FRST)
MoViH Mobility in public transport
Organisation:
WU Wien, Institute for

Transport and Logistics
Management
Country/region of origin: Austria
Beneficiaries targeted:

Persons with vision and/or

hearing impairments

Approach/model/solution: 
Database of solutions
FACTS & FIGURES
Database of approx. 300 best & worst practices (photo
graphs) as a toolkit to design barrier-free transport
systems
Problems categorised as: stops and stations, vehicles,
general mobility problems, and public awareness
Contributed to making Vienna International Airport
accessible

PROJECT
As public transport is an ever more important factor in
everyday life, the responsible authorities should be made
aware of the specific problems imposed on vision- and/or
hearing-impaired persons. This research project provided an
initial comprehensive list of barriers together with convenient
solutions that should be considered for a barrier-free public
transport system.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
The research project focused exclusively on the needs of
and barriers for people with vision and hearing disabilities
- currently a unique approach. In order to identify the most
efficient and effective solutions in terms of accessibility, the
transport companies as providers and the public sector were
interviewed. The information is compiled as 'best & worst
practices' and forms a solid basis for consulting transport companies to make their systems as accessible as possible. Using
the findings from the project, the accessibility of the Vienna
International Airport was improved. The professional knowledge generated is also used to improve existing standards
and develop new ones.
Indicating one of
the best practices
that were identified during the
research process:
clearly marking all
potential hazards
in the street to
make them as visible as possible for
persons with visual
impairments.

PROBLEMS TARGETED
The project team found a variety of problems imposed on impaired passengers that could be segmented into four categories: 'stops and stations', 'vehicles', 'general mobility problems' and 'public awareness'. Multiple solutions to each barrier
are presented and the main target group is indicated.
CONTACT  r. Christian VOGELAUER
M
Institute for Transport, Logistics Management
Building D1, 4. OG, Welthandelsplatz 1
1020 Wien, Austria | +43-1-31336-4181
christian.vogelauer@wu.ac.at
www.wu.ac.at/itl
Nominated by: WU Wien

58

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

EU voters

According to the UN Convention on the rights of persons with

disabilities our aim is to achieve an inclusive society without
barriers. (Doris BECKER-MACHREICH)
ZIV Access
Organisation: sterreichischer
Zivil-Invalidenverband
Country/region of origin: Austria
Beneficiaries targeted:

Persons with disabilities

Approach/model/solution:
Empowerment, consultancy,
training
FACTS & FIGURES
Approx. 100 companies used the consultancy since 2006
Approx. 1,500 persons participated in workshops since
2006
Acts as advisor to the Ministry of Social Affairs in the field
of accessibility

PROBLEMS TARGETED
Despite the Disability Discrimination Act, persons with disabilities in Austria still cannot participate equally in all areas of life
(school, housing, culture, work etc.). The lack of accessibility
and awareness in various areas prevents their full inclusion.

the field of accessibility which are sensitive to the needs of

persons with disabilities and their families. Specially trained
consultants advise in the fields of built environment, design,
communications and social accessibility. Tailor-made training
is also offered in order to increase sensitivity and advise a
specific group of individuals, e.g. employees, in dealing with
persons with disabilities.
ZIV ACCESS has worked with various Austrian companies
and organisations, among others: Austrian Post AG, the
Federal Ministry of Finance, ORF, Nespresso, Merkur/Rewe,
baumax, BB/MUNGOS and AUA.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
ZIV connects persons with disabilities and the economy. The
goal is to enable persons with disabilities to participate independently in all facets of life, strengthen their ability to find an
appropriate workplace and receive support on their professional career path. Furthermore, ZIV sends out information and
news from the social sector in Austria to interested people:
current affairs and social issues; events; literature tips; legal
information.
Tailor-made training is offered in
order to increase sensitivity
in dealing with
persons with disabilities.

PROJECT
ZIV ACCESS offers consultancy services and solutions in
CONTACT  s. Doris BECKER-MACHREICH
M
sterreichische Zivil-Invalidenverband (ZIV)
Hauffgasse 3-5, 1110 Wien, Austria
+43-1-513 15 35-0
doris.becker-machreich@oeziv.org
www.oeziv.org/access

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

NGO voters
Top marks for:
Targeting all persons
with disabilities
Nominated by: ZIV
59

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: AUSTRIA/FH JOANNEUM

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: AUSTRIA/GS.BARRIEREFREI

Access to information & services for deaf people

Accessible travel on public transport in Austria

Customer services and hotlines are being made accessible to deaf persons. Thanks to RelayService, deaf people
and persons with hearing or speech impairments can arrange appointments on the phone, request information
from service hotlines, etc.

The ways4all project facilitates the use of public transport for persons with special needs, especially blind
people. The result is an accessible application for mobile devices that combines indoor and outdoor navigation,
traffic information, communication with public transport services, and intuitive operation.

The start of the new RelayService is an important step towards accessible communication and equal opportunities for
deaf people in Austria. (Helene JARMER)

email, text message or fax, and the relay assistant makes the
phone call and replies accordingly. It is also possible to contact
the assistants via video chat or visit them at the office. In this
instance, users can make their calls in real time.

Blindness is an information disability and not a mobility disability - therefore, it can (almost) be fully offset by sufficiently
good information management in mobility issues.

CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK

ways4all

For urgent calls, the RelayService offers an immediate communication service to conduct a conversation with a hearing correspondent. In this case it can replace the cost- and
time-intensive use of sign language interpreters. The service
is already frequently used and its opening hours should be
extended to 24/7. The RelayService is cooperating with the
University of Vienna, Institute for Ethics and Law in Medicine,
to implement a pilot project in the field of healthcare: smooth
communication is the basis for successful treatment.

Organisation:

RelayService
Organisation:

GS.barrierefrei

Country/region of origin: Austria

Beneficiaries targeted:
Persons with hearing
impairments
Approach/model/solution: 
Telephone operator services
FACTS & FIGURES
Approx. 14 requests per day
In July 2013 the opening hours were extended to six hours
daily
The service is offered free of charge

The relay assistants are known as 'the ears

and voice' of the deaf community. (Kerstin
Reiger/GLB)

The relay assistants are known as 'the ears and voice' of the
deaf community. Users send their requests to the assistant via

Nominated by: GS.barrierefrei


60

Country/region of origin: Austria

Beneficiaries targeted:
Persons with visual
impairments
Approach/model/solution:

Research, public transport

navigation system

2011: nominated for the IID Award (International Institute

for Information Design, Taipei, October 2011)
2012: nominated for the 'Fast Forward' award (Styria)
ways4all started in 2008 and consists of four projects: way
s4all, NAVCOM, ways4all_complete, ways4me (in progress)

PROJECT

CONTACT  s Helene JARMER

M
ServiceCenter GS.barrierefrei
Waldgasse 13, 1100 Wien, Austria
+43-1-6410510-12 | +43-699-10606040 [SMS]
info@oegsbarrierefrei.at
www.relayservice.at

FH JOANNEUM GmbH

FACTS & FIGURES

PROBLEMS TARGETED
Making an appointment on the phone, requesting information
via a customer service hotline or informing a meeting partner
about a potential delay: communicating via phones creates
barriers to deaf people and persons with hearing or speech
impairments.

(Werner BISCHOF)

EXPERT VOTING Top marks for:

Access to cities

PROJECT
ways4all offers visually impaired and blind people a solution
to the problem of navigating the public transport system. The
emphasis of the research project is on the door-to-door service, which assists users in navigating the city while changing
from one transport mode to another. The mobile user interface
combines outdoor navigation via GPS with indoor navigation
via passive RFID tags and a tool for direct communication
with the public transport system which enables a person with
a visual impairment to register his/her point of departure to
inform the driver accordingly.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
The app for mobile devices is currently being expanded to
include electronic timetable information and barrier-free ticket
purchasing for Austria. The project is supported by the Federal
Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology (BMVIT)
and Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG).

ways4all offers
visually impaired
and blind people a solution for
navigating public
transport systems.
(Picture/Grafics:
Werner Bischof)

PROBLEMS TARGETED
Persons with visual impairments often rely on known physical landmarks to help locate and verify bus or tram stops
and train station locations when using public transportation
services.

CONTACT  r. Werner BISCHOF

M
FH JOANNEUM Kapfenberg
Werk-VI-Strae 46, 8605 Kapfenberg, Austria
+43 (0)3862 33600-8307
werner.bischof@fh-joanneum.at
www.ways4all.at

EXPERT VOTING Top marks for:

Access to cities

Nominated by: Walter WASNER, Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology (BMVIT)

61

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: AUSTRIA/WEGE-FINDEN-AT

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: BELGIUM/INCLUSION EUROPE

Web-based route planner

European standards for easy-to-read information

The online route-planning tool wege-finden.at allows wheelchair users to plan their way through the city. Both
official data and community-generated information are combined to suggest a real-time route to the user.

By promoting Europe-wide quality standards for accessible information for persons with intellectual disabilities,
this innovative practice helps to create a solid framework for improving the access of persons with intellectual
disabilities to information in line with Articles 9 and 21 of the UNCRPD.

There is always a way - through intelligent data management

this is also perfectly true for persons with mobility impairments. Urban mobility is for everyone. (Johannes POSCH)
wege-finden.at
Organisation:
BIS Barriere Informations
System
Country/region of origin: Austria
Beneficiaries targeted:
Persons with mobility
impairments
Approach/model/solution:

Web-based navigation system

PROJECT
The information platform wege-finden.at was developed by
the consortium partners PlanSinn, ITS Vienna Region, ovos
media, PRISMA Solutions, Medizinische Universitt Wien,
Sonja Gruber, and Heinrich Hoffer by involving a group of the
future end users and by cooperating with strategic partners
such as VAO (Traffic Information Austria), BIZEPS, Stadt Wien
MA 28, and Wiener Linien at an early stage of research.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
The test phase in Vienna 4th district will serve to further finetune the platform. The project is funded by the BMVIT (Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation & Technology).

Web-based; does not require software installation

Vienna 4th district route planner launched in spring 2014
 0 persons per week use the laboratory facilities to practise
6

CONTACT  rs. Efa DORINGER

M
PlanSinn GmbH-Bro fr Planung & Kommunikation
Wiedner Hauptstr. 54/12, 1040 Wien, Austria
+43-1-585 33 90 21
doringer@plansinn.at
http://wege-finden.at
Nominated by: PlanSinn

62

Organisation:

Inclusion Europe aisbl

Country/region of origin: Belgium

Beneficiaries targeted:

Persons with learning

difficulties

Approach/model/solution:

Norms and Standards

disabilities. They have also helped to spread the easy-to-read

concept to countries where this practice had not been previously established. The guidelines together with the European
'easy-to-read' logo help set common standards and quality
criteria for 'easy-to-read'.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
The European standards for making information easy to read
and understand are now available in 16 languages. The European Commission, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights,
the Council of Europe, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and other international and national
stakeholders have published accessible information according
to the standards. Inclusion Europe and its members continue
to promote the standards as a way of improving the access of
persons with intellectual disabilities to information and lifelong
learning.

European standards and 'easy-to-read' logo used in 19

European countries

People with disabilities, especially wheelchair users, face

many barriers when moving in urban areas. Obstacles can
be found everywhere in the public space, e.g. poor accessibility of buildings, curbs, uneven surfaces due to construction
work, etc. Due to poorly available data, no satisfactory system
for barrier-free routing is currently operating successfully in
Europe.

European standards for making information easy to

read and understand

FACTS & FIGURES

FACTS & FIGURES

PROBLEMS TARGETED

Access to information empowers people with intellectual

disabilities to make their own choices and take an active part
in society. (Senada HALILEVI)

PROBLEMS TARGETED
The result of a
route query is displayed on the map
(projectphase).
Additional community information
appears and can
be commented on
and rated by other
users.

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

all voters
CEE voters
Top marks for:
access to transport
targetingall persons with disabilities

The lack of accessible information results in people with intellectual disabilities being victims of discrimination and social
exclusion. In addition, the variety of approaches to accessible
information makes it difficult to enforce systematically the
right of people with intellectual disabilities to information.

The European
'easy-to-read' logo
is used in 19 European countries.

PROJECT
The European standards for making information easy to
read and understand help to unify the diverse approaches to
producing accessible information for persons with intellectual
CONTACT  nclusion Europe aisbl
I
Rue d'Arlon 55, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
+32 2 502 28 15
secretariat@inclusion-europe.org
www.inclusion-europe.org

EXPERT VOTING

Top marks from:

all voters
NGO voters
Top marks for:
access to ICT
targeting the blind

Nominated by: Inclusion Europe, SPMP R (Inclusion Czech Republic)

63

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: BRAZIL/RIOINCLUI

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: BELGIUM/INTRO VZW

Enabling access to various events

At the nexus of architecture and social work in Rio

Intro vzw makes all kinds of events accessible to persons with disabilities. It offers solutions to practical problems and provides services for event organisers and for persons with disabilities who attend the events.

Combining architecture, universal design and social work, RIOinclui offers accessible housing for children and
youths with disabilities living in poor conditions in the city of Rio de Janeiro. A full network of local support is
provided.

Persons with disabilities who can enjoy cultural performances, sports events, festivals,... without any barriers - it's not a
dream. (Katrien GELDERS)
Intro vzw
Organisation:

Intro vzw

Country/region of origin: Begium

Beneficiaries targeted:

Persons with disabilities

Approach/model/solution: 
Making events accessible to
persons with disabilities; advocacy
FACTS & FIGURES
Starting from one festival in 1999 to more than 200 each
year
More than 3,000 beneficiaries per year enabled to partici
pate in events
More than 500 volunteers provide the necessary assistance

disabilities: festivals, shows, sports events, fairs, training

courses, conferences etc. Intro vzw offers solutions to practical problems and provides services for event organisers and
for the persons with disabilities who attend the events. These
can be translation tools, interpreters, ramps or technical
equipment. For persons using hearing aids, a looping system
removes disturbing ambient sounds - the guest only hears the
relevant sound.

Housing is not only the cement structure, it is a gateway to

other social rights such as education and health.

CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK

Country/region of origin: Brazil

Intro vzw also launched the feeling chair in Flanders. This is

a large cushion that can be placed on a chair and transforms
sound into vibrations. With the help of a Flemish sign language interpreter, both the content and emotions of the music
are expressed in spoken language in addition to the 'feeling
chair'. Blind and visually impaired persons can enjoy concerts,
movies, and football games by means of a headset which
enables the guest to receive additional information from a live
commentator. Since an events floor is not always flat, Intro
vzw offers metal ramps to overcome small level differences.

Beneficiaries targeted:
Children and youths with
disabilities

CONTACT  rs. Katrien GELDERS

M
Intro vzw
Schoolstraat 40, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
+32 499 468112
katrien.gelders@intro-events.be
www.intro-events.be
Nominated by: Intro vzw

64

Organisation:

Approach/model/solution:

RIOinclui - Obra Social da

Cidade do Rio de Janeiro

Construction works for

accessibility, capacity building,
social work

FACTS & FIGURES

64 houses built
Accredited in 2012 at the Conference of the Member
Countries of the UN CRPD and accepted as a contributing
member of RIADIS
320 beneficiaries reached so far

PROBLEMS TARGETED

Persons with disabilities wish to participate in a growing number of events, but they are often confronted with practical discomforts. Intro vzw wants to tackle these issues by targeting
the accessibility of the information and the environment.

Intro vzw makes any kind of event accessible to persons with

RIOinclui

PROBLEMS TARGETED

PROJECT

(Raquel ROLNIK)

The feeling chair transforms sound into vibration and makes

music, spoken language or other sound 'feelable' to persons
with hearing impairments.
EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:
all voters
Top marks for:
targeting all persons with disabilities

PROJECT
Combining architecture, universal design and social work,
RIOinclui provides accessible housing for children and youths
with disabilities living in poor conditions in the city of Rio de
Janeiro. Targeting physical and social mobility at the same
time, the project goes beyond architectural interventions:
reasonable accommodation for the beneficiaries and their
care-givers is created. The whole family is empowered to benefit from statutory social welfare; a network of local support
is provided.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
RIOinclui's main focus areas are architecture and social service. For example, a house that was built in rugged
terrain prevented a child with severe motor disability (and a
wheelchair user) from getting out of her home. The construction of a platform allowed her access to the community and
to go to school. Technical knowledge of accessibility, from the
nexus of architecture and social service, can be replicated in
any work that seeks to guarantee human rights to persons
with disabilities.
The House of Ryan, who lives at Santa Cruz, a poor neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, was newly designed and rebuilt. The
house was painted orange as chosen by Ryan's mother.

Persons with disabilities often have lower incomes, their

families have higher expenses to cover, and many hardly ever
leave home. Their homes do not offer any kind of mobility and
their day-to-day life is compromised by limited mobility.

CONTACT  s. Isabel Cristina Pessa Gimenes

M
RIOinclui - Obra Social da Cidade do
Rio de Janeiro, Rua So Clemente,
360 Botafogo, cep:22260-000, Brazil
gimenes.isabel@gmail.com
www.rioinclui.org.br

EXPERT VOTING Top marks for:

Targeting the Global South
Targeting all persons with disabilities

Nominated by: RIOinclui

65

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: BRAZIL/ESCOLA DE GENTE

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: CHILE/CETRAM

Cultural inclusion through accessible theatre

Customising health solutions

Escola de Gente is a theatre project that works on the full inclusion of persons with disabilities not only by
enabling them to visit and enjoy theatre, but also by actively participating in creating an inclusive culture by
publishing all kind of accessible material and advocating for an inclusive education system.

CETRAM is a community-based organisation which helps to find personalised solutions for individual needs in
regard to wellness and health. It offers technical aids and assistive technology at low cost at home.

Culture without accessibility is a sad reality; persons with

disabilities, including children, lack not only access to information, but also to inspiration. (Claudia WERNECK)
Escola de Gente
Organisation:

Escola de Gente

Country/region of origin: Brazil

Beneficiaries targeted:

Persons with disabilities

Approach/model/solution: 
Inclusive theatre plays and
workshops provide access to
culture and inspiration
FACTS & FIGURES
21 awards received. In 2011 won the National Human
Rights Award from the Secretariat for Human Rights of
the Presidency of the Republic, in the category 'Rights of
Persons with Disabilities'
15 accessible books published
Implemented in 16 countries around the world
Since 2003 more than 60,000 persons with and without
disabilities have attended the performances and more than
400,000 persons were reached in total

PROJECT
Escola de Gente enables actors and audience members with
and without disabilities to participate in and enjoy theatre. It
publishes accessible materials, conducts research, organises
communication workshops for youths and advocates for an
inclusive education system. The stories told on stage address
themes like discrimination and inclusion. Descriptive subtitling, sign language interpreters, audio description, programs
in Braille and multimedia materials play an essential part.

CONTACT  rs. Claudia WERNECK

M
Escola de Gente - Comunicao em Incluso
Av. Evandro Lins e Silva, 840 - Sala 814
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | +55-21-2483-1780
cwerneck@escoladegente.org.br
www.teatroacessivel.org.br
Nominated by: Joelson DIAS, Barbosa e Dias Advogados Associados
66

CETRAM
Organisation:

Corporacin CETRAM

Country/region of origin: Chile

CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK

Beneficiaries targeted:

Early in 2013, both the Ministry of Culture and the National

Congress of Brazil described the initiative as a guiding light in
the field of accessibility and included it in their public policy
plan. It then became a national campaign for the democratisation of culture through accessibility, with its own national day
celebrated on September 19 each year. The campaign is also
endorsed by Brazils major TV network, TV Globo. Furthermore the project's website was one of the five finalists for
the National Web Accessibility Award [Todos@web] hosted by
W3C Brazil (categories: Institutions, Entertainment, Culture,
Education, Information, Blogs).

Approach/model/solution: 
Technical aids and assistive
technology, at low cost and
high level of performance

Persons with mental disabilities

FACTS & FIGURES

PROBLEMS TARGETED
Visiting and enjoying theatre plays is not an easy activity
for persons with disabilities. Actively participating in creative
cultural activities and theatre is even more difficult for children
and young adults with disabilities.

Each step in this history belongs to us all. To the man or woman who approaches CETRAM with the hope of change, and
along that path who understands that it is the responsibility of
us all. (Daniela ALBURQUERQUE)

2,000 users per year

Honoured by the Santiago of Chile University with the
University Social Responsability Award (2014)
Dr. Pedro Chan (founder CETRAM, Ashoka Fellow)
awarded as Illustrious Son by La Paz city in Bolivia
Centre visited by approx. 100 students from different areas
of the health system (psychiatry, neurology, occupational
therapy, physiotherapy and speech therapy) each year

PROBLEMS TARGETED
Sign language interpreter and descriptive subtitles at a performance of 'A Different Friend?' (Joo Miranda / Escola de Gente)
EXPERT VOTING
Top marks from:
all voters
Top marks for:
targeting the blind

General social programs to re-establish health usually only

involve drug therapy or functionalist therapeutic strategies.
CETRAM aims to include educational and technological assistance as well as social, analytical and political elements.
CONTACT  rs. Daniela ALBURQUERQUE
M
Corporacion CETRAM
Belisario Prats 1597b Independencia
Santiago de Chile, Chile | +56 2 27321927
dalburquerque@cetram.org
www.cetram.org

PROJECT
CETRAM has an interdisciplinary team that identifies and finds
solutions to those problems in regard to the health system
that violate the fundamental rights of people involved in the
process. CETRAM is looking for social change and advocates
for the improvement of health care quality. The process of rehabilitation is adjusted to the needs and requirements of each
user. Training is provided to empower the beneficiaries and
their families in the use and implementation of new devices;
in creating customary practices; in building new devices at low
cost.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
Regarding low cost technical help and technological assistance, CETRAM has developed a work model in which the
person with disability and his or her family lead the design,
construction and use of a certain technology. In cases where
the cost is important, the use of low cost or community-owned
materials is encouraged. This work model has been acknowledged by the government, which has financed a formation
program on a national level oriented to community rehabilitation teams throughout Chile's long territory.
CETRAM is looking
for social change
and advocates for
the improvement
of health care quality. (Photo: Daniela Alburquerque/
CETRAM)

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

all voters,
NGO voters
Top marks for:
targeting the blind
Nominated by: CETRAM
67

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: COLOMBIA/ DISENO UNIVERSAL TECNOYAUDAS

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: DENMARK/DPOD

Digital inclusion kit for persons with disabilities

The most accessible office building in the world

The digital inclusion kit transforms conventional digital classrooms (existing and new) located in educational
institutions (schools, telecentres, etc.) into technologically accessible spaces. In addition to providing accessible
technologies, teachers and other staff are trained in the pedagogical strategies based on ICT.

'The most accessible and inclusive office building in the whole world' - a showcase from Denmark of the fact
that it is possible to build a 100% accessible office building at a price that does not exceed the cost of an average building built by public authorities.

Digital inclusion kit

This shows how the involvement of experts with disabilities

from the very start leads to a significant improvement in accessibility for all kinds of impairments. (Stig LANGVAD)

Organisation:

PROJECT
Diseo Universal Tecnoayudas,
Corporacin Discapacidad

Country/region of origin: Colombia

Beneficiaries targeted:

Persons with disabilities

Approach/model/solution:

Technology products, services

FACTS & FIGURES

More than 100 centres (schools, libraries, telecentres)
received the kit
More than 4,000 people were trained
Implemented in Colombia, Panama and Ecuador
Award winner for best website (2012)
www.tecnoayudas.com
Several awards won for innovation and inclusion

The kit facilitates the inclusion of persons with disabilities by

offering them solutions for gaining access to the digital centres in schools, universities, libraries and telecentres.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
Tecnoayudas installed and implemented the digital inclusion
kit in schools, universities, kindergartens and telecentres in
Colombia. The locations have developed methods of digital
literacy, job training, teleworking, training for teachers and
families to strengthen their capacity in working with persons
with disabilities. The kit is installed in mobile digital classrooms in schools in Ecuador and Panama and it is planned to
promote its use in various other Latin American countries.

Nominated by: Diseo Universal Tecnoayudas


68

Beneficiaries targeted:

CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK

Most accessible office

building of the world
Organisation: DPOD

Persons with disabilities

Approach/model/solution: 
Barrier-free office building
FACTS & FIGURES

PROBLEMS TARGETED

In addition to physical and social barriers, persons with disabilities also face 'the digital divide'. The conventional technological devices used in public digital classrooms (mouse, keyboard, etc.) are often incompatible with the assistive devices
used by persons with disabilities.

CONTACT  r. Gustavo Alberto HINCAPIE CORRALES

M
Alianza por la Inclusin
Calle 102 No 74-49 Medellin Colombia
+574 451 42 12
direccion@discapacidadcolombia.com
www.tecnoayudas.com

Country/region of origin: Denmark

The office building takes the accessibility needs of all groups

with all kinds of impairments into consideration and represents the inclusion of accessibility as both concept and ideology. The future users were involved in the process from the
beginning; therefore, many elements included in the building
are user-driven innovations. A key output was the creation
of comparative advantages and role-models for the building
sector in the future on a broad scope.

Opened on 12 December 2012 by Her Majesty the Queen

of Denmark
12,600 m of accessible office building
Cost approx. 40 million USD: to be rented by DPOs
Cost is approx. 10% lower than for conventional buildings
On 12 December 2013 the building was chosen as the best
commercial building of 2013 in Denmark

PROBLEMS TARGETED

Constructing buildings in an accessible way often focuses on

only one group of persons with disabilities. Including sustainable materials at the same time is not a natural step and their
use is often sacrificed in order to make the building accessible.

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

all voters
NGo voters
Top marks for:
access to ICT
targeting p. w. physical disabilities

PROJECT

CONTACT  r. Stig LANGVAD

M
Disabled Peoples Organisations Denmark (DPOD)
Blekinge Boulevard 2, 2630 Taastrup, Denmark
+45 3638 8528
sl@handicap.dk
www.handicaporganisationerneshus.dk

It is possible to create an accessible office building where

all the needs of all kinds of impairments are not in conflict
with each other. It is also possible to build accessible office
buildings which live up to the highest standards of inclusive
design, reduce energy consumption, respect the climate challenges and, at the same time, provide a very high standard
when it comes to the work environment.

The most accessible office building

in the world also
meets the highest
standards of
inclusive design,
reduction in energy
consumption, and
respect for the climate challenges.

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

all voters,
NGO voters
Top marks for:
targeting all p. with disabilities
Nominated by: DPOD

69

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: ESTONIA/TALLINN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: ETHIOPIA/ECDD GUIDEBOOK

Higher education accessible in Tallinn

Guidebook on an accessible Ethiopia

Former students with disabilities are working at the Tallinn University of Technology (TUT) as counsellors for
freshmen and other students. They also give advice to the university on accessible, universally designed environments in order to provide higher education irrespective of disabilities.

ECDD provides technical information on accessibility standards to government, non-governmental organisations, universities and the private sector. 12 cities in the country have been assessed so far, based on the 'Guide
to Accessible Ethiopia'.

TUT envisions accessibility for every member of society to

be a crucial factor of wellness and progress in a contemporary
knowledge-based and open world. (Kalle TAMMEME)
Accessible TUT
Organisation:

Tallinn University of Technology

Country/region of origin: Estonia

Beneficiaries targeted:
Students with physical
disabilities
Approach/model/solution: 
Consultancy and counselling
for students with disabilities
FACTS & FIGURES

Number of students with disabilities increased over 300%

in three years
One full-time peer-counsellor
Awarded 'Act of the year' (2011) by Estonian Union of Per
sons with Mobility Impairment
In 2013 gained further acknowledgement for the 'Universal
Design - Barrier Free Environments' project
Since 2011 more than 1,600 students have participated in
games to challenge their senses and raise awareness

PROBLEMS TARGETED
In addition to their need for individual-level support, students
with disabilities are also dependent on the physical, cultural
and learning environment at universities in order to engage
and study accordingly.
CONTACT  r. Kalle TAMMEME
M
Tallinn University of Technology
Address Ehitajate tee 5, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
Telephone +372 6202006
kalle.tammemae@ttu.ee
www.tut.ee
Nominated by: Sven Kllamets, NGO Hndikpp

70

PROJECT
Former students of Tallinn University of Technology with
disabilities are employed as counsellors at the university. They
provide assistance for and support to students, university staff
and key decision makers. Thanks to the advice of the counsellors, accessible toilets were built - there is now one on every
floor - and elevators are installed in every major building,
including those under heritage protection.

Small effort towards accessibility makes a big difference in

peoples life. (Yetnebersh NIGUSSIE)
Guide to Accessible Ethiopia
Organisation:

Ethiopian Center for Disability

and Development (ECDD)

Country/region of origin: Ethiopia

CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK

Beneficiaries targeted:

Rapid improvements were made regarding the accessibility of

study buildings, dormitories and study materials for both blind
and deaf persons. As the accessibility conditions for study
improve, the number of students increases. Access to sporting
activities, library materials (audio scanner for blind persons)
as well as digital materials (video subtitles for deaf students)
has also been improved at the suggestions of counsellors with
special needs. In December 2013, all main entrances of the
university were motorised to open automatically and many
footpath curb stones have been lowered to ease access.

Approach/model/solution: 
Guide book on accessibility for
12 cities in Ethiopia

Students of TUT,
Christel Sogenbits and Sven
Kllamets, with the
apple of wisdom,
and guide-dog
Roosi heading
down to university
hall after lecture.v

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

all voters
Top marks for:
Targeting all persons with
disabilities

Persons with disabilities

FACTS & FIGURES

700 public and private institutions providing services
audited
12 Ethiopian towns analysed
12 seminars on accessible building standards organised for
local architects, contractors, business persons and
government officials
500 hard copies of the guide distributed; updates
scheduled for 2015

PROJECT
ECDD is partnering with Light for the World Austria to provide
technical information on accessibility standards to government, non-governmental organisations, universities and the
private sector. Persons with disabilities were trained to undertake audits and survey the accessibility of hotels, restaurants,
schools and other public facilities in 12 towns of Ethiopia. A
'Guide to Accessible Ethiopia' has been produced, printed and
distributed.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
Locally acceptable standards were developed based upon
international standards and in consultation with architects, urban planners, and representatives of organisations of persons
with disabilities. Those standards were subsequently adopted
by the national government as directives to support the Federal Building Proclamation. Local governments shared costs for
accessibility modifications. More than 700 institutions providing services in 12 Ethiopian towns were audited. The guide
will be uploaded on various websites and databases so that
clients can access it easily. The Lonely Planet has expressed
interest in the guide. Facebook is one of the social media platforms to which the guide will be publicised.
A guide book on accessibility
has been produced to inform
customers with disabilities
about the grade of accessibility of various premises in
Ethiopia. (Antonio Fiorente/
ECDD)

PROBLEMS TARGETED
According to WHO there are an estimated 15 million persons
with disabilities in Ethiopia, representing 17.6 per cent of the
population. For many, the inaccessibility of built environments
is a major obstacle to participating actively in society.

CONTACT  s. Yetnebersh NIGUSSIE

M
ECDD, PO Box 1530 Code 1250
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
+251-114-165859
etegeyet@yahoo.com
www.ecdd-ethiopia.org

EXPERT VOTING

Top marks from:

All voters,
NGO voters
Top marks for:
access to cities
targeting all persons with dsiabilities

Nominated by: Rupert RONIGER, Light for the World

71

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: FRANCE/SCOP LE MESSAGEUR

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: FRANCE/DELTA PROCESS

Service provider for accessible phone calls

Oral communication made fully accessible

Acceo offers telephone services to enable conversations between persons with hearing impairments and hearing
persons. Registered companies can provide a new dimension in customer service by enabling communication
with the hearing impaired.

All aspects of oral communication in daily life are made accessible. Furthermore SCOP Le Messageur offers
transcription services for events, meetings, conferences, congresses, cultural events etc. with the transcriber on
site or working remotely via the internet.

We created a service dedicated to performance which is of

benefit both for companies and for people a new ecosystem
like a virtuous circle. (Herve ALLART)

consistent customer support in any business. Persons with

hearing impairments may struggle when it comes to telecommunications.

(Samuel POULINGUE)

PROJECT
ACCEO
Organisation:

Delta Process

Country/region of origin: France

Beneficiaries targeted:
Persons with hearing
impairments
Approach/model/solution: 
Service operator, video calls,
intermediary service
FACTS & FIGURES
Used by more than 400 employees since 2007
150 institutions currently use the service
Grew from 20 to 75 employees in 5 years
Laureate Trophies of Social Entrepreneurship by La Tribune
(2011)
Medal of Honour of Health and Social Affairs awarded to
Herv Allart (2012)
Lyonnaise des Eaux Laureate of Trophies CSR challenges
due to Acceo services (2013)

Acceo offers services to enable phone conversations between

persons with hearing impairments and a hearing person. Via
a simple internet connection, real-time video interpretation
in Sign Language and Instant Transcript Word can be offered. The operator acts as an intermediary and translates the
written words or the sign language into spoken language to
enable accessible communication.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
Since 2011 Acceo enables free access to telephone calls for
every individual with hearing impairments - regardless of their
mode of communication. The service is free of charge for the
user; the companies offering this service to their clients cover
the cost. Companies and shops register for the service which
is then promoted and offered to their customers. Only registered organisations and shops are included in the service portfolio. Acceo leads to a new dimension in customer relations.
Via a simple internet connection,
real-time video
interpretation in
Sign Language and
Instant Transcript
Word is offered
free of charge.

PROBLEMS TARGETED

The expertise of our team not only lies in the translation

of spoken text; we also advise on the accessibility of event
locations and conduct training on safety in regard to venues.
SCOP Le Messageur
Organisation:

SCOP Le Messageur

Country/region of origin: France

Beneficiaries targeted:
Persons with hearing
impairments
Approach/model/solution:

Service to enable phone calls,

simultaneous transcription

FACTS & FIGURES

PROJECT
SCOP Le Messageur offers simultaneous transcription of
speech in French, in 15 other languages (English, German,
Spanish, etc.) and in Braille (for deaf blind people). The
transcribed text can be read on a PC screen, a mobile device
or a screen installed in a meeting room or similar.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
SCOP Le Messageur has won several awards and participated
in several competitions. The expertise and innovation lies not
only in the tools used and implemented (transcription and
induction loops) but even more importantly in the advocacy of
equal opportunities. Technical tools such as magnetic loops for
sound adjustments are primarily used to eliminate surrounding noises in order to send only the sound of the voice of the
person speaking directly into the hearing aid.

National winner of the Business Creation award in the 'soci

al economy' category organised by Boutique de gestion (
BGE) (2012)
Winner of the Social Innovation Award (2013)
Approx. 20 clients per week
4 employees working as transcribers

SCOP Le Messageur offers

transcription services for events,
meetings, colloquiums, conferences,
congresses, cultural events etc.

PROBLEMS TARGETED
Oral communication is predominant in our society. People who
do not respond correctly to a question due to hearing impairments might easily be mistaken as mentally impaired.

Multiple methods of communication are critical to providing

CONTACT  r. Herve ALLART
M
Delta Process
4 bis Avenue Raspail, 94100 Saint Maur des Fosses
France | +33-1 55 97 00 00
herve.allart@tadeo.fr
www.acce-o.fr
Nominated by: Virginie GUERIN, Delta Process

72

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

NGO voters

CONTACT  r. Samuel POULINGUE

M
SCOP Le Messageur
53, rue de la Bucaille, 50100 Cherbourg-Octeville
France | +33-684607541
s.poulingue@lemessageur.com
www.lemessageur.com

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

NGO voters

Nominated by: Scop Le Messageur

73

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: GERMANY/VERBAVOICE

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: FRANCE/ARTESENS

Experiencing art through different senses

Technology and services for hearing impaired

The Mission of Artesens from France: Learning about art while touching tactile reproductions and experiencing
moments of emotion and aesthetic pleasure during interactive plays.

VerbaVoice offers an innovative online interpreting technology as well as full services for deaf and hard of hearing people: enabling students to equally participate in class; accessible events with captions, interpreting and
live-stream.

Artistic awakening to art through the senses for everybody:

children, adults and persons with disabilities.
(Franoise REYNETTE)

Awakening to art through the senses

Organisation:

Association Artesens

Country/Region of origin: France

Beneficiaries targeted:
Blind and visually impaired
persons
Approach/model/solution: 
Reproduction of art objects in a
tactile structure
FACTS & FIGURES
10 pieces of art reproduction per year: sculpture, painting,
jewellery, ceramic etc.
1 new exhibition per year
exhibition "Divina Natura" (2013)

PROBLEMS TARGETED

PROJECT
In order to reduce this divide and to enable cultural and artistic experiences for persons with disabilities, Artesens designed
inclusive exhibitions. Children and adults with and without
disabilities discover their cultural heritage based on a sensitive, artistic and playful approach. Paintings are reproduced
and historical objects are experienced in interactive roleplays.
Artesens designs exhibitions in which also the nose, the ears
and the fingers are used and reproduces art and develops training packages in relation with the global museum community.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
Artesens designed a workshop for school children and persons
with disabilities around two major works from Cezanne and Picasso: les Grandes Baigneuses and les Demoiselles dAvignon.
Through creative play and touching of tactile paintings each
of these art works can be explored and the history of Cubism
understood. Artesens lectures on sensory approach to art and
shares their expertise with other museums or educational
institutions. Tactile transpositions of famous works are being
produced by Artesens, for example: Brueghel, "The census of
Bethlehem", Muse des Beaux Arts de Lille or various paintings from Auguste Renoir, Muse Renoir de Cagnes sur Mer.

The opportunities for persons with visual impairments to experience art and culture are still limited. It is still an exception
to find an exhibition design which is inclusive of the needs of
persons with disabilities - including audio description, authentic objects for handling, tactile models or images to touch etc.

My vision is 100% accessibility to knowledge, information

and education for all deaf and hard of hearing people worldwide. (Silke WEIGELE)
VerbaVoice
Organisation:

VerbaVoice GmbH

Country/Region of origin: Germany

Beneficiaries targeted:
Persons with hearing
impairments
Approach/model/solution: 
Mobile accessible online interpreting
FACTS & FIGURES

Leading technology for accessibility in education and events

for persons with hearing impairments
2.000 interpreting hours per month
Pool of 180 speech-to-text & sign language interpreters for
10 languages

PROJECT
VerbaVoice developed an innovative distant, internet-based
interpreting system. For students and trainees with hearing
impairments the online service offers mobile access to information and enables full participation in knowledge society.
VerbaVoice also offers live text and sign language video to
enable accessibility in events, conferences, meetings etc.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
The solutions of VerbaVoice are used now by many local and
international organizations in Europe as well as hundreds
persons with hearing impairments. The system can be used
with many different devices like smartphones, tablet-PC and
laptops. The services are free of charge for deaf and hard of
hearing users.
The developer team of VerbaVoice is still working on many innovative projects, for example solutions for deaf-blind people
and full automatic assistance.

At university students with hearing

impairments use
the online service
which enables full
participation in
knowledge society.

PROBLEMS TARGETED
Persons with hearing impairments still face various barriers in
education and access to information. Only by 100% visualization / interpreting of spoken content an equal participation in
our society is possible.

The painting of 'Coco lisant' of Auguste Renoir and the reproduction in tactile structure so it can be touched and experienced.

CONTACT  rs. Franoise REYNETTE

M
Association Artesens | 3 av. Ren Cassin
13100 Aix-en-Provence, France
+33 (0)4 42 27 05 94
info@artesens.org
www.artesans.org
Nominated by: Niarchos Foundation
74

EXPERT VOTING  rs. Franoise REYNETTE

CONTACT M
Association Artesens | 3 av. Ren Cassin
Top marks for:
13100 Aix-en-Provence,
Access to culture France
+33 (0)4 42 27 05 94
info@artesens.org
www.artesans.org

CONTACT MARCZINZIK
CONTACT  r. TobiasMs. Silke WEIGELE
M
VerbaVoice GmbH
PIKSL-Labor, Erkrather Strae 107
Germany
40233 Dsseldorf, Germany
+49 211 60 20 789
s.weigele@verbavoice.de
Tobias.Marczinzik@igl-Duesseldorf.de
www.verbavoice.de
www.piksl.net

EXPERT VOTING

Top marks from:

all voters
EU voters
NGO voters
Top marks for:
access to ICT

Nominated by: Laura HAVERKAMP, Ashoka Deutschland gGmbH

75

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: GERMANY/PIKSL

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: GERMANY/WHEELMAP.ORG

Cooperation reduces digital complexity

Interactive city map for wheelchair accessibility

The PIKSL laboratory empowers persons with mental disabilities to partner with scientists and to teach the
elderly how to use PCs and the internet. Together they reduce complexity and develop products which help to
overcome digitial barriers.

Wheelmap.org is an online map which indicates whether or not a location is wheelchair accessible. It works like
Wikipedia many people help to collect and update information about the accessibility of places in the city.

The expertise of our team is always needed whenever our

complicated world needs simple solutions.
(Tobias MARCZINZIK)

PIKSL
Organisation:

In der Gemeinde leben gGmbH

Country/region of origin: Germany

Beneficiaries targeted:
Persons with intellectual
disabilities
Approach/model/solution: 
Computer and internet learning
laboratory, knowledge sharing,
scientific research
FACTS & FIGURES

Involved in 10 research and development projects

C
 urrently 2 inclusive training courses for elderly persons,
free of charge
6
 0 persons per week use the laboratory facilities to practice
Awards received: Ausgewhlter Ort 2012, 'Germany Land
of Ideas', Ort des Fortschritts in NRW 2012

PROJECT
In the PIKSL lab persons with mental disabilities learn to deal
independently with computers and the internet. With the
knowledge they gain they become teachers for the elderly or
other persons with disabilities. They also become partners
for scientists, developers, and designers to create assistance
tools, simplify complex communications technology and make
it more accessible.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
The experts in the PIKSL laboratory are currently involved in
approximately 10 research projects to develop barrier-free
products. In cooperation with students from the University of
Dusseldorf, the PIKSL team develop a pictorial language to
allow typing on a PC. The idea: if you cannot read or write,
words can be built up of symbols. With a few clicks even illiterate persons can type straight away. Another project is in cooperation with Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg to simplify ATMs
and train ticket and stamp vending machines. Embedding the
needs and rights of people with disabilities in the development
of future information and communication technology will lead
to more simplification.
Screenshot of the
Content Management System
based on symbols
and pictorial language.

PROBLEMS TARGETED
Persons with disabilities face digital barriers in nearly everything they do. They know exactly what is too complex to
understand or too difficult to make use of and therefore are
experts in helping to overcome this digital divide.

CONTACT  r. Tobias MARCZINZIK

M
PIKSL-Labor, Erkrather Strae 107
40233 Dsseldorf, Germany
+49 211 60 20 789
Tobias.Marczinzik@igl-Duesseldorf.de
www.piksl.net

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

NGO voters

Nominated by: Rolf DRESCHER, Bundesverband Evangelischer Behindertenhilfe E.V.

76

Wheelmap.org is an online map to find places that are accessible with a wheelchair. Anyone can mark places on the map
and help to make everyday life easier. (Ral KRAUTHAUSEN)
wheelmap.org
Organisation:

SOZIALHELDEN e.V.

Country/region of origin: Germany

Beneficiaries targeted:
Persons with mobility
impairments
Approach/model/solution: 
Online map indicating
wheelchair accessibility
FACTS & FIGURES
Available worldwide, translated into 23 languages
360,000 locations marked by contributors
About 300 new entries every day

Examples of awards: UN World Summit Award (2012),

Deutscher Verzeichnismedien Preis (2012), Vodafone Smart
Accessibility Award (2011), Land der Ideen,
Ausgewhlter Ort (2011), INCA Award (Bronze, 2010),
Ashoka Fellow (2010)

PROBLEMS TARGETED
Barriers in public places constantly prevent persons with
mobility impairments from free movement and participation.
A narrow doorway here, a step there thats all it takes. To
make things worse, information on the accessibility of public
places is poorly available. Hence, persons with mobility impairments are excluded from public transport, gastronomy,
shopping etc.
CONTACT  r. Ral KRAUTHAUSEN
M
SOZIALHELDEN e.V.
c/o ImmobilienScout24, Andreasstrae 10
10243 Berlin, Germany
info@sozialhelden.de
http://wheelmap.org

PROJECT
Wheelmap.org is a global tool that can be used by everyone everywhere. It is available on the internet and as an app
for iPhone and Android. The information provided empowers
persons with mobility impairments to plan their day more
efficiently, increase their mobility and participate more easily
in society. The collected data is also a great tool to raise
awareness and set the political agenda by showing what has
been achieved and what still needs to be done. Wheelmap.org
thus contributes to building more inclusive environments and
societies.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
Users who are logged in to the map can upload photos or write comments to further describe the wheelchair accessibility of
a certain place. This additional information makes it easy for
persons with mobility impairments to determine whether they
can access the place or not.
Wheelmap.org has won numerous awards, for example: UN
World Summit Award (2012), Deutscher Verzeichnismedien
Preis (2012), Vodafone Smart Accessibility Award (2011),
Land der Ideen, Ausgewhlter Ort (2011), INCA Award (Bronze, 2010), Ashoka Fellow (2010)...
Screenshot of
Berlin city map,
indicating locations
that have been
marked, commented and categorised by wheelmap.org users.

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

all voters,
NGO voters
Top marks for:
Access to cities,
targeting p. with learning difficulties
Nominated by: Laura HAVERKAMP, Ashoka Deutschland

77

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: IRELAND/MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: INDIA/CENTRE FOR INTERNET & SOCIETY

Affordable text-to-speech software from India

Staying away from home in a non-clinical setting

eSpeak is a compact open source software speech synthesizer for Linux, Windows, and other platforms. Based
on an existing text-to-speech-software, eSpeak made it accessible to 12 Indian languages.

The Home from Home Apartment offers fully accessible accommodation with aids and appliances to persons
with physical and sensory disabilities and their families. It offers independent living in a non-clinical setting for
short breaks and general health appointments in Dublin.

eSpeak for Indian languages is an open-source, communitydriven project to provide voice support benefiting over 63
million people with print disabilities.
(Nirmita NARASIMHAN)

ages. eSpeak can be used in combination with screen readers

on computers, as well as on mobile phones. Being an opensource software tool, it is affordable and compatible with other
software.

The apartment promotes independence as it is self-catering.

It is ideal for family gatherings, pre-hospital visits, and social
occasions like attending a concert.
(Barry BUCKLEY)

eSpeak Text to Speech Engine

The project is being undertaken at a national level in collaboration with DPOs for blind persons from different states. The
beneficiaries are involved in the development process from an
early stage in order to cater to their needs.

Home from Home Apartment

Organisation:

Centre for Internet & Society

Country/Region of origin: India

Beneficiaries targeted:
Blind and visually impaired
persons
Approach/model/solution: 
Open-source translation software for text-to-speech
FACTS & FIGURES
Project implemented on a national level
Could benefit over 63 million people
Supports 12 Indian languages

CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK

It is envisaged that the combination of eSpeak with an opensource Non-Visual Desktop Access (NVDA) screen reader
could provide an almost no-cost solution for the reading needs
of users in the future. And it could be easily integrated with
other projects and into other communication systems such as
emergency response tools.
Not only will Indians benefit from eSpeak, but also persons
living in neighbouring countries which share a language with
India, such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

PROBLEMS TARGETED
A young man with
visual impairment is
using the screen-reader
in combination with
eSpeak text-to-speech
translation into his
local Indian dialect.
This empowers him
to participate in the
business world.
(Photo: Saksham)

India has 63 million persons with visual impairments and

several million persons who are in other ways disabled or illiterate, who require voice-based communication systems. The
unavailability of TTS in local languages and the high cost are
preventing large-scale deployment of the technology.
PROJECT
eSpeak is a Text-To-Speech system that addresses the crucial
gap by providing a voice translation tool in Indian local languCONTACT  s. Nirmita NARASIMHAN
M
Centre for Internet and Society
No. 194, Second 'C' Cross, Domlur, 2nd Stage
Bangalore - 560071, Karnataka, India
+91 98458 68078
nirmita@cis-india.org, www.cis-india.org
Nominated by: Centre for Internet & Society

78

EXPERT VOTING

Top marks from:

all voters
Top marks for:
access to ICT,
targeting p. with
physical disabilities

Organisation:

Muscular Dystrophy Ireland

Country/region of origin: Ireland

Beneficiaries targeted:

Persons with disabilities

Approach/model/solution: 
Independent fully accessible
accommodation, self-catering
FACTS & FIGURES
Currently one apartment in Dublin
The apartment can be used by up to eight people per night
A minimum contribution of 25 EUR per room per night
required
Won the Excellence Ireland Quality Association ABLE Award
for Accessibility
Awarded four stars by the Irish Tourist Authority

PROJECT
The Home from Home fully accessible apartment is a nonclinical setting offering persons with disabilities and their families the chance to stay overnight without having to stay at the
hospital. The apartment was designed by persons with disabilities for persons with disabilities. It enhances social inclusion,
promotes independent living and addresses the challenges of
finding truly accessible independent accommodation.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
The facilities are available for Muscular Dystrophy Ireland
(MDI) members and persons with mobility difficulties. The
purpose is to provide accommodation to MDI members and
their families who require accommodation while in Dublin
to attend a clinic or hospital appointment, visit members in
hospital or who simply require a short break. The apartment
offers ceiling track hoists in the bedrooms and provides a fully
equipped kitchen and a lounge area.

The apartment
offers an ensuite
bathroom with
all necessary
equipment in
order to promote
independent living
for persons with
disabilities.

PROBLEMS TARGETED
Finding accessible accommodation away from home without
having to check in at a hospital is not an easy task for persons
with disabilities and their families. Often accommodation lacks
the necessary equipment in terms of sanitary facilities and an
accessible design.

CONTACT  r. Barry BUCKLEY

M
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland
75 Lucan road, Chapelizod, Dublin 20
Ireland | +353 1 6236414
barry@mdi.ie
www.mdi.ie

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

NGO voters

Nominated by: Muscular Dystrophy Ireland

79

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: MACEDONIA AND SERBIA/EDUCATION

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: JAPAN/ATDO

Evacuation manual in DAISY multimedia format

E-accessible education in Macedonia and Serbia

Easy-to-understand, accessible evacuation manual in DAISY multimedia format for persons with intellectual
disabilities. DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) is a technical standard for computerised text.

The project fosters the inclusion of students with disabilities in mainstream primary education in Macedonia and
Serbia. It introduces assistive technology, including e-accessible textbooks and educational applications, into
mainstream instruction, and strengthens the capabilities of public schools.

First understand how to protect yourselves from a tsunami,

then memorise it through the evacuation drill. If the brain is
panicked, memory will help you to evacuate. (Bethel's Home
member)

Evacuation Manual in DAISY

Organisation: ATDO
Country/region of origin: Japan
Beneficiaries targeted:
Persons with learning
disabilities
Approach/model/solution: 
Evacuation manual customisable for familiar suroundings
FACTS & FIGURES
Customisable to include familiar suroundings
250+ persons from Bethel House and other community
groups trained
Training conducted 2 days per year, summer and winter
(evacuation drills once during the day and once in the
evening)
To date implemented in Urakawa Town, Hokkaido, Japan

PROJECT
One part of the multimedia manual focuses on 'general
information', sharing basic information on why it is essential
to evacuate when a natural disaster happens. The second
part pairs the 'evacuation route' with a customised training
manual, indicating the best evacuation route in one's familiar
surroundings. Users may see faces they know, including their
own, amid familiar houses and streets and hear a familiar
voice speaking the text. The idea is to make the user feel that
it is his/her own manual for safety.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
The training includes easy instructions, for example:
'After a big quake, don't waste your time to get information
or instructions but decide to evacuate immediately'
'Prepare the evacuation bag which includes most important
goods including medicine'
'Grab the evacuation bag and run with your friends following
the evacuation route'
It is further planned to disseminate the training manual to
other locations in Japan, India and Sri Lanka and to produce a
similar manual for typhoon and heavy rain disasters. Translation is not very difficult but some of the contents need to be
modified to be based on the local situation.

Without assistive technology, my daughter would have never

learnt how to read and write. (mother of a student)

PROJECT

Organisation:
Open the Windows and

Ecumenical Humanitarian
Organisation

The e-Accessible Education Project introduced assistive

technology into mainstream primary schools in the country:
schools were equipped with assistive computer peripherals
(e.g. big-button keyboards, trackballs, etc.) and over 300
teachers were trained in using assistive technology in their
work with students with disabilities.

Country/region of origin: Macedonia

CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK

Beneficiaries targeted:

The Macedonian experience will be the starting point in introducing assistive technology in mainstream primary education
in Serbia. In 2014, the model will be piloted in six primary
schools in the Novi Sad area; this initiative is led by EHO
(Ecumenical Humanitarian Organization). In addition to the
provision and installation of assisted technology in selected
schools, teacher training, localization of educational software
in Serbian and production of the first e-accessible textbooks,
the project aims to produce a policy paper calling for the widespread and systematic use of assistive technology in mainstream education in Serbia. Cooperation and exchange will be
facilitated between the relevant institutions from Macedonia
and Serbia.

e-Accessible Education

Children with disabilities

Approach/model/solution: 
Capacity building, advocacy
FACTS & FIGURES
Launched in 2010 in Macedonia and funded by USAID
31 mainstream primary schools in Macedonia provided with
equipment, software and training
Over 200 children with disabilities benefited
20 primary school textbooks made available in e-accessible
format
The project won the ERSTE Foundation Social Integration
Award for 2013

PROBLEMS TARGETED

PROBLEMS TARGETED

Bethel's House members with severe psycho-social disabilities

living in Urakawa Town successfully participate in the community. One of their major concerns is a potential tsunami. It is
expected, in the worst scenario, to be more than 10 metres
high. By sharing scientific knowledge on tsunami and by evacuation training, despair has been changed to confidence.

The e-Accessible
Education Project
introduced assistive technology
into mainstream
primary schools.

Inclusion and active participation of children with disabilities

in mainstream primary education; capacity of educational
institutions such as primarily schools to offer individualised
services to their students with disabilities based on using modern technologies.

CONTACT  r. Hiroshi KAWAMURA

M
Assistive Technology Development Organization
1-1-61-101, Wakaba-cho, Chofu-shi, Tokyo
1820003, Japan | +81-(0)3-5384-7207
hkawa@atdo.jp
www.normanet.ne.jp/~atdo/english.html
Nominated by: Mr. Yasunobu ISHII, The Nippon Foundation

80

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

all voters
Top marks for:
access to services
targeting persons with physical and learning disabilities

CONTACT  s. Tamara BLAGOJEVIC

M
EHO | http://resursnicentar.ehons.org
Novi Sad, Serbia | tamarab@ehons.org
Mr. Vladimir LAZOVSKI
www.openthewindows.org | Skopje, Macedonia
vladimir.lazovski@openthewindows.org

EXPERT VOTING

Top marks from:

all voters, CEE and NGO voters
Top marks for:
targeting the Global South
access to ICT
targeting the blind and deaf

Nominated by: Joanna KINBERGER, Diakonie Austria

81

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: MONTENEGRO/UMHCG

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: MEXICO/TRUST FOR THE AMERICAS

Collected ideas for access to the workplace

Transport service for students in Montenegro

The 'Accessibility Guide' illustrates low or no-cost solutions for companies to allow persons with disabilities accessibility and employment. It creates inclusive employment policies and promotes inclusive businesses.

The transportation and consultancy service enables young persons with disabilities to participate actively in society. The association helps the students to handle bureaucratic tasks and receive exemption from tuition fees.

Accessibility at work: beyond the standards, towards a community process!

(Pamela MOLINA)

PROJECT

Our service is unique in Montenegro and in the region particularly because it involves transportation of our students at
a time when the accessibility of the physical environment and
transportation are at a very low level. (Marina VUJACIC)

Country/region of origin: Mexico/Peru/Ecuador/

El Salvador

The guide offers low to no-cost solutions that give persons

with disabilities barrier-free access to the workplace, often
using existing in-house resources. For example, floors with
different textures can provide guidance to a blind person's
need to orient himself. To generate effective and affordable
solutions, employers are trained to interact with the surrounding community and with the persons with disabilities to define
and build the accessibility solutions together.

Organisation:
Association of Youth with

Disabilities of Montenegro
(UMHCG)

Beneficiaries targeted:

CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK

Country/region of origin: Montenegro

It is essential to develop a culture of frank and open dialogue

within the company to overcome fears and develop innovative
solutions together. Training and presentations of hard facts
and soft skills are provided to interested companies and HR
managers throughout Latin America. The guide is now used
and distributed by a network of inclusive employers, including
the 667 companies that participated in the project. The guide
is editable and its format allows for adjustments and additions on a country-by-country basis. It is planned eventually
to expand the guide to 21 countries of Latin America and the
Caribbean.

Beneficiaries targeted:

Accessibility guide for workplaces

Organisation:

The Trust for the Americas

Persons with disabilities

Approach/model/solution: 
Guide to enable accessibility in
workplaces, capacity building
FACTS & FIGURES
Developed in cooperation with regional key actors, civil
society, employers
The guide is editable, allowing adjustments on a country-
by-country basis
Since distribution 1,000 persons with disabilities were
employed
2,000 hard copies in Mexico, 1,000 soft copies (CD)
distributed per country

PROBLEMS TARGETED
The high unemployment rate of persons with disabilities in
Latin America is partially due to the reluctance of companies
to hire persons with disabilities. The fear of high related costs
and complicated solutions for their inclusion in the labour
force are the major reasons.
CONTACT  r. Dario SOTO
M
The Trust for the Americas
2600 16th street, NW, Washington DC
United States of America | +1-202 370 0755
dsoto@oas.org
http://trustfortheamericas.org/guia-accesibilidad
Nominated by: David Andres ROJAS, The Trust for the Americas
82

The guide illustrates various low or

no-cost solutions
for companies to
enable the inclusion of persons with
disabilities in the
workplace.

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

all voters
Top marks for:
Targeting all persons with disabilities
Targeting the Global South

Accessible transport

Persons with disabilities

Approach/model/solution: 
Transportation for students
FACTS & FIGURES

Service is offered free of charge

10 to 15 students with disabilities use 'accessible transport'
every year
As part of the 'Students Service' program it was ranked as
one of the finalists for the Erste Foundation Award for social
integration (2013)

PROBLEMS TARGETED
Montenegro does not offer accessible public transport. This
makes mobility for persons with disabilities very difficult and
reaching universities, workplaces, and hospitals a problem.
Awareness about the needs of persons with disabilities is rudimentary and information is poorly available.

CONTACT  r. Velibor BOSKOVIC

M
UMHCG, Vlada Cetkovica, zgrada Sajo IV/1/125
81000 Podgorica, Montenegro
+43-1-330 35 45-24
velibor.boskovic@umhcg.com
http://umhcg.com/

PROJECT
Through this service young persons with disabilities are enabled to participate actively in society and develop their potential. The services offered resulted in an increased number of
students with disabilities, full participation in academic life as
well as enhancement of their visibility in the local community. The project creates the necessary conditions for mobility,
independence and education.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
The Association of Youth with Disabilities of Montenegro continually implements the Student Service. In September each
year it begins by collecting the necessary documentation for
students. This is necessary to obtain dormitory accommodation and to request exemption from tuition fees for students
with disabilities. In addition, the 'door to door' transport of
students is provided regularly to empower students with disabilities to participate in university life.

The transportation
service enables
young persons
with disabilities to
participate actively
in society and to
study at university.
(Photo: Velibor
Boskovic / AYDM)

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

all voters, NGO voters,
Top marks for:
Targeting the Global South
Targeting the deaf
Nominated by: Marina VUJACIC, UMHCG
83

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: PORTUGAL/COLORADD

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: NORWAY/SCANDIC HOTELS

Everybody is welcome in an accessible hotel

Colour identification system for the colourblind

Scandic has taken on the challenge to include accessibility in everything they do. When designing rooms for
persons with disabilities, Scandic ensure that they are as well-designed as any other room, with practical solutions that go almost unnoticed, except by those who really need them.

ColorADD is a universal graphic code whose mission is to enable the colourblind to identify colours. It supports
the social integration of persons with colour vision deficiency.

Scandic's slogan is: 'Everyone is welcome at Scandic'. It is

widely acknowledged as the worlds leading hotel chain in
regard to access for all.
(Magnus BERGLUND)

design, training of its staff, menus, conference and meeting

facilities, information and reservation services etc. to ensure that guests with disabilities or other access requirements
enjoy a pleasant and trouble-free stay.

ColorADD: a social responsible solution that enables colourblind people to identify colours. (Miguel NEIVA)

Accessibilty as a business concept

CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK

Organisation:

In consultation with organisations for people with special

accessibility needs, a checklist of 110 points was developed:
Scandic's accessibility standard. This standard encompasses
everything offered by the hotel and is an integral consideration for all products and services at the hotel. Scandic also
offer interactive online training on accessibility that focuses
on advice, tips, tests, and instructional videos showing how to
provide really good service for guests with disabilities.

Organisation:

Scandic Hotels

Country/region of origin: Norway/Sweden

Beneficiaries targeted:

Persons with disabilities

Approach/model/solution:

Hotels made accessible

FACTS & FIGURES

The requirements for worry-free travel vary depending on

whether one is wheelchair-bound, visually impaired, hearing
impaired etc. Staying in a hotel might cause problems from
the time of check-in at the reception until the check-out if no
special service or knowledge is available.

Beneficiaries targeted: 
Persons with color vision
deficiency
Approach/model/solution: 
System to transform colour
into symbols

PROBLEMS TARGETED

ColorADD transforms colour to a graphic code that indicates the colours on textiles, medicines, educational games,
coatings, paint material etc. Based on three primary colours,
the symbols are related to each other and the entire colour
pallet graphically identified (for example, yellow and blue
make green; the symbols of the graphic code are similarly
combined).
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
Currently, ColorAdd is used in many different areas such as
education (school utilities, manuals and books, educational
games, etc.), textiles and footwear, healthcare systems,
transport systems, food industry, teaching materials, city
administration, science, culture etc. The ColorADD is also
used in the Portuguese National School Exams to facilitate the
correct interpretation of colour and consequently the contents
of exams. Delivering innovative projects in more than 35 different areas, ColorADD is obtaining visibility and recognition on
a global scale from business, institutional and academic communities, as well as wide media coverage: Le Monde, France
Press, Vogue, Folha de So Paulo, Globo TV, among others.
ColorADD is a universal
graphic code that translates
colour into symbols.

Colourblindness, or colour vision deficiency, affects approximately 10% of men and 1 in 200 women - approximately 350
million people around the world. There are different forms
of colour blindness, including the total inability to perceive
colours.

PROJECT
Putting the needs of all guests firmly at the centre of its
business model, Scandic has built a program around accessibility which includes the buildings, fixtures, fittings, furniture,

84

Country/region of origin: Portugal

Gold Medal award from the Portuguese Government,

commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights
Distinguished by INSEAD and IES, Investigao em
Empreendedorismo Social as a 'High Potential Social
Entrepreneurship Initiative'

PROBLEMS TARGETED

Nominated by: Haakon ASPELUND, The Delta Centre



ColorADD Miguel Neiva &

Assoc. Lda.

FACTS & FIGURES

160 hotels in eight European countries

Scandic has received numerous awards and is getting
attention in the media worldwide (CNN, BBC World, UN)

CONTACT  r. Magnus BERGLUND

M
Scandic Hotels
Sveavgen 167, SE-102 33 Stockholm
Sweden | +46 8 517 350 00
magnus.berglund@scandichotels.com
www.scandichotels.com

ColorADD - Color is for ALL!

PROJECT

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

all voters

CONTACT  r. Miguel NEIVA

M
ColorADD Miguel Neiva & Assoc. Lda.
Rua Miguel Bombarda, 93
4050-381 Porto, Portugal | +351 917 526 446
coloradd@gmail.com
www.coloradd.net

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

Business voters

Nominated by: ColorADD

85

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: SINGAPORE BCA UNIVERSAL DESIGN

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: QATAR/MADA

One-stop-shop for accessibility technologies in Qatar

Certification scheme for Universal Design

Mada, a public-private partnership in Qatar, is a one-stop-shop for all accessibility technologies for persons with
disabilities. It offers direct services, works on website accessibility certificates and establishes a library of accessible books. Currently it is beginning to influence regional services in other Arabic-speaking countries.

The BCA Universal Design Mark (UD Mark) accords recognition to the building owners and designers who go
beyond the code compliance to create user-friendly buildings. It allows assessment of projects at design stage,
thereby facilitating the incorporation of UD principles from the onset of project development.

Mada suggests a model of delivery that is holistic, integrating

services across ages, settings and need for greatest impact.
(David BANES)

Mada - Qatar Assistive Technology Center

Organisation:

Mada

Country/region of origin: Qatar

Beneficiaries targeted:

Persons with disabilities

Approach/model/solution: 
One-stop-shop for assistive
technology in Arabic
FACTS & FIGURES

Over 20 assistive technology products developed in Arabic

Commercial and open-source projects to reduce cost
120 books available at bookshare.org, accessed by people
in Qatar, the UAE and Egypt
Over 1,000 people supported in Qatar in three years
Award for 'technological innovation', Hamad Medical
Corporation (2011)

PROJECT
Mada was established by the Supreme Council for Information
and Communication Technology (ictQatar) in June 2010 as a
public-private partnership with Qtel, Vodafone Qatar, Qatar
National Bank and Microsoft. Mada is a one-stop-shop for all
aspects of accessible technology for persons with disabilities.
As well as delivering direct services, the centre has sought to
introduce a range of technology to support Arabic speakers,
introducing website accessibility certification, establishing the
first major repository of accessible books online for Arabic
users and supporting Arabic innovation and research in access
technologies.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
The Mada model of services is already influencing regional
services in Oman, Dubai, Kuwait and Shahjah, with interest
and relations building in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The availability of free technology for Arabic speakers supported by Mada
has an impact throughout the Arabic-speaking world.

PROBLEMS TARGETED
By placing assistive technologies in classrooms, workplaces,
and homes throughout Qatar, persons with disabilities will
be able to work, attend class, and connect with peers from
around the world.

CONTACT  r. David BANES

M
Mada (Qatar Assistive Technology Center)
Al Nasr Tower B, 7th Floor, Al Corniche Road
24230, Doha, Qatar | +974-4459 4050
dbanes@mada.org.qa
www.mada.org.qa
Nominated by: Axel LEBLOIS, The Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs (G3ict)
86

The UD Mark Certification is a great way to get the building

owners, designers and builders to achieve a well-integrated
design that caters to all.
(GOH Siam Imm)

Country/region of origin: Singapore

To support the 'ageing-in-place' lifestyle and an inclusive environment, the BCA launched the Accessibility Master Plan. The
UD Mark is part of this and provides a 2-stage assessment
process: upfront credit for the concept design and subsequent
award affirmation when the development is completed. This
encourages the developer and designer to think 'Universal
Design' (UD) and accessibility at the early design stage. A UD
'self-help' checklist was created to make UD more tangible
and easier to comprehend and implement.

Beneficiaries targeted:

CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK

BCA Universal Design (UD) Mark

Organisation:

Persons with mental disabilities

FACTS & FIGURES

EXPERT VOTING Top marks for:

Access to services

Building and Construction

Authority (BCA)

Approach/model/solution: 
Computer and internet learning
laboratory, knowledge sharing,
scientific research

Mada is a onestop-shop for
all aspects of
accessible technology for persons
with disabilities:
a young man
explores using an
iPad with two Mada
team members.

PROJECT

Voluntary certification scheme launched in October 2012

26 plaques were given since the launch of UD Mark
Certification of which 2 were Platinum
20 projects are currently being assessed
5 courses on Certificate of UD Assessor (4 day duration)
were conducted for about 250 architects, designers,
facilities managers, project managers and builders
3 courses are scheduled for 2014

The UD Mark identifies and distinguishes developments that

have gone beyond meeting the minimum mandatory code
requirements. It has attracted strong industry interest and
buy-in as the certification enhances companies' corporate
branding. The conduct of pre-assessments allowed BCA to influence several projects at an early stage, leading to enhancements in UD/accessibility provisions. The project supports the
ageing population, the rise in accessible tourism and the greater awareness of user-friendly design. There are four UD Mark
ratings available: Certified, Gold, GoldPLUS and Platinum.
The UD Mark plaque
will be displayed at
buildings.

PROBLEMS TARGETED
With the prospect of 1 in 5 of the population being aged 65
years and above in Singapore by 2030, it is necessary that
buildings are made barrier-free and user-friendly.
CONTACT  s. GOH Siam Imm
M
Building and Construction Authority
5 Maxwell Road, #07-00, MND Complex
069110, Singapore | +65-6325 8611
GOH_Siam_Imm@bca.gov.sg
www.bca.gov.sg/friendlybuilding

EXPERT VOTING Top marks for:

Access to built
environment

Nominated by: Valerie FLETCHER, Institute for Human Centered Design

87

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: SPAIN/FUNDACION ONCE

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: SOUTH AFRICA/ATHENA

Fighting unemployment in poverty-stricken areas

Finding compatible and accessible mobile devices

ATHENA is a mobile Further Education and Training (FET) College which provides free 'learnerships' to persons
with disabilities in poverty-stricken rural areas. Young people with disabilities gain initial work experience while
studying towards a nationally recognised qualification.

Interactive website designed to help persons with disabilities and the elderly identify mobile devices that fit
their needs and preferences, and enhance their access to ICT and participation in society.

ATHENA the mobile private FET college, taking quality education, training and development to the people, both rural and
urban. (Susan DIPPENAAR)
Name:

ATHENA Mobile FET College

Organisation:

ATHENA Private FET College

Country/region of origin:

South Africa

Beneficiaries targeted:
Persons with physical and

learning disabilities in rural
areas
Approach/model/solution: 
Mobile college for rural further
education and training
FACTS & FIGURES
12 months' duration - 1 week class, 3 weeks work
Participation is free of charge for learners
Monthly stipend of approx. USD 150
80% of learners are employed after graduation

PROBLEMS TARGETED

PROJECT
In order to empower the rural youth with disabilities to
overcome unemployment, ATHENA offers learnerships free
of charge. The learners and their families do not have to pay
any extra cost for travel and accommodation as is the case
when they attend a campus far from home. Each learner is
placed in a host workplace close to their home and allocated
a permanent employee as coach and mentor. Each successful
learner graduates with a national qualification and a full year
of relevant workplace experience.
ATHENA sources the workplaces, mentors and coaches in
close proximity to the family home of the learners. Learning
is conducted in English, but assistance can be provided in the
mother tongue during the first 3 months. ATHENA facilitates
the acquisition of assistive devices where necessary.

Nominated by: Devon PALANEE, ATHENA Private FET College


88

LETTY GARCA)

Amvil
Organisation:

Fundacin ONCE

Country/region of origin: Spain

Beneficiaries targeted:

Persons with disabilities and

the elderly

Approach/model/solution:

Web portal showcasing existing

accessible technologies and
mobile devices; ratings

CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK

FACTS & FIGURES

Currently 150 learners are recruited in 3 port towns in South

Africa. ATHENA is also exploring opportunities to go across
the borders into Africa. In 2013 ATHENA was mentioned three
times in parliament by the Deputy Minister of the Department
of Women, Children & People With Disabilities as a model of
excellence to be supported and expanded.

In December 2012 the website received a total of 12,497

unique visitors; in December 2013 it received 27,426
visitors - an increase of 114.5%
The website is available in English so it has many
international visitors: United States (30%), Spain (25%),
China (12%)
Amvil is sponsored by the Vodafone Spain Foundation

Graduation of
ATHENA students
in Richards Bay
after one year of
workplace experience and classroom training.

South African business and government institutions are still

not fully compliant with the requirement to have a minimum
of 2 percent of total payroll be persons with disabilities.
Especially in rural and poverty-stricken areas this leads to an
extremely high rate of unemployment among young persons
with disabilities.

CONTACT  rs. Susan DIPPENAAR

M
ATHENA - Private FET College
41 Alpha Crescent Umbilo, Durban 4001
South Africa | +27 (031) 459 09 37
susan@athena.co.za
www.athena.co.za

We inform users about the accessibility features of their

mobile devices and the barriers they may face, and inform
manufacturers about the needs of their clients. (David ZANO-

EXPERT VOTING

Top marks from:

all voters, NGO voters
Top marks for:
access to ICT
targeting the blind
targeting the Global South

PROJECT
Amvil is an initiative led by the ONCE Foundation, developed
by Technosite, and sponsored by the Vodafone Spain Foundation to enable access to mobile phones for all. It aims to help
persons with special needs identify accessible mobile devices
that are compatible with available assistive technologies and
that suit their preferences and needs. It is an interactive website that also offers information on mobile applications that
comply with Universal Accessibility and Design for All requirements.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
In addition, Amvil offers news and general information on the
accessibility of ICT and promotes the active participation of
experts, users, manufacturers and telephone/wireless service
providers in the project. It advocates among phone manufacturers, operators and distributors about the need for access to
the information society of people with disabilities by making
them part of this project. The project was funded by the Plan
Avanza of the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism and
part of the National Plan for Scientific Research, Development
and Technological Innovation (2008-2011).

PROBLEMS TARGETED
Persons with disabilities and the elderly are often unable to
access mobile phones. These devices often lack the necessary
accessibility features to meet their needs and preferences.

CONTACT  r. David ZANOLETTY GARCA

M
Fundacin ONCE
Calle Sebastin Herrera, 15
28012 Madrid, Spain
dzanoletty@fundaciononce.es
www.amovil.es

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

all voters, CEE voters,
Academic voters
Top marks for:
targeting all persons with disablities
Nominated by: Fundacin ONCE
89

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: SPAIN/#ASPACENET

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: SPAIN/EMT MADRID

Using ICT to empower persons with cerebral palsy

Visual and acoustic information on public buses

#ASPACEnet improves the autonomy and social interaction of people with cerebral palsy through the development and deployment of innovative technological solutions and by undertaking the necessary adjustments to
computers, phones and tablets.

A project to enable the safe and independent use of public bus transportation for persons with visual or hearing
impairments, designed also to assist persons with all physical, mental or sensory conditions. A new information
technology has been developed and mobile applications introduced.

The latest innovation launched by #ASPACEnet is a software

application for mobile devices to enable access to WhatsApp,
Facebook, Twitter, Skype and SMS.
#ASPACEnet
Organisation:

Confederacin ASPACE and

Vodafone Spain Foundation

Country/region of origin: Spain

Beneficiaries targeted:

Persons with cerebral palsy

Approach/model/solution: 
Development of innovative
technological solutions
FACTS & FIGURES
Launched in 2011
More than 1,200 persons, 600 with cerebral palsy, have so
far benefited from the innovations
Currently there are 73 #ASPACEnet centres in Spain

PROJECT
#ASPACEnet is a project which joins ICT and persons with
cerebral palsy via information and support. Beneficiaries are
informed about existing products and services and receive
training in the care centres. #ASPACEnet develops innovative
applications and technologies to cater to the needs of persons
with cerebral palsy. Beneficiaries and future users are involved
in the development process at an early stage.

90

Organisation:

Empresa municipal de
transportes de Madrid (EMT)

Country/region of origin: Spain

The latest innovation launched by #ASPACEnet is a software

application for mobile devices to enable access to mobile communication channels such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter,
Skype and SMS. The prototype will be available in summer
2014, will be free of charge and will be open-source in order
to be compatible with other programs and applications. The
text can be entered on the mobile device in an accessible
manner, either through voice, adapted keyboards (with pictograms, enlarged keys, etc.) or other assistive devices.

Beneficiaries targeted:
Persons with visual or hearing
impairments

Kiko describes his

weekend using a
communication
board. Today,
thanks to #aspacenet, Kiko uses
a communication
system running on
a tablet PC with
which he interacts
directly using a
switch that he
activates with his
head.

Persons with cerebral palsy do not have access to the digital

society unless there are additional technologies and services
offered to enable their participation. The opportunities that
could be offered by ICT are immense: they mean access to
work, study, leisure, communications, information etc.

Nominated by: Andrs CASTELL, Confederacin ASPACE



Making public transport more accessible

CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK

PROBLEMS TARGETED

CONTACT  r. Csar MAURI

M
Confederacin ASPACE
General Zabala, 29, 28002 Madrid, Spain
+34-91 561 40 90
cesar.mauri@appctarragona.org
www.aspacenet.org

Universal accessibility and real-time information for all

passengers - using buses in Madrid is easy thanks to a new
technology ensuring equal access.
(Rafael ORIHUELA NAVARRO)

EXPERT VOTING Top marks for:

Access to ICT

Approach/model/solution: 
Visual and acoustic information
systems, mobile applications
FACTS & FIGURES
2,000 vehicles of EMT provide visual and audio information
364 information panels at bus stops
Applications receive 9 million visits per month

PROBLEMS TARGETED

PROJECT
A series of actions that introduced the concepts of ICT have
been implemented:
Visual and acoustic information systems installed inside and
outside the bus and at bus stops
Systems based on mobile phones, with voice recognition and
synthesis
Innovative mobile applications, such as a voice guidance
system to use the bus, including Augmented Reality
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
To facilitate the use of the bus service by persons with visual
impairments, visual and acoustic information is provided both
inside and outside the vehicle. It indicates the position of the
bus, the line number, the direction and information about the
route once the bus arrives at the bus stop. The information
panels at the bus stop include audio information that can be
activated through a simple button or by activating Bluetooth
on the mobile phone. A telephone service provides automatic information about the estimated time of arrival at each
stop. The website has also been created in an accessible way,
implementing the INCLUSITE tool, which includes features like
control by voice, noise or gesture.
Augmented Reality: information
superimposed over
the real image
captured by the
phone camera
improves the user
guidance.

Public transportation is not easily accessible for persons with

visual and hearing impairments who would like to navigate
the city in a safe and independent way. The use and further
development of ICT and Augmented Reality applications help
to make public transportation more accessible. The aim of the
practice is to make the use of the public bus transportation
easier for everyone, regardless of their physical, mental or
sensory conditions.
CONTACT  r. Enrique DIEGO BERNARDO
M
Empresa Municipal de Transportes de Madrid
C/ Cerro de la Plata, 4, 28007 Madrid, Spain
+34-91 40 68 849
enrique.diego@emtmadrid.es
www.emtmadrid.es

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

all voters

Nominated by: Francisco Javier Rubio DE URQUA, Ayuntamiento de Madrid. rea de Movilidad
91

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: SWEDEN/CULTURAL HERITAGE WITHOUT BORDERS

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: SPAIN/DESIGN FOR ALL FOUNDATION

Flagging accessible cities and towns

Communicating art in the Western Balkans

The Network facilitates knowledge-sharing about improving the quality of life in urban centres around the
world. Representatives from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors are invited to share good practices on
the website. The 'Flag of Towns and Cities for All' is a quality mark awarded to municipalities.

Training museum professionals in the Western Balkans to improve access to their buildings, collections and activities for persons with disabilities and enabling positive participation while challenging negative stereotypes.

The flag of Towns and Cities for All supports and encourages
local governments to make public places accessible.
Name:

Towns and Cities for All

Organisation:

Design For All Foundation

Country/region of origin: Spain

Beneficiaries targeted:

Residents of and visitors to

towns and cities

Approach/model/solution: 
Knowledge sharing, quality
mark, networking
FACTS & FIGURES
Current Flag holders: Askersund, Palma de Mallorca,
Pamplona, Solleftea, Saint-tienne
The city of Askersund has been awarded the Flag every
year since 2008
The network is growing: currently 105 members
There are 1,600 documents in the networks database

PROJECT
The Flag of Towns and Cities for All is a quality mark which
acknowledges local governments' commitment to implementing Design for All/Universal Design and accessibility in public
places. Facilities, transport, buildings and services are taken
into consideration with the aim of improving the quality of life
for residents and visitors. To obtain the Flag, a local government must:
Be a member of the Network for Excellence
Appoint a coordinator to liaise with the Foundation
Carry out initiatives totalling a minimum of 2% of the total
investment budget
The actions and projects to obtain the Flag are assessed by
the Design for All Foundation or one of its associate experts.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
Once a city becomes a member it can invite four local NGOs
to become members for free. The project has inspired the
Foundation to create a parallel project www.museumforall.eu
to promote activity by museums and cultural heritage sites in
the area of Universal Design.
Flag ceremony in Sainttienne: the Flag of
Towns and Cities for All
is a quality mark which
acknowledges local
governments' commitment to implementing
accessibility in public
places.

PROBLEMS TARGETED
How can city governments ensure that all their citizens' and
visitors' rights are respected? Initiatives which only make use
of local resources may lack continuity. Those undertaken at
national level may not be sufficiently targeted or may not take
into account all relevant factors.

(Photo: Ville de Sainttienne, Sonia Barcet)

CONTACT  rs. Imma BONET

M
Design For All Foundation
C/ Piquer n 29, Baixos 1, 08004 Barcelona
Spain | +34 93 470 51 18
ibonet@designforall.org
www.townsandcitiesforall.net
Nominated by: Francesc ARAGALL, Design For All Foundation

92

EXPERT VOTING Top marks for:

Access to cities

We support museums in the Western Balkans to partner with

children & adults with disabilities and open up their institutions
through creative inclusive practice. (Diana WALTERS & Michle
TAYLOR)

Accessible museums in the

Western Balkans
Organisation:

Cultural Heritage without Borders

PROJECT
Training and capacity-building for professionals working in
museums are at the heart of the project. A broader information and education program is also provided to raise awareness
for the persons with disabilities and to promote inclusion and
good practice. Children and adults with disabilities are welcomed as museum visitors and take part in various activities
which enable them to experience their cultural heritage.

Country/region of origin: Sweden

CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK

Beneficiaries targeted:

The project is funded by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and

new partnerships with local organisations have been set up.
The integration into local structures guarantees sustainability
of the project in a long-term perspective. In addition to the
staff training, fusing machines have been provided for the
museums to produce tactile images and maps. A 'Disability
Toolkit' was also produced and translated into local languages,
containing many examples of access initiatives. This provides
an invaluable source of information, ideas and support for
those implementing access solutions in museums. The toolkit
offers locally generated material and approaches, and functions as a handbook for all stakeholders.

Children/adults with disabilities

Approach/model/solution: 
Capacity building for museum
experts
FACTS & FIGURES

10 museums in five countries delivered projects

11 museums in six countries were given fusing machines to
produce tactile images
Disability Toolkit was produced, hard and soft copy, and
translated into local languages

Museum of Kosovo,
Prishtina: a number of
mobile units provide a
multi-sensory experience
of museum artefacts and
interpretation via headsets and tactile images.
They can be taken out of
the museum in order to
outreach to individuals
who would not be able to
visit the museum.

PROBLEMS TARGETED
The knowledge of most museum experts in the Western
Balkans about the needs and requirements of persons with
disabilities was rudimentary. The museums and staff were
not equipped to design or implement strategies to improve
accessibility. The social standing of persons with disabilities
was particularly low and financial, political and practical barriers are being overcome in order to reduce fear and challenge
prejudices and thereby enable wider access.
CONTACT  s. Diana WALTERS
M
Cultural Heritage without Borders
Sabbatsbergsvgen 6, 11321 Stockholm, Sweden
+46 (0) 768808871
diana.walters@chwb.org
http://chwb.org

EXPERT VOTING

Top marks from:

CEE voters
Global South voters
Top marks for:
access to culture
targeting all persons with disabilities

Nominated by: Cultural Heritage without Borders


93

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: UGANDA/USDC

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: TURKEY/TAV ISTANBUL

Airport accessibility for everyone

A fully inclusive and accessible school in Uganda

The Atatrk Airport Istanbul was made accessible through a holistic approach: tactile surfaces added; sanitary facilities renovated; induction loop systems implemented. Strong emphasis was laid on the training of the
airport employees.

USDC advocates for inclusive education and modifies existing school environments. Schools are made accessible through different factors: teachers, children and parents are sensitised; assistive devices are provided;
children with disabilities are integrated into society.

Airports act as social hubs, catalysing cultural, economic

and social exchanges between people. Its crucial that theyre
accessible by all.
(Kemal UNLU)
Obstacle-Free Airport Project
Organisation:

TAV Istanbul

PROJECT
The specific needs of different groups of persons with disabilities were taken into consideration in order to make the
Atatrk Airport accessible. A holistic approach was chosen, not
limiting itself to the transformation of the physical space but
also aimed at creating awareness within the organisation as
well as amongst the general public.

Making learning accessible by leaving no child behind.

(Dolorence WERE)
Inclusive Education Practice
Organisation:

Uganda Society for Disabled

Children (USDC)

Country/region of origin: Turkey

CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK

Country/region of origin: Uganda

Beneficiaries targeted:

Persons with disabilities

Beneficiaries targeted:

Approach/model/solution:

Holistic approach to make

airport accessible and
obstacle-free, capacity building

The project consists of improving terminal buildings in line

with international standards: service and help assistants implemented; tactile surfaces added; ramps improved; induction
loop systems provided; training and capacity-building for the
employees. Since implementation of the project, visually impaired passengers can arrive at the airport by subway and can
find their way independently, thanks to the tactile surfaces.
Another example is the inductive hearing loop systems at
information desks that enable hearing impaired passengers
to access information. In addition to TAV Istanbul, TAV Izmir,
TAV Ankara and TAV Gazipaa managements also continue to
work within the project of making airports obstacle-free and
accessible by all.

FACTS & FIGURES

250 employees received training in Sign Language
200 employees were given awareness training regarding
'Behaviour and Service' to persons with visual impairments

PROBLEMS TARGETED
For persons with disabilities, navigating an airport independently is only possible if certain services are provided and employees are trained. Arriving at the airport by subway causes a
huge obstacle for persons with visual impairments if no tactile
surfaces are available to lead the way to the terminal.

CONTACT  r. Erhan USTUNDAG

M
TAV Istanbul
34149 Bakrkoy, stanbul, Turkey
+90 212 463 30 00
erhan.ustundag@tav.aero
www.ataturkairport.com
Nominated by: Kemal UNLU, TAV Istanbul GM

94

The project consists of improving

terminal buildings
in line with international standards

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

all voters, NGO voters, business voters
Top marks for:
accessing transport
targeting all persons with difficulties

Children with disabilities

Approach/model/solution: 
Capacity building, advocacy
FACTS & FIGURES

110 children were directly supported to stay in school

15,023 children with disabilities were indirectly enrolled
179 teachers were sensitised on inclusive education
60 teachers were sensitised in teaching children using sign
language and Braille
Tumaini awards (2012 ) - best NGO implementing inclusive
education in Uganda

PROBLEMS TARGETED
Disability in Uganda remains a big challenge due to negative attitudes. The negative attitudes largely derive from the
following factors: ignorance, poverty, cultural beliefs and
customs. In order to give children with disabilities access to
general school education, capacity-building and supportive
equipment for special needs education is needed.

CONTACT  rs. Dolorence WERE

M
Uganda Society for Disabled Children (USDC)
P.O. Box 16346, Kampala, Uganda
+256 772557290
dolorence.were@usdc.or.ug
http://usdc.or.ug

PROJECT
USDC empowers the parents of children with disabilities to
advocate for inclusive policies; teachers, students and governments are sensitised about disability and the value of inclusive
education. USDC supports schools in helping them to become
accessible and to provide the necessary equipment: children
with movement disorders require ramps, widened corridors
and adapted toilet facilities; children with hearing impairments
require aids and sign language; individuals with visual impairments require instructional materials like Braille machines;
children with learning disabilities require specialised learning
aids.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
In order to ensure sustainability, USDC works within existing
structures and partners with government and other service
providers. In addition to its other efforts, USDC supported 2
vocational training and rehabilitation centres and has thus
helped over 1,000 young people with disabilites to achieve
various vocations.

USDC advocates for inclusive

education. This
teacher is blind
as well as his
student: education
that surely empowers both.

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

all voters
Top marks for:
Targeting the Global South,
Targeting p. with learning difficulties
Nominated by: USDC
95

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: UK/CITY BRIDGE TRUST

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: UK/INSPIRED SERVICES

How to help everyone understand complicated ideas

Providing access to buildings of civil society

People with intellectual disabilities work at and run the organisation Inspired Services. They adapt a variety
of information for different organisations in any format: EasyRead, photostory, video and others. Their unique
skill: explaining the complicated for everyone to understand.

Accessible London funds work that improves access to buildings of the civil society and increases disabled
people's participation in arts and sporting opportunities.

At Inspired Services we believe that information is power.

With it people can take control, make choices in all areas of
their lives and gain independence. (Andrew HOLMAN)
Inspired Services Publishing
Organisation:

Inspired Services Publishing

Country/region of origin:

United Kingdom

Beneficiaries targeted:
Persons with intellectual
disabilities
Approach/model/solution:

Transforming information into

an accessible format

PROJECT
Inspired Services is an organisation run by people with intellectual disabilities and non-disabled people. They adapt a
variety of EasyRead information for different international and
national organisations. Persons with intellectual disabilities
help turn complex ideas into accessible information for other
people with intellectual disabilities.

FIELD)

Accessible London
Organisation:

City Bridge Trust

CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK

Country/region of origin:

United Kingdom

The service is highly professional and is both efficient and

effective, proving that persons with intellectual disabilities can
work in and help run a business. Inspired Services is planning
to produce more information online with the production of
animated and interactive videos.

Beneficiaries targeted:

Persons with disabilities

Approach/model/solution: 
Fund to support projects
enabling access to 3rd sector
buildings

nity organisations to get free advice and funding for improving

accessibility to their buildings and services. This program
provides funding for access consultancy, specialist disability
staff, disability training, physical and sensory building improvements.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
Within the Accessible London program hundreds of projects
were financially supported. Providing funding for audit services
and for consultancy to analyse fields of improvement in the
area of accessibility was a major focus, as well as the capital
cost of improving access for all disabled people. Getting the
right sort of advice, information and expertise is critical in
making good access even better.

FACTS & FIGURES

FACTS & FIGURES

We want persons with disabilities to live independently and

to fully participate in society. Making community buildings
more accessible is an important way of achieving this. (Jenny

Eight employees involved in this project

All EasyRead meets UK and European standards
Against all the Odds Award (2011), Afiya Trust
MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British
Empire) for director Richard West (2013)

Operating since 1995

465 grants totalling 22.6 million GBP
Getting access right for persons with disabilities gets it
right for everyone

Persons with intellectual disabilities

help turn complex
ideas into accessible information
for other people
with intellectual
disabilities.

PROBLEMS TARGETED
Every person has the right to information. Without it people
cant make informed decisions. If an intellectual disability
requires adjustments to be made in information in order for
it to be accessible, a specialised service provider is needed to
produce the best possible result.

PROBLEMS TARGETED
Charities and other civil society organisations provide excellent community services. Often the lack of resources creates
barriers that prevent persons with disabilities and the elderly
from accessing the buildings, participating in sports, cultural
or charity activities, and volunteering their time.
PROJECT

The City Bridge

Trust funds access
improvements
for community
organisations; for
example, ramps
and automatic
doors for Archway
youth club.

The Accessible London program allows voluntary and commuCONTACT  r. Andrew HOLMAN
M
Inspired Services Publishing Ltd
Cotswolds, Centre Drive, Newmarket
CB8 8AN UK | +44 1638 561753
andrew@inspiredservices.org.uk
www.inspiredservices.org.uk
Nominated by: Reima Ana MAGLAJLIC, Mental Disability Advocacy Center

96

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

NGO voters

CONTACT  s. Jenny FIELD

M
City Bridge Trust, PO Box 270, Guildhall
London, EC2P 2EJ, United Kingdom
+44-20 7332 3710
Jenny.Field@cityoflondon.gov.uk
www.citybridgetrust.org.uk

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

all voters
business voters
Top marks for:
access to ICT
Targeting all persons with disabilities
Nominated by: Wai CHAN, Centre for Accessible Environments
97

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: UK/CHANGING PLACES

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: UK/ATOC

Accessible and spacious toilets in public places

Web-based tool to plan access to railway stations

A Changing Places toilet provides equipment, space and facilities (including hoist and adult-sized changing
bench) for persons with disabilities who need assistance and cannot use standard accessible toilets. Changing
Places toilets should be provided in addition to standard accessible toilets.

The Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) has produced a map of the mainland National Rail network in the UK that provides at-a-glance information about the accessibility of many stations.

Without Changing Places toilets thousands of people with

disabilities face the risk and indignity of being changed on
dirty toilet floors or not go at all. (Beverley DAWKINS & Loretto

Stations Made Easy gives passengers with disabilities important information to assess if they can use a particular station.
It eases their rail experience. (David SINDALL)

LAMBE)

Changing Places

service stations, leisure complexes, large railway stations,

airports etc. Changing Places toilets are different to standard
disabled toilets they include special equipment such as a
height-adjustable changing bench and a hoist, offer adequate
space in the changing area for up to two carers, and provide a
centrally-placed toilet with room on either side for the carers.

Organisation:

Changing Places Consortium

CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK

Country/region of origin:

United Kingdom

Beneficiaries targeted:

Persons with disabilities

The Changing Places campaign has ensured that there are

over 550 Changing Places toilets currently in the UK with aims
to have 1,000 by 2015. Individuals and companies may commit themselves to building a Changing Places toilet on their
premises according to the provided standards and requirements. Their toilet will then be listed on the map of Changing
Places which allows beneficiaries to find locations with appropriate toilets. There are also mobile Changing Places toilets
available to rent for large and small events.

Approach/model/solution: 
Campaign to provide accessible
toilets in public places
FACTS & FIGURES
Currently over 550 Changing Places toilets in UK
Estimated equipment cost: 12,000 - 15,000 GBP incl. VAT

Changing Places
toilets are different
to standard disabled toilets they
include special
equipment and are
spacious.

The Changing Places Consortium is campaigning to build more

accessible toilets in all major public places, including city
centres, shopping centres, arts venues, hospitals, motorway
CONTACT  r. Michael LE SURF
M
Changing Places Consortium
Mencap, 123, Golden Lane
London EC1Y 0RT, United Kingdom
+44-20 7454 0454
www.changing-places.org
Nominated by: Wai CHAN, Centre for Accessible Environments

98

Association of Train Operating

Companies (ATOC Ltd.)

Country/region of origin:

United Kingdom

Beneficiaries targeted:

Persons with disabilities

Approach/model/solution: 
Web-based tool to plan access
to railway stations
FACTS & FIGURES

PROBLEMS TARGETED

PROJECT

Organisation:

More than 500,000 clicks per year

Journeys by passengers with disabilities have increased by
10% per year
More than 2,500 stations on the rail network are included

The absence of suitable toilets means that persons with

disabilities who need assistance cannot take part in many activities like shopping, going to a park or a show. Without a suitable changing bench and hoist, many persons with disabilities
have to be laid on unhygienic toilet floors.

Stations Made Easy

PROBLEMS TARGETED

PROJECT
Stations Made Easy allows passengers to evaluate accessibility
before they start their journey. ATOC have produced detailed
plans, in the form of interactive station maps, for every station on the rail network in Great Britain. The maps provide detailed information about accessibility at every station. Stations
Made Easy also allows passengers to identify routes through
stations which best meet their needs. This includes delivering
a step-by-step plan to passengers showing them what they
will encounter using a particular pathway through a station.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
The Stations Made Easy pages are updated on a regular basis
to ensure all accessibility-related information is up to date.
The online information is much more detailed than anything
that existed previously. In order to ensure regular updates
and the interactive engagement of disabled passengers,
ATOC is currently exploring whether the implementation of a
community-based comment and recommendation facility can
be developed for each individual station. The set-up of such
an interactive community tool would be a starting point for a
social media travel network for railway passengers with disabilities in the United Kingdom.

For persons with disabilities, travelling by railway can be

challenging due to many unknown barriers. Not knowing what
the railway station of origin or destination looks like or where
the elevator is located makes journey planning difficult and
discourages people from making journeys.
A screenshot of the Stations Made Easy map at London St. Pancras
International. Symbols indicate accessibility; photographs give an
impression about the location.

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

all voters
Top marks for:
access to the built environment,
targeting the blind

CONTACT  r. David SINDALL

M
Association of Train Operating Companies
200 Aldersgate Street, EC1A 4HD, UK
+44 207 841 8104
david.sindall@atoc.org
www.atoc.org

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

all voters,
EU voters
Top marks for:
Access to transport,
Targeting all persons with disabilities
Nominated by: ATOC
99

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: UK/MANCHESTER MUSEUM

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: UK/BARCLAYS

Banking made accessible talking ATMs

Haptic and tactile museum experience

Audio-enabled ATMs (cash machines) offer independent use of banking services for blind and partially sighted
persons. The success of Barclays Talking ATMs has led to the development of other accessible services, aspiring
to make banking accessible to all.

Creation of a haptic computer technology which enables blind and visually impaired museum visitors to 'touch'
3-D scans of museum artefacts. The objects have been digitised and are presented with multimedia information
support.

Talking ATMs represented the first big step on our journey

to become the most accessible bank and it continues to be a
source of inspiration. (Steven ROBERTS)
Barclays Talking ATMs
Organisation:

Barclays Bank PLC

Country/region of origin:

United Kingdom

Beneficiaries targeted: 
Persons with visual
impairments
Approach/model/solution: 
Talking ATMs and other
accessible services
FACTS & FIGURES
Number of audio-enabled ATMs in the UK increased from
less than 70 to over 3,500 in one year (2012)
There are approx. 3 million visually impaired people in the
UK, of whom c. 750,000 hold an account with Barclays
Over 1,500 people have ordered a high visibility debit
card since its launch in January 2013

PROJECT
Talking ATMs not only provide ease-of-use for visually impaired users; people with dyslexia, people who are illiterate, and people who can understand spoken but not written
English may also benefit from this technology. The success of
Talking ATMs has led Barclays to develop other accessible services, amongst other things high visibility debit cards and sign
language interpretation via webcam. Barclays will shortly be
launching mobile instant messaging, which may benefit those
who are unable to use Telephone Banking.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
By the end of 2012, Barclays had rolled out audio capability at over 3,500 cash machines, making ATMs accessible
to approximately 2 million people living with sight loss in
the UK. Barclays industry-leading commitment to providing
audio-enabled ATMs has encouraged other major UK banks
and ATM providers to announce their intention to follow suit.
Barclays accessibility programme continues to build in scope
and momentum, as new opportunities are identified to provide
improved access for customers and colleagues.
Audio-enabled
ATMs (cash
machines) offer
independent use of
banking services for blind and
partially sighted
persons.

PROBLEMS TARGETED
Research commissioned by the Royal National Institute of
Blind People (RNIB) in 2011 confirmed that only 11 per cent
of blind and partially sighted people in the UK can use cash
machines unaided, compared to 80 per cent of sighted users.

CONTACT Kathryn Townsend

Barclays Bank Plc
One Churchill Place, London
E14 5HP, UK | +44 7827 807738
Kathryn.Townsend1@Barclays.com
www.barclays.co.uk/accessibility
Nominated by: Barclays

100

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

EU voters

This new haptic system gives all our visitors a new way to
touch and explore very accurate 3-D scans of museum objects, at their own pace.
(Sam SPORTUN)
Virtual object handling in museums
Organisation:

Manchester Museum

Country/region of origin:

United Kingdom

Beneficiaries targeted:
Persons with visual
impairments
Approach/model/solution: 
Haptic interactive museum
experience through 3-D scans
FACTS & FIGURES

10-20 visitors a day use the haptic 'Probos unit'

In 2014 four more objects will be added:
2 objects from Manchester Museum, UK
1 object from Yale Peabody Museum, USA
1 object from the British Museum, UK
Shortlisted for the category 'best innovation' in the UK's
Museums & Heritage Awards (2013)

PROBLEMS TARGETED
Museum artefacts are usually displayed behind glass or are
often too fragile, small, heavy or valuable to handle physically or even touch. In a museum most things are for display
only, and rarely can an object or replica be touched or held.
In order to create a haptic sensational museum experience
CONTACT  s. Sam SPORTUN, Manchester Museum
M
Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
+44 (0) 1612752677
samantha.sportun@manchester.ac.uk
www.manchester.ac.uk/museum
http://touch-and-discover-systems.co.uk

and find out more about an object, this system allows visitors
to touch precious objects which are usually unlikely to be
handled.
PROJECT
The Probos unit offers the chance to have a 3-D tactile experience of museum objects through fingertip discovery. The
system features high-quality 3-D scans of an object and offers
additional audio/multimedia information and the ability to magnify and zoom in on details. It is possible to feel details like
cracks on the surface according to the magnification and it is
possible to differentiate materials from the sound they make.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
A prototype was installed at the Manchester Museum in 2012.
Throughout the design and development process, blind and
partially sighted persons were closely involved to make the
technology as accessible and 'user-friendly' as possible. It is planned to introduce additional, enhanced accessibility features in
future and to enable other museums to produce and share their
own haptic content in future. Interest has been shown by major
national museums (The Victoria and Albert Museum), local museums throughout the UK (Potteries Museum) and international
institutions (Art Beyond Sight Institute, New York). The project
is funded by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation.
The Probos unit
offers the chance
to enjoy a 3-D
tactile experience
of museum objects
through fingertip
discovery.

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

all voters
Top marks for:
targeting persons with
physical disabilities
Nominated by: Nick MERRIMAN, Manchester Museum
101

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: USA/AMAC

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: USA/MOMA

Inclusive art education at the MoMA, New York

Digital Library with more than 300,000 textbooks

MoMA has won international respect for their unique efforts to make their extensive resources, collection and
programs accessible to visitors with disabilities. Training on inclusive arts education is given to external institutions worldwide and disability awareness and equality training is delivered in-house.

AMAC provides a cost-effective, replicable, scalable, holistic business model which provides accessible solutions
and research for corporate, governmental and non-profit entities supporting post-secondary individuals with
disabilities.

We believe that engagement with art can enhance a persons

quality of life and that cultural institutions have a unique opportunity to facilitate that engagement. (Carrie MCGEE)
MOMA Access Programs
Organisation:

The Museum of Modern Art,

MoMA, New York

Country/region of origin:

United States of America

Beneficiaries targeted:

Persons with disabilities

Approach/model/solution: 
Specialised arts education
program
FACTS & FIGURES
Access Programs serve over 10,000 people each year
Access Programs are implemented both at the Museum and
off-site in the community
The MoMA Alzheimers Project has worked with over 100
museums worldwide to develop programs for individuals
with dementia
Over the past decade, Access Programs have received
awards from American Association of Museums, Center for
Hearing and Communication and VSA Arts

PROBLEMS TARGETED
Physical and attitudinal barriers can make accessing museums
challenging. Access Programs seek to remove such barriers
and provide opportunities to participate in sophisticated, customised art education programs.
CONTACT  s. Carrie MCGEE & Ms. Francesca ROSENBERG
M
The Museum of Modern Art, New York
11 W. 53rd St., NY, 10019, USA
+1-212-708-9864 | carrie_mcgee@moma.org
francesca_rosenberg@moma.org
www.moma.org/learn/disabilities
Nominated by: Meryl SCHWARTZ, The Museum of Modern Art

102

PROJECT
MoMA is committed to providing the most inclusive environment for the Museum's diverse visitors. Access Programs offer
a variety of programs for visitors with disabilities, including individuals with physical, developmental, or learning disabilities;
hospitalised children and adults; homebound individuals; blind
and partially sighted visitors; individuals with mental illness;
and people with Alzheimers disease and their care-givers.
Access Programs staff have developed training resources on
providing quality art experiences for people with disabilities
and delivered workshops throughout the world.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
Access Programs staff are also beginning to develop new ways
to use technology to reach new audiences and foster international exchange of best practice. Staff also regularly provide
in-house disability awareness and equality training for frontline staff from various departments, including Visitor Services,
Retail, Security, and Membership. At the urging of Access
Programs, accessibility has become a Museum-wide priority
and a cross-Museum Accessibility Task Force has been formed
to ensure inclusivity across all programs and services.
Art inSight is a
program for individuals who are blind
or partially sighted. Each month,
specially trained
MoMA educators
highlight specific
themes, artists, or
exhibitions through
verbal description
or touch. (Photo
by: Michael Nagle)
EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:
all voters
Top marks for:
Targeting all persons with disabilities

AMAC Accessibility is producing accessible, digital, Braille

and captioned content which provides practical, centralised
solutions at an affordable cost.
(Christopher M. LEE)
AMAC Accessibility Solutions
Organisation:

AMAC Accessibility Solutions

and Research Center

Country/region of origin:

United States of America

Beneficiaries targeted:

Students with disabilities

Approach/model/solution: 
Training, technical assistance,
assistive technology software
FACTS & FIGURES

Over 300,000 textbook title records updated weekly

Over 60,000 students have been served since 2006
An estimated 2,500 post-secondary institutions in the USA
have requested over 150,000 electronic publisher files
Awards include: The National Learning Disability Award,
2013; National Federation White Cane Award, 2009; The
Governors Customer Service Award, 2007

PROJECT
AMAC offers a one-stop shop for digital and alternative media
textbooks, cost-effective reuse of digital libraries, remote
captioning and downloadable assistive technology software to
quickly access materials at universities, colleges, government
agencies, non-profits, and corporations.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
AMAC knows how to build partnerships that knock down
barriers. AMAC constantly initiates new ways to strategically
collaborate with private, non-profit and government groups
to leverage and utilise resources and serve the best interests
of all, now and into the future. AMAC will continue to advocate with publishers, distributors and other alternative media
producers to develop and implement guidelines and standards
for accessible content. The ultimate goal of AMAC is to bring
accessible content to the marketplace.
Showing a young man in front of the PC working on media
being modified and made accessible.

PROBLEMS TARGETED
In the United States there is a lack of affordable and accessible products in the market which support post-secondary
students with disabilities in their studies. Training on assistive
technology reading solutions is also lacking.

CONTACT  r. Christopher M. LEE

D
AMAC Accessibility Solutions and Research Center
512 Means Street, Suite 250
Atlanta, Georgia 30318, USA | +43-1-330 35 45-24
christopher.lee@amac.gatech.edu
www.amac.usg.org

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

all voters, EU voters and NGO voters
Top marks for:
access to ICT
targeting the blind

Nominated by: Joy KNISKERN, AMAC Accessibility Solutions and Research Center

103

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: VIETNAM/MALTESER INTERNATIONAL

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE 2014: USA/LFC

'Mountainbike-wheelchair' for rough terrain

Manual on inclusive disaster risk management

The Leveraged Freedom Chair is designed to enable wheelchair users in developing countries to travel effectively on unpaved surfaces and therefore access and integrate with their community.

Widening effective participation of people with disabilities in community-based disaster risk management - that
is the mission of this project run by Malteser International and local partners in Vietnam.

We worked closely with wheelchair users around the developing world while creating the LFC to ensure it meets their
unique needs.
(Tish SCOLNIK)
Leveraged Freedom Chair (LFC)
Organisation:

GO GRIT

Country/region of origin:

United States of America

Beneficiaries targeted:
Persons with mobility
impairments
Approach/model/solution:
Design, manufacturing,

distribution of special
wheelchairs
FACTS & FIGURES
In 'high gear' travels 80% faster on tarmac
In 'low gear' powers over obstacles with 50% more torque
Levers can be removed for use as a regular wheelchair
indoors
Diamond Winner 2012, MassChallenge; Innovation by
Design Award 2012, Fast Company; Biggest Innovation of
2011, Wall Street Journal;

PROJECT
The LFC is built out of steel and bicycle parts that can be
found in any rural village in any developing country. This
enables repair anywhere. A mass production manufacturing
centre for the LFC was established in 2012. Located in India,
the centre is in close proximity to developing countries across
Asia and Africa, facilitiating the shipment of wheelchairs to
these areas.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
At every step of the design process all stakeholders were
engaged: wheelchair riders, manufacturers, and distributors.
Local officials in developing countries have a great appreciation for the LFC due to its low cost and sustainable design.
While not yet available in the United States, there are plans to
develop a model tailored toward developed countries, which
will eventually make the LFC available to wheelchair users
worldwide. Past implementation has been in Guatemala, India,
Haiti, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Vietnam, with future implementation planned for Laos.

A rider in India
travels on unpaved
surfaces effectively
thanks to the LFC.

PROBLEMS TARGETED
Regular wheelchairs are designed for use on flat and even
ground, not the rough terrain of most developing countries.
Instead of pushing on the wheels as on a regular wheelchair,
LFC riders push on levers, which are biomechanically more
efficient.
CONTACT  rs. Tish SCOLNIK
M
Global Research Innovation and Technology
One Marina Park Drive, 14th Floor, Boston
MA 02210, USA | +1-617-383-4748
info@gogrit.org
http://gogrit.org
Nominated by: Christopher J. STANFILL, The University of Texas at Austin
104

EXPERT VOTING Top marks for:

all voters
NGO voters
Top marks for:
targeting all persons with disabilities

Relevant decision makers need to be aware of inclusive

disaster risk management.
Community based Disaster
Risk Management (CBDRM)
Organisation:

Malteser International

Country/region of origin: Vietnam

Beneficiaries targeted:

Persons with disabilities

Approach/model/solution: 
Empowering, capacity building,
awareness raising, removing
barriers
FACTS & FIGURES
Pilot project implemented in 47 villages in Quang Nam
province
Government is considering applying the scheme in 6,000
particularly affected communes in Vietnam to improve
inclusion of disabled persons

PROBLEMS TARGETED
Vietnam is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the Mekong region. People with disabilities are one of most the vulnerable groups of the population for many reasons including
the consequences of war (e.g. injuries and agent orange).

CONTACT  s. Mai Thi DUNG

M
Malteser International
48 Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, Vietnam
+84-511-913-431153
dung.mai@malteser-international.org
www.malteser-international.org

PROJECT
A manual on inclusive community-based disaster risk management was created to complement the national project of 'Awareness Raising and Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction
(CBDRM)'. A pilot project was launched in 47 villages in 6
communes of 3 districts of Quang Nam province.
CURRENT SITUATION & OUTLOOK
The key lessons learnt are as follows:
Relevant decision makers need to be aware of inclusive
disaster risk management
Strong disability change agent needed in each village
Capacity building and empowerment of persons with disabilities and care givers prior to CBDRM mainstreaming process
Consideration of removing barriers to persons with disabilities in CBDRM mainstreaming activities
In the next two years, Malteser International and DPOs will:
Continue collaborating with National Disaster Management
Center to train their master trainers
Organise awareness-raising workshops for various interministerial government staff and national media staff
Collaborate with other members in the Disability inclusive
Disaster Risk Reduction Network to advocate for disability
inclusion
In the villages a
strong disability
change agent is
involved in the
decision-making
process. (Photo:
Thuy Phuong/
Malteser International)

EXPERT VOTING Top marks from:

all voters
Top marks for:
access to services
targeting the Global South
targeting the deaf
Nominated by: Malteser International
105

METHODOLOGY

Innovative Policies 2014 methodology and Key Findings

 of 68 nominations, 15 Innovative Policies have been selected by the Scientific Advisory
Out
Board of the Zero Project
 seleted Innovative Policies can be categorised as follows:
The

Laws: India, Norway, and Qatar

Action plans: Australia, Cape Town/South Africa, Colombia, Kuala Lumpur/Malaysia, and
London/UK

Programmes: Hong Kong/China, Japan, and Spain

Standards: Berlin/Germany, Ireland, Solo/Indonesia, and Uganda.


Increasingly, accessibility is addressed in all its complexity, and selected Innovative Policies
regard all aspects of Article 9 of the CRPD:

Physical environment

Transportation

Information and communication

Facilities and services

Innovative Policy METHODOLOGY

DEFINITION of Innovative Policies



The nomination, research and selection process for 'Innovative

Policies' is a multistep approach, involving a network of experts along the way. In April 2013, the Zero Project team invited policy nominations from its expert network and received
68 policies from 34 countries, including one from a regional
and one from an international organisation.

Innovative Policies have achieved identifiable improvements

on the ground, and point to a positive dynamic of change
that can be easily replicated in many countries to advance the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights
of Persons with Disabilities (UN CPRD). Like all innovation,
some policies may be incomplete or dependent on other
developments to maximise their impact. Some policies, no
matter how positive, may also contain elements of old thinking. Since the implementation of the UN CRPD is a work
in progress for all countries, these elements are taken into
account in the overall assessment of innovation.

SCREENING AND PRE-SELECTION

A first screening of the nominated policies was undertaken
by the Zero Project team. This screening found that 24 of the
nominations could not be considered eligible for this years
research, as their enactment was too recent to satisfactorily
demonstrate success. Amongst them were, however, some
very promising ones. For the remaining 44 nominations, the
Zero Projects Scientific Advisory Board composed of 28
experts on disability and accessibility - was asked to shortlist
25 policies, according to their innovation, impact and transferability.
RESEARCH
These 25 shortlisted policies were researched by the World
Future Council, which applied its 'Future Just Lawmaking
Methodology' based on the seven principles for Future Just
Lawmaking (based on the 2002 International Law Association Delhi Declaration on Sustainable Development Law). The
research team conducted interviews with representatives from
governments, academia and disabled peoples' organisations
about each of the policies and produced qualitative policy
evaluation reports.

Selection
On 26 November 2013, the Scientific Advisory Board agreed
upon the 15 most promising 'policy finalists', according to the
following criteria:

Respect for the UN CRPD

Endorsed by the disability rights community

Innovation in legal approach and implementation
instruments

Effective implementation that delivered identifiable

and measurable improvements

Easily transferable to other countries
Originating from Europe, Asia, America, Africa, Oceania and
the Middle East, the 15 Innovative Policies come from all
around the world.

Innnovative Policy 2014 from Qatar: Mada Assistive Technology Center in Doha, Qatar, which developed, together with ictQatar, the national
eAccessibility policy. ( Mada)

182

106

107

INNOVATIVE POLICIES

key findings of Innovative Policies

Policies can be excellent tools for promoting social change.
The diversity of the 68 nominated legal instruments embraced action plans promoting accessible tourism, regulations
requiring service accessibility, policies regulating broadcasting,
regulations setting up universal design centres and accessibility-specific professions, as well as an international copyright
treaty.
Whilst employing a broad range of mechanisms, the 15 selected Innovative Policies can be categorized as follows:
Laws: India, Norway, and Qatar
Action plans: Australia, Cape Town/South Africa, Colombia,
Kuala Lumpur/Malaysia, and London/UK
Programmes: Hong Kong/China, Japan, and Spain
Standards: Berlin/Germany, Ireland, Solo/Indonesia, and
Uganda

KEY FINDINGS

Innovative Policies regard all aspects of Article 9 of the CRPD:

Physical environment

Transportation

Information and communication

Facilities and services
POLICIES FOR ALL GOVERNMENT LEVELS
Innovative Policies 2014 concern all government levels, from
the local, city level (Cape Town) to the regional (Berlin State),
up to the national level (India).
For PERSONS WITH ALL TYPES OF DISABILITIES
Most Innovative Policies pay attention to the universal design
approach. Norways non-discrimination law, for example,
promotes a strict application of the universal design. Many
policies implement measures that benefit not only those with
physical disabilities, but also people who are sight or hearing
impaired. However, few tackle the exclusion of people who
use easy language and persons with psychosocial problems
(Ireland).
POLICIES ENGAGING EVERYONE IN SOCIETY

Innovative Policy 2014 from the United Kingdom: In 2012, London

hosted the most inclusive Olympic and Paralympic Games. Mark
Todd

Accessibility is a pre-condition for independent living. This

applies to persons with disabilities as well as the 737 million persons aged 60 and over. [UN DESA, 2013] However,
accessibility is still being primarily perceived as a matter of
exclusive benefit to persons with disabilities. More policies
need to communicate that accessibility should be of interest to
everyone. Japans policy incentivises all individuals to invest in
accessible private housing, and thus attempts to break down
the exclusive association between accessibility and disability.

POLICIES FOR Countries with Low Development

Drivers of legislative change

As most people with disabilities live in the Global South, policy

solutions for low-income contexts are needed. Increasingly,
these countries are developing minimum accessibility standards that, as in Uganda, contain context-specific guidance,
for example on accessible water wells. In the field of transport, enforceable standards (Solo city/Indonesia) and action
plans (Cape Town/South Africa) can mainstream universal
design in transport services. A strategic approach with priorities can make the most of limited resources. For example,
Colombias Plan Vive Digital creates Internet access for rural
populations, whilst implementing specific measures to overcome the digital exclusion of people with disabilities. There
is a need for non-bureaucratic approaches (India), as well as
support and pressure from foreign aid and investment bodies
to help national responses to accessibility issues.

Most Innovative Policies were developed by public authorities.

However, additional organisations drive legislative action.
Notably, three of the policies were the direct result of lobbying
by DPOs: from India, Uganda and Solo/Indonesia. One policy
originated from a Centre for Universal Design (Ireland), another is the consequence of a report of the Equal Opportunities
Commission (Hong Kong/China). The public-private partnership in Spain was established as the result of an initiative from
Europes most active foundation in this field.

MAINSTREAMING DISABILITY INTO DEVELOPMENT

Too many development programmes and projects are disability-specific. [OHCHR, 2011] Australia developed a strategy that
mainstreams disability into development cooperation.
DEVELOPING POLICIES: Consulting with persons
with disabilities
When developing accessibility policies, it is important that
policymakers engage accessibility experts and consult with
all stakeholders, in particular persons with disabilities. For all
Innovative Policies, except Japans policy, persons with disabilities were consulted. Disabled peoples organisations (DPOs)
played a particularly prominent role in drafting the policies
from Berlin/Germany, Ireland and Australia.

Involving persons with disabilities

Levels of implementation of accessibility laws in many countries remain low due to a variety of obstacles. [OHCHR 2013,
WHO/WB 2011] The involvement of DPOs in the policys
implementation, beyond the drafting process, is one of the
keys to success. In the case of Londons Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012, DPOs trained volunteers. In Berlin State
all larger construction project planners have to consult with a
permanent Accessible Construction Working Group, including
DPOs and Disability Commissioners. Australia made the partnership with DPOs in the Global South a priority; more than
125 of them received funding.
Involving the private sector
Even though both public authorities and private enterprises
must offer accessible products and services [OHCHR, 2013],
few policies engage the private sector. The Irish Standard was
specifically designed with, and for, energy suppliers to improve
their customer communications and decrease costs.

POLICIES FOR ALL ASPECTS OF UN CRPD ARTICLE 9

Increasingly, accessibility is addressed in all its complexity.
[OHCHR, 2013] Countries enact comprehensive approaches
such as non-discrimination laws mandating accessibility for
several or all aspects of CRPD Article 9, as did Norway in
2008. Policies are specifically tackling the access to, and
accessibility of, information and communication as well as
products and services, as do for example the Irish Standard
for Energy Suppliers and Qatars eAccessibility Policy. Several
policies extend their reach beyond a single aspect of CRPD
Article 9, encompassing, for example, transportation and information, as is the case with the Indonesian Standard.

108

Innovative Policy 2014 from Colombia: The internet-strategy Plan

Vive Digital promotes inclusive and participatory digital accessible
environments. MINTIC 2013

Innovative Policy 2014 from India: The countrys copyright exception

for audiobooks and other alternative media is inclusive and nonbureaucratic. Saksham

Innovative Policy 2014 from Uganda: Its Accessibility Standards are

mandatory for all national school construction projects. UNAPD

109

INNOVATIVE POLICIES

OVERVIEW

improving accessibility expertise

ENFORCING POLICIES: standards and compliance

Appropriate training for all relevant stakeholders is needed,

as well as professionals that can confidently act as experts in
matters of accessibility. Kuala Lumpur/Malaysia held accessibility training workshops. In Spain, the public-private
partnership provided technical support to over 120 local
authorities. Kuala Lumpur and Berlin require accessibility
expertise amongst planners, who are obliged to submit a
concept of accessibility. Hong Kong/China established specific
Access Coordinators and Access Officers. In the Indian state
of Maharashtra, website developers have undergone accessibility training, and Israel has established a new profession of
'service accessibility experts'.

Standards and compliance should be mandated by law. [WHO/

WB, 2011] Norway established inaccessibility as a case of
discrimination and universal design as an enforceable legal
standard, whilst referring to sector legislation as well as specific regulations elaborating on the Act itself.

Providing funding
Adequate financial resources should be made available. In
particular, retrofitting measures require sufficient funding.
Hong Kong invests heavily in making existing premises accessible, thereby achieving measurable and significant results.
Establishing opportunities for cooperation
By investing in cooperation among stakeholders, awareness
and commitment are raised. Qatar partners successfully with
telecom providers, which now offer 50% discount on tariffs for
persons with disabilities.

Accessibility standards need to be part of building regulations. [WHO/WB, 2011] Access auditors should inspect the
construction and have the power to issue a stop-work order,
as in Kuala Lumpur/Malaysia. Government funding agencies
including those that fund schools can review plans as part
of their approval process. [WHO/WB, 2011] Ugandas Ministry of Education mandated accessibility for all national school
construction projects.
Sanctions for non-compliance
There should be penalties for non-compliance as well as a
mechanism for identifying non-compliance. [WHO/WB, 2011]
In Berlin, failure to comply with accessibility standards results
in financial penalties or in some cases mandatory building upgrades. For example, the newly built Grimm Centre required a
1 million upgrade. Similar penalties prevail in Kuala Lumpur.
To identify non-compliance, accessibility audits can be conducted by DPOs [WHO/WB, 2011], as happens in Uganda.

An impartial monitoring body can provide periodic independent progress evaluations. [WHO/WB, 2011]
Establishing ombudsmen
In 2005, the number of countries with ombudsmen, arbitration councils and committees of independent experts was very
low. [WHO/WB, 2011] In Norway, monitoring of the policy
has been assigned to the Equality and Anti-Discrimination
Ombudsman and Tribunal.
Support from civil society

110

Name

COUNTRY

BRIEF SUMMARY

CATEGORY

Development aid as enabler for

accessibility, 2009-2014

Australia

With its Development for All: Towards a Disability-inclusive Australian Aid Program of 2009-2014,
Australia has improved the reach and effectiveness of its development assistance by ensuring
that people with disabilities are included, contribute and benefit equally from development
efforts. From 2009-2014, it provided 5.5 million USD for 125 disabled peoples organisations.

Action Plan (Built Environment,

Transport, Information); Country Level

Hong Kongs retrofitting programme,

2010

China

In 2010, Hong Kong established two programmes - the Barrier-free Access & Facilities Retrofitting Programme and the Access Co-ordinator & Officer Scheme - that make existing government
premises accessible, supported by accessibility co-ordinators for departmental awareness raising.
By 2013, 90% of the 3,500 premises covered have been retrofitted and 80 Access Co-ordinators
appointed.

Programme (Built Environment,

Services); City Level

Internet access for disadvantaged

Colombians, 2010-2014

Colombia

Colombias Plan Vive Digital: Technology in the Life of Every Colombian of 2010-2014 is exemplary as it is a generic action plan fostering Internet access for everyone, whilst mainstreaming
the specific accessibility needs of people with disabilities. By 2014, more than 800 centres will
provide tools promoting accessibility and offer 1.2 million people with disabilities opportunities
to use ICTs.

Action Plan (Information);

Country Level

Mandatory barrier-free construction in

Berlin, 2011-2

Germany

The German capital has published the comprehensive handbooks Berlin - Design For All:
Accessible Public Buildings of 2012 and Design For All: Public Outdoor Space of 2011, which
are mandatory for all Berlin State construction projects. In 2012 Berlin received the Access City
Award of the European Commission and is the coordinator of the EUROCITIES Working Group
Barrier-free City for All.

Standard (Built Environment);

City Level

Copyright exception for accessible

formats, 2012

India

Among the 50 countries with copyright exceptions, the approach of Indias Copyright Amendment Act No. 27 of 2012 stands out as it is inclusive and non-bureaucratic, catering to the needs
of persons with disabilities living in the Global South. As of 2013, 95 Indian members of DAISY
(Digital Accessible Information System) have converted 25,000 books, available to some 50,000
users.

Law (Information); Country

Level

Access to transport that can be

enforced, Solo City, 2006

Indonesia

Solo citys Standard of Accessibility of Public Transportation, Information and Communication

of 2006 is legally binding and significant as it includes provisions for accessible information
and communication. Its accessible facilities include 60 bus shelters, three railway stations, 54
traffic lights, four city walks, as well as the availability of sign language interpreters and screen
readers.

Standard (Transport, Information); City Level

Accessible services for energy customers, 2012

Ireland

Specifically designed to be easily applicable, Irelands Standard SWiFT 9:2012 Universal Design
For Energy Suppliers offers managers, developers, providers and procurers guidance that illustrates how to communicate with 1.6 million energy customers. It is the worlds first accessibility
standard to be adopted in the energy sector and is being implemented by all seven energy
suppliers.

Standard (Services); Country

Level

Cheaper mortgages for accessible

homes, 1996-2007

Japan

By offering lower interest rates, Japans Housing Mortgage Scheme For The Ageing Future
1996-2007 incentivises individuals and housing providers to construct dwellings that respect
requirements on accessibility and usability, addressing the need of accessible private housing in
an ageing society. Housing mortgages related to design for ageing increased to over 60%.

Programme (Built Environment);

Country Level

Kuala Lumpur: Monitoring and enforcing accessibility, 2010

Malaysia

The Action Plan Towards Kuala Lumpur as Accessible City of 2010 sets out an implementation
framework for its accessibility standards of the built environment that includes comprehensive
monitoring and enforcement, from design to post-construction. Since 2010, 70 access audits
have been carried out and nine training workshops held.

Action Plan (Built Environment);

City Level

Universal design in non-discrimination

law, 2008

Norway

Focusing on the built environment, transport and information, Norways Anti-Discrimination and
Accessibility Act of 2008 established inaccessibility as a case of discrimination. Universal design
is now an enforceable legal standard. Norways Equality and Anti-discrimination Ombudsman
receives 320 requests a year regarding universal design and, as of 2012, completed 291 cases.

Law (Built Environment, Transport, Information); Country

Level

Comprehensive eAccessibility policy,

2011

Qatar

The National eAccessibility Policy of Qatar of 2011 addresses key issues around information
and communication technologies. Since 2011, 20 assistive technology solutions for Arabic were
introduced, 1,100 people with a disability and 950 professionals were trained, over 60 websites
became more accessible and telecoms providers now offer 50% discount on tariffs to persons
with disabilities.

Law (Information); Country

Level

Inclusive design of Cape Towns Bus

System, 2009

South Africa

The Universal Access Policy of Cape Towns MyCiTi Integrated Rapid Transport System of 2009 is
a comprehensive long-term, multi-level effort that mainstreams universal design, covering the
entire journey. All 379 buses, 35 stations and 161 roadside bus stops are accessible, as well as
22.4 km of pathways.

Action Plan (Transport); City

Level

Public-private partnership for accessibility, 2011

Spain

In Spain, one of the worlds biggest public-private partnerships between the government and
civil society concerning universal accessibility has been established. The Framework Agreement
between IMSERSO and Fundacin ONCE of 2011 implemented 124 accessibility projects in 120
municipalities with a 4.7 million investment.

Programme (Built Environment, Transport, Information);

Country Level

Mandatory accessibility standards,

2010

Uganda

Uganda is among the first sub-Saharan countries to have developed their own accessibility
standards. Adopted by the Ministry of Education as well as the Ugandan Society of Architects,
Ugandas Obligatory Accessibility Standards of 2010 are mandatory for school construction projects and serve as a basis for accessibility audits and court cases. A National Accessibility Audit
Committee was set up.

Standard (Built Environment,

Information); Country Level

The most inclusive Olympic and Paralympic Games, London, 2009-2012

United Kingdom

London 2012 approached the Olympic and Paralympic Games for the first time as one event. The
Accessibility Policy of the London Organising Committee of 2009-2012 inculcated accessibility
into everything, from venue management to ticketing, and provided additional services. For the
first time people with disabilities were able to participate in every single aspect of the Games.

Action Plan (Built Environment,

Information); City Level

Reviews and inspections

MONITORING POLICIES

Innovative Policy 2014 from Malaysia: Kuala Lumpurs policy includes comprehensive monitoring and enforcement of accessibility
standards, from design to post-construction.

The 15 Innovative Policies of the Zero project 2014 on Accessibility

A network of local action organisations is essential for supporting the process. [WHO/WB, 2011] The Ugandan National Association on Physical Disability, the main initiator of
Ugandas Accessibility Standards, recently created a National
Accessibility Audit Team in order to monitor implementation.

111

p. 132

NORWAY

Overview:
Innovative Policies
of the Zero Project 2014

Universal design as part of

the non-discriminationlaw

World Maps Policies

STARTED IN 2008

IRELAND

L BUILT ENVIRONMENT, TR ANSPORT,

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION

p. 126

Accessible customer services

of energy suppliers

Norway established inaccessibility

as a case of discrimination and
universal design an enforceable
legal standard.

STARTED IN 2012

S PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Specifically designed to be easily

applicable, Irelands standard
offers managers guidance on how
to communicate with 1.6 million
energy customers.

p. 120

GERMANY

Mandatory barrier-free
construction in Berlin

p. 142

UNITED KINGDOM

LONDON 2012: The most

inclusive Olympic and
Paralympic Games ever

STARTED IN 20112012
JAPAN

S BUILT ENVIRONMENT

STARTED IN 20092012

The German capital has published

the design for all handbooks that
are mandatory for all Berlin State
construction projects.

A BUILT ENVIRONMENT, INFORMATION

AND COMMUNICATION

London approached the Olympic

and Paralympic Games as one
event, with accessibility as key
theme.

p. 134

Comprehensive eAccessibility
policy

p. 138

STARTED IN 2011
L INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION

Qatars policy lays the foundations

for an accessible ICT ecosystem
that enables persons with disabilities to take full advantage of ICTs.

STARTED IN 2011
P BUILT ENVIRONMENT, TR ANSPORT,
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION

In Spain, one of the worlds biggest

public-private partnerships
concerning universal accessibility
has been established.

Copyright exception for

persons with disabilities

p. 140

UGANDA

STARTED IN 2012

Mandatory accessibility
standards

L INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION,

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

STARTED IN 2010

Indias copyright exception is

inclusive and non-bureaucratic,
catering to the needs of persons
with disabilities in the Global
South.

S BUILT ENVIRONMENT, INFORMATION

AND COMMUNICATION

p. 118

Internet access for 500,000

disadvantaged Colombians

Uganda is among the first subSaharan countries to have developed their own accessibility
standards.

STARTED IN 2010 2014

A INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION

SOUTH AFRICA

p. 122

Japan incentivises individuals to

construct accessible private
housing by offering lower interest
rates.

STARTED IN 2010
P BUILT ENVIRONMENT, PRODUCTS AND
SERVICES

Hong Kong established programmes that make existing

government premises accessible,
supported by accessibility
coordinators.

p. 130

MALAYSIA

INDIA

Colombias Plan Vive Digital is

exemplary as it is a generic action
plan fostering Internet access,
whilst mainstreaming disability.

P BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Hong Kongs retrofitting

programme

The biggest public-private

partnership for accessibility

COLOMBIA

STARTED IN 19962007 (present)

p. 116

CHINA

QATAR

SPAIN

p. 128

Preferential interest rate

scheme toward designing
dwellings for an ageing society

Monitoring and enforcing

access ibility standards in
Kuala Lumpur

INDONESIA

STARTED IN 2010
A BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Kuala Lumpurs Action Plan includes comprehensive monitoring

and enforcement, from design to
post-construction.

p. 124

Solo City: Access to transport

that can be enforced
STARTED IN 2006
S TR ANSPORT, INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATION

Solo Citys standard is legally

binding and significant as it includes provisions for accessible
information and communication.

p. 136

Inclusive Design of Cape

Towns Bus System

AUSTR ALIA

STARTED IN 2009

p. 114

Development aid as key

enabler for accessibility

A TR ANSPORT

The Universal Access Policy of Cape

Towns MyCiTi Transport System is
a comprehensive long-term, multilevel effort that mainstreams
universal design.

STARTED IN 2009 2014

A BUILT ENVIRONMENT, TR ANSPORT,
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION

Australia mainstreams disability

into its development programming
and especially supports DPOs in
the Global South.
Type of Policy
A

Law

Programme

112

Action Plan

Standard

113

INNOVATIVE POLICIES

INNOVATIVE POLICY 2014: AUSTRALIA

Development aid as key enabler for accessibility

Most of the one billion persons with disability live in the Global South. Development aid plays a key role in improving their daily lives. Among the countries who give the most official development assistance, about USD134
billion in 2011, only a few have mainstreamed disability into their development programming. Australia is one
of those few.
DEVELOPMENT FOR ALL: TOWARDS A DISABILITY-INCLUSIVE AUSTRALIAN AID PROGRAM
Year of existence:

2009 - 2014

Country/region of origin: Australia

Beneficiaries targeted: 
People with disabilities
Responsible body: 
Australian Government, Department
of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Stakeholders:

Public, private and non-profit sector

(Aid and Donor organisations,
NGOs, DPOs)

Facts & Figures

P
 rovided USD5.5 million to support disabled peoples
organisations globally (2009-2014).

C
 onstructed ramps and accessible toilets in 1,275
secondary schools in Indonesia.

S
 upported 500 children with disabilities in Samoa to
receive an education.

M
 ore than 150,000 people in Asia, Africa and the Pacific
received assistive devices.

M
 odel of good practice in the World Report on
Disability 2011.

IN BRIEF
Development for All: Towards a Disability-inclusive Australian
Aid Program is not a stand-alone disability program, rather
it is about improving the reach and effectiveness of development assistance by ensuring that people with disabilities are
included in, contribute to, and benefit equally from development efforts.

Through our aid programs, Australia has an important role in improving the lives of people with disability in
other countries.
(Hon Julie Bishop MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australia)

Innovative aspects

Key features

Mainstreaming
Australia mainstreams disability into its development programming, in particular in its education and infrastructure
programs. Guidance on how to apply universal design to its
aid program has been published.

The primary goal is to ensure that persons with disabilities are

included in and benefit equally from Australias development
assistance. The strategy focuses on achieving two primary
outcomes:

Bolstering partner governments' efforts

The Australian aid program provides comprehensive support
for partner governments efforts towards disability-inclusive
development as well as to disabled peoples organisations.
Role models and leaders
Investments in role models and leaders with disabilities, together with advocacy by the Australian Government, increase
the resources for inclusive development globally.
HISTORY
In 2008, Development for All: Towards a Disability-inclusive
Australian Aid Program was released to guide the work of
the then Australian Agency for International Development.
Australias aid program is now managed by the Department
of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Development for All is
integral to sustainable development and to improving the wellbeing of the worlds poorest people by 2015. In preparing the
strategy, AusAID conducted consultations in over 20 developing countries in which the Australian Government provides
development assistance, involving people with disabilities,
their families and caregivers, government representatives,
non-governmental organisations, and service providers, and
using alternative formats. Almost 500 written submissions
were received. During the consultations, overseas-based Australian government staff were supported to engage with local
disabled peoples organisations.

Improved quality of life for persons with disability, by
providing support for partner governments, promoting inclusive education and accessible infrastructure across all programs
and supporting disabled peoples organisations.

Effective management of disability and development
by modeling good practice in disability-inclusive development,
by adhering to aid effectiveness principles and by bringing a
growing awareness of the importance of disability-inclusive
development to all partnerships and policies.
To enable these core outcomes, the Australian Government
is building skills and processes for disability-inclusive development, by establishing senior advocates in DFAT for
disability-inclusive development, by embedding accountability
in reporting, and by establishing a disability and development
capacity; and improving DFATs understanding of disability
and development by focusing on the lived experiences of
people with disability and developing strategic partnerships to
capture robust data.

in most sector policy areas in Canberra. A specific technical

assistance facility with CBM Australia and the Nossal Institute
for Global Health is in place. Australia created a Disability-Inclusive Development Reference Group, which includes people
with disability, to guide the implementation of the strategy.
Guidance notes have been prepared, including on accessibility,
social protection and investment concept design. In 2012, a
Disability Policy Marker was included in the data management
systems, which collects disability-related data.
Future Development
In 2012, a mid-term review found Australias work for
disability inclusive development so far as considerable and
impressive. The Government, elected in 2013, announced on
3 December 2013 its intention to develop a new strategy for
disability-inclusive development for 2015 and beyond, building
on the successes of the previous strategy.
An external ramp
linking separate school
buildings. Madrassah
Balarajam (Public Junior
Secondary School), in
Tangerang, Banten,
Indonesia ( Maria
Siahaan, AusAID)

Implementation
DFAT has set up a dedicated disability-inclusive development
network of around 200 staff. Approximately 60 focal points
for disability-inclusive development are based in 15 posts and
CONTACT Rosemary MCKAY
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia
Rosemary.McKay@dfat.gov.au
+61 2 6178 4497
www.dfat.gov.au

SOURCES  HO/WB, World Report on Disability, p. 264:

W
http://bit.ly/1cdtIKe
Pamela Thomas (ed), Implementing Disabilityinclusive Development in the Pacific and Asia:
http://bit.ly/JLaAHM

Nominated by: Marnie PETERS, The Global Alliance on Accessible Technologies and Environments (GAATES)

114

115

INNOVATIVE POLICY 2014: CHINA - HONG KONG

INNOVATIVE POLICIES

Hong Kongs retrofitting programme

Hong Kong has established programmes that heavily invest in making existing premises and facilities accessible, supported by awareness-raising campaigns within departments and accessibility officers that give assistance to persons with disabilities.

Broad in scope, well-funded and properly organised, the Access Co-ordinator Scheme and the Retrofitting Programme have considerably advanced accessibility of premises and facilities in Hong Kong.
(Kam-yuen Allen Chan, Hong Kong Federation of Handicapped Youth, Hong Kong, China)

ACCESS CO-ORDINATOR & OFFICER SCHEME AND

BARRIER-FREE ACCESS & FACILITIES RETROFITTING
PROGRAMME

Innovative aspects

Key features

Commitment
Hong Kong invested 167 million USD in retrofitting. Access
Co-ordinators are paid by the relevant departments. In addition, the company The Link, which manages shopping malls
in public housing estates, pledged to invest 26 million USD in
upgrading.

The ultimate objective of Hong Kongs Access Co-ordinator

& Access Officer Scheme and Barrier-free Access & Facilities
Retrofitting Programme is to establish a barrier-free environment. After the relevant Government departments completed
their assessments on premises and facilities, a Task Force led
by the Labour and Welfare Bureau developed a consolidated
schedule for the retrofitting works covering 3,500 existing
government premises and facilities, as well as around 240 public housing estates, at a total cost of 167 million USD. Premises and facilities covered include clinics, food markets, museums, tribunals, sports centres, and bus terminals. The Access
Co-ordinator & Access Officer Scheme followed the model of
the existing Gender Focal Points. An Access Coordinator is in
charge of coordinating and raising staff awareness on accessibility issues within a policy bureau and department. An Access
Officer gives persons with disabilities on-site assistance ineach
venue, conducts regular audit checks, takes timely follow-up
actions and handles public enquiries and complaints.

Year of existence: 2010

Country/region of origin: Hong Kong Special Administrative

Region, China
Beneficiaries targeted:

All persons with disabilities

Responsible body:

Labour and Welfare Bureau

Stakeholders:

Public sector

Facts & Figures

90% of the 3,500 premises covered have been retrofitted.

Reporting
From 2011, quarterly progress reports are submitted to the
Legislative Council, the Equal Opportunities Commission and
the Rehabilitation Committee. The Annexes include the implementation status for each premise.
Communication
Together, the Access Co-ordinator and the Access Officer
establish a communication platform between Government
departments and venues and the public.

205 public walkways investigated and consequently 32 lift/

ramp retrofitting works completed.

81 Access Co-ordinators/ 3600 Access Officers appointed.

675 staff participated in the Sign Language programme.

IN BRIEF
Together, Hong Kongs programmes: Access Co-ordinator &
Access Officer Scheme and the Barrier-free Access & Facilities
Retrofitting Programme of 2010 facilitated Government-wide
collaborative efforts in enhancing the accessibility of public
premises and facilities, sped up progress in upgrading facilities
in existing premises and facilities, established a focal point
in each policy bureau and department and in each venue to
manage accessibility issues, and identified areas for improvement.

History
Since Hong Kong introduced its first Design Manual: Access for
the Disabled in 1984, significant progress has been made in
measures to improve accessibility to the built environment for
persons with disabilities. Yet, persons with disabilities continue
to face a multitude of barriers. Using the Final Draft Design
Manual: Barrier Free Access 2006 as a benchmark, the Equal
Opportunities Commission conducted an investigation to ascertain the status regarding the accessibility of public premises. In 2010, the Commission issued its Formal Investigation
Report on Accessibility in Publicly Accessible Premises, which
included recommendations for the improvement of the accessibility, connectivity and interface of those premises. After a
Task Force led by the Labour and Welfare Bureau analysed the
premises managed by Government, the Housing Authority and
others, it launched the Access Co-ordinator & Access Officer
Scheme and the Barrier-free Access & Facilities Retrofitting
Programme in 2010.

For Access Co-ordinators and Access Officers a webbasedtraining package is available in the government intranet and
a Cyber Learning Centre Plus exist. In addition, a series of
training seminars has been organized.
Future Development
One obstacle is still how best to deal with heritage and preservation orders. The policy is a soft law: if people do not comply,
there is no punishment (there are also no plans for a bill yet).
There are some problems with attitudinal barriers, e.g. toilets
used as storage rooms, etc. and therefore disabled peoples
organisations are planning a public campaign.

Implementation
From 2011, quarterly progress reports were submitted to
the Legislative Council and the Equal Opportunities Commission and uploaded to the website of the Labour and Welfare
Bureau. For each premise or facility covered, the status of implementation can be found in detailed Annexes to the Progress
Report. In carrying out works, consultations are conducted
among groups of persons with disabilities and advisory bodies.

CONTACT Stephen SUI

Labour and Welfare Bureau, 11/F, West Wing, Central
Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong
Kong
access_co-ordinator@lwb.gov.hk
+852 2810 2029
www.lwb.gov.hk

To ensure that the design of barrier-free facilities meets their needs,

works departments arranged site visits with organisations of persons
with disabilities to elicit their feedback. ( Labour and Welfare Bureau, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,
The People's Republic of China)

SOURCES Labour and Welfare Bureau, Progress Report on

the Governments Follow-up Action on the Equal
Opportunities Commissions Formal Investigation Report on Accessibility in Publicly Accessible Premises, 30 September 2013: http://bit.
ly/1eDXaGw

Nominated by: Stephen SUI, Labour and Welfare Bureau, Government of the Hong Kong SAR, The People's Republic of China)

116

117

INNOVATIVE POLICIES

INNOVATIVE POLICY 2014: COLOMBIA

Internet for 500,000 disadvantaged Colombians

Regarding internet access, many countries in the Global South lag significantly behind, as the connectivity
of the population is very low. Where there are investments in information technology, they regularly do not
address the inclusion of vulnerable groups. In Colombia, this is different.

PLAN VIVE DIGITAL: TECHNOLOGY IN THE LIFE OF

EVERY COLOMBIAN
Year of existence:

2010 - 2014

Country/region of origin: Colombia

Beneficiaries targeted: All people
Responsible body:

Ministry of Information and

Communication Technologies

Stakeholders:

Public and private sector

Facts & Figures

M
 ore than 1.2 million people with disabilities have multiple
opportunities for the use of ICTs.

In 2014 more than 800 centres will provide tools

promoting accessibility.

Innovative aspects
Mainstreaming persons with disabilities
The Plan pays special attention to people with disabilities,
looking ahead to increase their capacities and opportunities
through fostering their access to ICTs.
ICTs & education and employment
The Plan clearly links the education and employment outcomes of people with disabilities with the access to information
and communication, i.e. the internet and ICTs.
Availability and affordability
The Plan works to increase availability and affordability of
assistive technologies, such as screen readers, Braille printers,
loops and internet access centers with accessible design.

IN BRIEF
The strategy Plan Vive Digital: Technology in the Life of Each
Colombian for the years 2010-2014 works through the creation of a digital ecosystem that fosters infrastructure, services,
applications and users. The Plan aims to increase both the
availability of and demand for ICTs in a parallel way. Based
on the fact that through accessing the digital environment
the capacities of people will improve and foster their human
development, the plan mainstreams accessibility of information and communication technologies, especially for people with
disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
History
Regarding internet access, Colombia was significantly lagging
behind other countries. There were few investments into information technologies, and connectivity amongst the population
was low. However, Colombia is the online government leader
in Latin America. In order to use its potential and to catch up
with other countries, it is important to increase high speed
internet access, building capacities and empowering people.
To make this happen, the idea for a national plan to increase
internet access was proposed in October 2010, which then
resulted in the strategy Plan Vive Digital: Technology in the
life of each Colombian for the years 2010-2014. Plan Vive
Digital is currently being implemented and is fostering the
development of the whole country through the access of ICTs,
building infrastructure, creating services, developing apps
and fostering capacities among Colombian society by equally
developing the offer of and the demand for Information and
Communication Technologies.
Key features
Plan Vive Digital aims to set in motion the participatory and
responsible use of the ecosystem of digital accessibility.
Among its specific objectives is to enhance universal access
to information and communication technologies through more
than 80 initiatives that proactively link to vulnerable groups,
including people with disabilities, in order to promote their

Plan Vive Digital has considerably promoted an inclusive and participatory digital accessible environment fostering capacities on Colombian population for their development
Diego Molano Vega, Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies, Colombia
educational, labour and social inclusion. One of the goals
is to create face-to-face and virtual learning spaces for ICT
competencies that benefit more than 500,000 people with low
income, victims of violence, people with disabilities and ethnic
minorities by 2015. A transparent, high quality regime, technical centres, internet access centres and training programs
are established that especially include people with disabilities.
Particular measures benefitting people with disabilities include
online help services, enabling public access to websites, assistance and compliance of public websites with accessibility
norms, an expansion in assistance for and usage of screen
reader software for blind people, strengthening the public online interpretation service for deaf people and promoting the
development of accessibility conditions according to a national
standard.

Implementation
Colombias Ministry of Information and Communication Technology is responsible for the Plans implementation, which
began in 2011. As one of its key elements is the creation of
public-private partnerships, the Plan strengthens collaborations between decision-makers, local governments, academics, civil society and especially people with disabilities and
representative disabled peoples organisations at different
stages. Under the Plan, the Ministry has implemented projects
aimed to promote access to ICTs for people with disabilities,
respecting their right to access to information and communications, bridging the digital divide and promoting educational
inclusion and social work.
Future Development
Currently, the Ministry is working on the purchase of the license for the screen reader software in order to make it available
for free all around the country. This tool will allow visually
impaired people to access content and information, while its
use will contribute to the processes of inclusive education as
well as to social and labour inclusion.

Sala Conectando Sentidos. Specialized public technical

center for people with visual disabilities ( MINTIC 2013)

CONTACT  orge Restrepo MUNERA

J
Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Carrera 8 between Calles 12 13 Building Manuel
Murillo Toro, Bogot D.C., Colombia
jorge.restrepo@mintic.gov.co
+57 1 3443 460 2242
www.mintic.gov.co

SOURCES Ministry of Information and Communication

Technologies, Plan Vive Digital (in Spanish):
http://bit.ly/18YzbnN

Nominated by: David A. ROJAS MEIJA, Trust for the Americas

118

119

INNOVATIVE POLICIES

INNOVATIVE POLICY 2014: GERMANY

Mandatory barrier free construction in Berlin

Berlin's administration has published comprehensive handbooks on barrier-free construction, that have been
developed together with civil society and are mandatory for all Berlin State construction projects.

BERLIN DESIGN FOR ALL: ACCESSIBLE PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC OUTDOOR SPACE
Year of existence: 2011/2012
Country/region of origin: Berlin, Germany
Beneficiaries targeted:

All, incl. persons with disabilities

Responsible body: 
Senate Department for Urban
Development and the Environment
Stakeholders: 
Public and private sector (construction departments and industry,
architects)

Facts & Figures

B
 arrier-free construction has become an integral part of
public construction.

U
 niversal Design was implemented in an exemplary way
for the memorial of Stasi victims.

European Commission Access City Award 2013.

C
 oordinator of the EUROCITIES Working Group
Barrier-free City for All.

IN BRIEF
The handbooks: Berlin - Design For All: Accessible Public Buildings and Berlin - Design For All: Public Outdoor Space were
written by Berlins Accessible Construction and Transportation
Working Group composed of disability associations, disability
commissioners and Berlins administration. They aim to be
simple and intuitive, give orientation for the planning process
and give concrete assistance to update existing construction
codes. Since 2011, both handbooks are mandatory for all
Berlin State construction projects. They have been translated
into English and Russian.

By mandating a consistent concept of accessibility for construction projects, with input from Disability Commissioners, Berlin made an important step towards implementing Design for All.
(Gerd Grenner, Senate Department for Urban Development and the Environment, City of Berlin)

Innovative aspects

The handbook on Public Outdoor Space covers:


Structural elements, including surface design, stairways,
inclined surfaces and ramps, etc.

Additional structural elements, such as equipment,
orientation and information systems, resting areas,
lighting, temporary use, etc.

Selected public outdoor space such as living environment,
parks, playgrounds, etc.

Design for All

While taking demographic needs and social sustainability into
account, Berlins handbooks aim to promote a design that
benefits all users.
A concept on accessibility
In the planning process of construction developments, an overall consistent concept has to be drafted, promoting Design for
All as an integral part of administrative, planning and implementation processes.
Involving persons with disabilities
Since 2001, Berlin has worked closely with disability organisations, disability commissioners and the state disability advisory board, through the working group Barrier-Free Construction
and Transportation.

History
As early as 1992, Berlins Senate adopted ten guidelines for
making Berlin a more disability-friendly city. The Building
Regulations for Berlin regulate minimum barrier-free construction requirements and the List of Technical Building Regulations, last updated in 2012, mandates the need to adhere to
accessibility standards such as DIN 18040 Part 1, DIN 18040
Part 2, and DIN 18024 Part 1, as well as other regulations.
Beyond the usual building codes, public building projects in
Berlin are subject to additional quality standards as outlined
in the handbooks Berlin - Design For All: Accessible Public
Buildings of 2012 (updated) and Berlin - Design For All: Public
Outdoor Space of 2011. Both handbooks are legally binding
for Berlin state building projects as stipulated by the Senate
of Berlin. For all other publicly accessible buildings that are in
private ownership, the use of these handbooks is strongly recommended in the light of current social policy goals (Berlins
Equal Rights Act).

Cover of the handbook Berlin - Design for All - Accessible

Public Buildings Senate Department for Urban Development and the Environment, City of Berlin

Key features
The handbook: Berlin - Design For All: Accessible Public Buildings covers:

General requirements for barrier-free access, which include: access to orientation and information, information
systems, lighting, acoustics, etc.
Public access including transport connections.

Functional areas in buildings including information concerning: entrances, escape routes, places of public assembly,
office spaces, sanitary facilities, changing areas, etc.

Functional elements of buildings including: pathways, parking spaces, ramps, stairways, lifts, doors, floor covering,
walls and ceilings, etc.

Selected facilities for public use and places of public assembly, such as sports venues, theatres, cinemas, concert
halls, exhibition spaces, hotels, education and sport
facilities, childcare facilities, schools.
CONTACT  erd GRENNER and Ingeborg STUDE
G
Senate Department for Urban Development and the
Environment, Wrttembergische Strae 6,
10707 Berlin, Germany
gerd.grenner@senstadtum.berlin.de
+49 30 90139-4167 /-4226

Implementation
The handbooks are the result of the Barrierfree Construction
and Transportation Working Group composed of disability
associations, Disability Commissioners and Berlins administration. As both handbooks are now mandatory, every public construction project has to consider accessibility requirements. In
cases where specific criteria on barrier-free use of a building
are set out, candidates have to prove their relevant qualification. All contracts must include the duty to comply with both
handbooks and the obligation to draft an accessibility concept.
For larger building projects the Disability Commissioners have
to be consulted. In addition, a Coordinating Office for Accessible Construction is also in place.
Future Development
Berlin is currently developing a set of recommendations on
how to draft a consistent accessibility concept, and fact sheets
for different building types. One of the greatest obstacles to
overcome is that of the education of architects, which does
not currently include accessible construction. Additionally it
has proven difficult to find effective solutions for the adaptation of existing buildings with preservation orders.
SOURCES www.stadtentwicklung.berlin.de/bauen/
barrierefreies_bauen/en/handbuch.shtml

Nominated by: Gerd GRENNER and Ingeborg STUDE, Senate Department for Urban Development and Environment, City of Berlin, Germany

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INNOVATIVE POLICIES

INNOVATIVE POLICY 2014: INDIA

Copyright exception for accessible formats

Copyright constitutes one of the most challenging barriers in the access to information of persons with sensory
impairments. Among the 50 countries with copyright exemptions, Indias approach stands out as it is inclusive
and non-bureaucratic, catering to the needs of persons with disabilities living in the Global South.

Every country should have the widest possible copyright exception permitting the conversion of books and
other cultural material into accessible formats for persons with disabilities.
(Nirmita Narasimhan, Centre for Internet and Society, India)

COPYRIGHT AMENDMENT ACT NO. 27

Innovative aspects

Key features

Year of existence: 2012

Multi-stakeholder advocacy
Sound research, multiple advocacy strategies (collaborating
with parliamentarians, the media, large publishing houses)
and the involvement of persons with disabilities led this campaign to be a success.

The Copyright Amendment Act No. 27 of 2012 updates Indias

copyright law and includes amendments facilitating access to
works. Concerning specifically the access barriers of persons
with disabilities to a wide abundance of works, despite technological
advances, the Act envisages three activities:
 onversions by the disabled person for his/her own
C
use and for sharing with others in the community
Conversions by third parties working for the benefit
of the disabled on a non-profit basis.
As long as the converter (any person or organisation) operates on a non-profit basis and ensures that converted formats
are only accessed by persons with disabilities, 52(1)(zb)
permits the conversion of a copyrighted work to any accessible format. It is very important to note that the exception
extends not only to persons with print/reading disabilities/visual impairments, but to any person with a disability requiring
a special format to access the work.
Conversions by for-profit organisations
For the for-profit conversion, the entity can apply for a compulsory license under 31(B). The Copyright Board has to
dispose such application within a period of two months from
the date of receipt of application.

Country/region of origin: India

Beneficiaries targeted:

All persons with disabilities

Responsible body: 
Ministry of Human Resource
Development
Stakeholders:

Public, private and nonprofit sector

The widest possible copyright exception

As long as the converter ensures that converted formats are
only accessed by persons with disabilities, the non-profit
adaptation, reproduction, issue of copies or communication to
the public of any work in any accessible format is permitted,
by any person, including sharing with any person with disabilities, educational purposes or research, or any organisation.

Facts & Figures

A
 s of 2013, 95 Indian members of DAISY (Digital
Accessible Information System) have converted 25,000
books which are available to some 50,000 users.

A
 ll 150-200 million Indians with disabilities could
potentially benefit.

I
 n 2014 an online Braille library will provide books
in accessible formats.

IN BRIEF
Indias Copyright Amendment Act No. 27 of 2012 updates
and consolidates copyright law and opens up possibilities for
persons with disabilities to gain access to information and to
make accessible formats available to them without a license. Among its special provisions for the benefit of persons
with disabilities is foremost a wide and inclusive exception of
copyrights.

History
Several steps contributed to start the debate about
changingIndias copyright law: the formation of the DAISY Forum of India in 2007, the establishment of the NGO Centre for
Internet and Society, Inclusive Planet and of Bookshare India,
as well as the launch of the Right to Read Campaign with a
broad coalition of civil society, academia, media, authors and
publishing houses in 2009. This coalition discussed intensely
the draft amendment and presented a detailed report to the
Government, which highlighted best practices of copyright
exceptions for persons with print disabilities in other countries.
As a result, the final Copyright Amendment Act No. 27 of 2012
included special provisions for the benefit of persons with
disabilities. At the same time India began to play a significant
role in the negotiations for a new WIPO treaty, which was adopted in 2013 and which facilitates the cross-border exchange
of accessible format copies and requires countries to enact
domestic copyright exceptions.

for a license, which is issued by the Copyright Board within

two months. The Copyright Board is about to be established.
Currently its director is being selected. It will be fully
functional by the end of 2013. In case of infringement of the
Act, its Section 63 provides for sanctions, which can include
imprisonment between 6 months and 3 years, and/or fines up
to 200,000 Rupees.Future Development
Key features
A major challenge faced by the DAISY Forum of India, an
organisation which converts works into accessible formats,
is the lack of Unicode-based fonts for regional languages. Another issue is the lack of funding. A campaign for more money
is being planned. Whether or not other organisations, such
as those of the deaf, are using the exceptions could not be
detected.

Implementation
As no license is needed for making works accessible on a nonprofit basis, conversion work by disabled people's organisations started immediately after the Act came into force. The
provisions allow for easy and non-bureaucratic use. As for
making works accessible on a profit basis, one needs to apply
CONTACT Nirmita NARASIMHAN
Centre for Internet and Society, 194, 2nd Cross,
Domlur 2nd Stage, 560071 Bengaluru, India
nirmita@cis-india.org
+91 80 253 50 955 / +91 80 409 26 283
www.cis-india.org

Sonu Gogna is blind person in an organisation converting books into

DAISY ( Saksham)
SOURCES Rahul Cherian Jacob, Sam Taraporevala &
Shamnad Basheer, The Disability Exception and
the triumph of new rights advocacy,
2012: http://bit.ly/1beKdj8

Nominated by: Nirmita NARASIMHAN, Centre for Internet and Society, India

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INNOVATIVE POLICY 2014: INDONESIA

INNOVATIVE POLICIES

Solo City: Access to transport that can be enforced

Not many cities in the Global South have enforceable accessibility standards concerning their transportation
services. The Standard of City of Solo is legally binding and uncommon in that it also includes provisions for
accessible information and communication.

STANDARD OF ACCESSIBILITY OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION

Year of existence: 2006
Country/region of origin: Solo (Surakarta), Indonesia
Beneficiaries targeted: 
Persons with disabilities
Responsible body: 
Department of Transportation, Information, and Communication
Stakeholders:

Public and private sector

Facts & Figures

60 bus shelters, 30 rapid transit buses, three railway
stations, 54 traffic lights, four city walks, its tourism bus
and its airport are accessible.

Innovative aspects

Key features

Multi-stakeholder involvement
Close collaboration between people with disabilities, transportation services and the Government of Solo brought about this
Standard.

Solos Standard of Accessibility of Public Transportation, Information and Communication of 2006 aims to improve accessibility, safety, and the dignity of people with disabilities and the
elderly in the City of Solo, by promoting adequate measures
that support self-sufficiency and well-being.

Accessing information and communication

The promotion of accessible information and communication
includes computers with screen readers, training of officials in
sign language, and, soon, easy language.
Enforcement
The Standards provision on public transportation is enforced
at the national level. Solo Citys regulation on the equality of
persons with disabilities of 2008 strengthens law enforcement
at the local level.

Persons with disabilities can use modified motorcycles.

In 2013, its Mayor declared Solo a disability-inclusive city.

IN BRIEF
Solos Standard of Accessibility of Public Transportation, Information and Communication of 2006 comprises two parts. The
first part, concerning public transportation, is based on and
enforced at the national level by the Ministerial Regulation on
Technical Guidelines of Facilities and Accessibility in Buildings
and Environment of 2006. The second part, concerning information and communication, exists only at Solo City level. The
local government department of Transportation, Information,
and Communication is responsible for its implementation.

Thanks to the Standard, the City of Solo was declared a disability-inclusive city on 28th September 2013.
(Sunarman Sukamto, CBR DTC Solo City, Indonesia)

History
In general, Indonesia has comprehensive legislation regarding
the rights of persons with disabilities as well as their access
to different modes of transportation, e.g. Minister of Transportation Decree No. 71 of 1999. Similarly, the City of Solo
has adopted a comprehensive disability law with the Local
Regulation No. 2 of 2008 on Equality of Persons with Disabilities as well as the subsequent Mayor Regulation No. 9 of 2013
on the implementation of the Local Regulation No. 2 of 2008.
In addition, the city has adopted two standards. Firstly, the
Standard of Public Building and Public Facilities of 2006, which
includes accessibility for persons with disabilities and which is
managed by the City Space Management Office.
Secondly, the Standard of Accessibility of Public Transportation, Information and Communication of 2006. Furthermore,
both the Local Regulation No. 8 of 2009 on Buildings and the
Local Regulation No. 1 of 2013 on Nexus Management include
accessibility aspects.

The national Ministerial Regulation on Technical Guidelines of

Facilities and Accessibility in Buildings and Environment was
adopted as a fundamental guideline for the Standard. The
Standard provides a reference for development activities,
which include the technical planning and execution of constructions, thereby creating an accessible built environment. It
consists of a series of detailed plans and pictures about how
to build accessible facilities. Concerning information and communication, all Solo government officials receive, for example,
free training in sign language.
In addition, DPOs promote the availability of sign language
interpreters in government offices, terminals, railway stations,
etc., and governmental offices are providing computers with
screen readers. The Standard has been the trigger for the
development of the Local Regulation No. 2 of 2008 on Equality
of Persons with Disabilities.

Accessibility in Buildings and Environment of 2006, while the

part concerning information and communication exists only at
Solo City level.
In the event that Transportation Services misimplement the
provisions, government officials intervene. DPOs carry out onthe-spot evaluation, coordinate with stakeholders and obtain
funds from sponsors or from the Citys Revenue and Expenditure Budget.
Future Development
Problems with urban spaces, city parks and parking spaces
continue to exist. In addition, accessibility issues may clash
with other poverty issues (e.g. beggars) or with space issues
(e.g. rickshaw drivers).
A major problem lies with priorities and cost effectiveness.
Concerning information and communication, work on easy or
plain language is starting this year.
An accessible bus
station in Solo City (
Sunarman Sukamto,
CBR Solo)

Implementation
Implementation of the Standard began in 2008 and is carried
out by the local government department of Transportation,
Information, and Communication. The provision on public
transportation is enforced at the national level by the Ministerial Regulation on Technical Guidelines of Facilities and
CONTACT Sunarman SUKAMTO
CBR DTC Solo, Jl. LU. Adi Sucipto Km. 7 Colomadu,
Karanganyar, Solo 57176, Central Java, Indonesia
maman_shg@yahoo.com
+62 271 781743 / 780829, +62 81 329 203 898
www.pprbm-solo.org

SOURCES www .pprbm-solo.org (in Indonesian).

Nominated by: Sunarman SUKAmTO, CBR DTC Solo, Indonesia

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INNOVATIVE POLICIES

INNOVATIVE POLICY 2014: IRELAND

Accessible services for energy customers

Irelands Standard SWiFT 9 has been the first standard adopted in the energy sector worldwide that obliges energy suppliers to make all their communications accessible. It includes all written, face-to-face, telephone and
video communication, and all electronic and web-based communication.

The process in developing the standard was inclusive, iterative and consensus-based and enabled all key stakeholders to embrace universal design and moreover embrace the final outcome.
(Gerald Craddock, Centre for Excellence in Universal Design/National Disability Authority, Ireland)

SWIFT 9:2012 UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR ENERGY SUPPLIERS

Innovative aspects

Key features

The right to access and understand vital commodities

Eliminating the barriers between energy suppliers and their
customers will have a long lasting impact on universal service
delivery. SWIFT 9 recognises the customers right to be at the
centre of quality services.

SWiFT 9 provides the energy service industry with a reference to good practice on requirements for the application of
universal design. Its key focus is on Energy Communication
Design, which is based on four steps: perceiving, discovering,
understanding and using. These steps are based on four of
the seven principles of Universal Design which were modified
and trialed as part of the design process in developing the
standard. By providing comprehensive support on achieving
better customer communication, the standard and its respective toolkit cover:

Business objectives and overview

Written communication

Face-to-face, telephone & video communication

Electronic & web-based communication
Topics touched upon for written communication are document
and signage design. It includes rules for face-to-face communication, such as speaking simply. For non-verbal and telephone communication, it lays down rules for easier engagement
with diverse customers, including providing surroundings that
are comfortable for the customers. It also suggests a content
quality control process, comprising a designated manager, a
content review process, training and a house style guide. It
also deals with website design, mobile apps and social media
guidance.

Year of existence: 2012

Country/region of origin: Ireland
Beneficiaries targeted:

All households

Responsible body:

Commission for Energy Regulation

Stakeholders:
Public and private sector (energy
suppliers)

Facts & Figures

The first standard worldwide which provides clear guidance
for energy suppliers.

The standard provides advice and instruction on the best

way to communicate with 1.6 million Irish energy
customers.

Multi-stakeholder approach
All stakeholders, including government, industry and end user
groups, have been brought to the table so that the standard is
comprehensive, inclusive, effectively embraced and implemented.
Business case
When services are universally designed, customer services are
better, cost less, and both customers and employees are more
satisfied.

The standard is implemented by all seven energy suppliers.

The standard served as baseline for a standard in the

tourism sector subsequently introduced in 2013.

IN BRIEF
Specifically designed to be practical and easy to use and apply, the Standard SWiFT 9:2012 Universal Design for Energy
Suppliers and its respective toolkit provides service managers,
developers, providers and procurers with guidance, based on
the principles and guidelines of Universal Design. The Standard and accompanying toolkit guide them to accommodate
all their customers, and improve customer satisfaction, communication and online reviews.

History
On the basis of the Irish European Communities (Internal Market in Electricity and Gas) (Consumer Protection) Regulations
of 2011, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) required all energy suppliers to apply the principles of Universal
Design in the development of products, services and communications to customers. Subsequently, the National Standards
Authority of Ireland (NSAI), the National Disability Authoritys
Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD), CER, end
users and energy suppliers developed the Standard SWiFT
9:2012 Universal Design for Energy Suppliers, which became part of the Code of Practice of the Irish Commission for
Energy Regulation. SWiFT 9 guides energy providers to meet
their legal obligations under the 2011 regulations. In order to
help energy suppliers to apply the guidance provided in SWiFT
9, the Universal Design Toolkit for customer engagement has
been developed which requires little training and can easily be
implemented within companies.

Implementation
Since 2012, all of the seven energy suppliers in Ireland need
to implement SWiFT 9 and to report annually to the Commission for Energy Regulation on their conformity. The Commission, which is responsible for monitoring the implementation of
CONTACT Gerald CRADDOCK
Centre for Excellence in Universal Design/National
Disability Authority, 25 Clyde Road, Dublin 4, Ireland
GMCraddock@nda.ie
+353 1 608 0461
www.universaldesign.ie

SWiFT 9, has developed a statutory Code of Practice, which all

energy suppliers need to adhere to. In addition, Irish legislation and regulations set out that Universal Design must be
complied with. All suppliers have engaged in implementing
SWiFT 9; in particular Electric Ireland took the lead and incorporated, amongst others, the standard into its corporate style
guide, thereby establishing a Universal Design check for all its
IT projects.
Future Development
Recently, Athe Standard for best practice in customer engagerequisite for hotel customers is that used towels
are placed within the bathtub in the lavatory. This is
ment in the energy sector of washroomas aand
to facilitate the replacement served linen basis for a new similar
cleaning by hotel staff.
standard in the tourism sector, IS 373:2013 Universal Design
for Customer place used towels in thein Tourism Services. Following on
Engagement bath.
Please
These will be replaced with fresh ones during cleaning.
from this work, CEUD completed the development of a set of
Universal Design Technical Guidelines for In Home Displays for
Make text easy to read and understand
the energy sector in 2013.
Am I providing a lot of
information at the same
time?

What technical
jargon is used in my
industry?

Am I clearly and simply

answering my customers
questions?

Am I using language
that my customers
can relate to and
understand?

Think about what you are saying

Provide information using simple and clear language that is easy to
understand.

Image from the toolkit for SWiFT 9:2012 Universal

Design for Energy Suppliers CEUD/NDA
4
SOURCES www.universaldesign.ie/energy
www.nsai.ie
www.cer.ie

Nominated by: Gerald CRADDOCK, Centre for Excellence in Universal Design/National Disability Authority

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SELECTED INNOVATIVE POLICIES 2014: JAPAN

INNOVATIVE POLICIES

Cheaper mortgages for accessible homes

Addressing the need for accessible private housing is highly relevant to many countries that are experiencing an
ageing society. Japan incentivises individuals and housing providers to build dwellings that respect requirements
on accessibility and usability by offering them lower interest rates.

HOUSING MORTGAGE SCHEME FOR THE AGEING FUTURE

Year of existence:

1996 to 2007 (to present)

Country/region of origin: Japan

Beneficiaries targeted:  Japanese citizens
All
Responsible body:

Ministry of Construction; Ministry

of Land, Infrastructure, Transport

Stakeholders:

Public and private sector

Facts & Figures

When the scheme was introduced, all the major housing
providers changed their design standards to meet the new
requirements.

Housing mortgage usage related to design for ageing

increased to over 60%.

Among the whole housing stock, 5.4% include design for

ageing features.

IN BRIEF
Japans Housing Mortgage Scheme for the Ageing Future existed in its full extent from 1996 to 2007 and was subsidised
by the Japanese government. It entitled dwellings meeting
requirements on accessibility and usability to lower interest
rates or larger mortgage sums. These requirements included a floor without unnecessary differences in level, support
for handrail installation and specific widths. Because of the
scheme, housing with design for ageing features increased
considerably.

Japans Housing Mortgage Scheme for the Ageing Future was well placed to provide appropriate housing for
seniors. It should be re-launched, targeting clients from the younger generation.
(Satoshi Kose, Shizuoka University of Art and Culture, Japan)

Innovative aspects

for handrail installation and specific widths. Various types of

building equipment and apparatus, coupled with these specific
design features, would be effective in supporting the whole life
of the residents. Even though not everybody can be accommodated, because some types and levels of disabilities require
more extensive arrangements, for most people in most cases
the three design requirements will suffice. In general, the
interest rates of the Housing Loan Corporation were about
1% lower as compared to private bank loans. The scheme
decreased this rate further by 0.1%. In addition, individuals
and housing providers could receive larger mortgages (15,000
USD) and extra money (10,000 USD) was available for specific facilities.

Benefitting everyone
By revealing a clear and direct linkage between disability and
ageing, the scheme shows how important accessibility is for
all.
Incentivising the private sector
Through offering an incentive, the scheme nudged housing
manufacturers to construct, and people to obtain, accessible
private housing.
Enhancing community living
As an integral part of the Governments Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities, the scheme promoted in particular the
goal of living in communities as ordinary citizens.

Implementation
The Housing Loan Corporation was responsible for the implementation of the scheme. Under its routine inspection, it
required planning-related documents and also inspected the
building once completed. If the finished dwelling did not comply, the mortgage money was not given.

Experiments of simulated bathtub use with handrails in Japan (

Satoshi Kose)

History
As a result of research in 1987, draft design guidelines on
design for the ageing society were prepared, which guided
local governments when they built rental housing. In 1995,
the Ministry issued the finalised Design Guidelines of Dwellings for the Ageing Society, which, together with the Act on
Accessible and Usable Buildings by the Aged and Physically
Disabled Persons of 1994, marked a clear departure from agespecific housing schemes. In 1996, the Housing Loan Corporation introduced the Housing Mortgage Scheme for the Ageing
Future, which offered reduced interest rates or larger sums of
mortgages where design for ageing was respected in housing
construction. The Housing Loan Corporations transformation
in 2007 had the negative effect of considerably reducing the
funding available under the scheme. As a result, the number
of clients reached has been modest and not sufficient to provide appropriate housing for seniors as required (it was only
10% in 2008 and 25% of dwellings by 2020).

Key features
The Housing Mortgage Scheme for the Ageing Future was
administered by the Housing Loan Corporation and subsidised
by the Government. It entitled dwellings meeting the requirements on accessibility and usability to lower interest rates or
larger mortgage amounts. These requirements were based on
the Design Guidelines of Dwellings for the Ageing Society of
1995 (revised 2000 and 2001) and emphasised, as a starting
point, a floor without unnecessary differences in level, support

CONTACT Satoshi KOSE

Shizuoka University of Art and Culture, 2-1-1, Chuo,
Naka-ku, Hamamatsu 430-8533, Japan
skose@gakushikai.jp
+81 3 3431 5168

Future Development
Even though the original scheme was discontinued in 2007,
accessible housing is still needed. A re-launch of the scheme
would incentivise the provision of appropriate housing for
seniors.

SOURCES Satoshi Kose, How can the exploding senior population be accommodated? Japanese struggle
towards inclusive design, Journal of Engineering
Design, 21:2-3 (2010), 165-171.
The Building Center of Japan, A Quick Look at
Housing in Japan, 2013: http://bit.ly/1eqFwdN

www.gakushikai.jp

Nominated by: Satoshi KOSE, Shizuoka University of Art and Culture, Japan

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INNOVATIVE POLICIES

INNOVATIVE POLICY 2014: MALAYSIA

Kuala Lumpur: Enforcing accessibility

The City of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has set up an implementation framework for its accessibility standards for
the built environment that includes a comprehensive monitoring and enforcement system, from design to postconstruction.

Awareness, expertise, monitoring and sanctions in case of non-compliance, are the key to successfully enhance implementation, monitoring and enforcement of accessibility standards.
(Dalilah Bee Abdullah, Kuala Lumpur City Hall Training Institute, Malaysia)

ACCESS AUDITS UNDER THE ACTION PLAN TOWARDS

KUALA LUMPUR AS ACCESSIBLE CITY

Innovative aspects

Key features

Future Development

Monitoring
During the construction, access auditors inspect the building
and have the option to issue a stop-work order. After the construction, follow-up inspections are carried out.

Under Kuala Lumpurs Action Plan, all new construction and

retrofitting works must be universally designed. For construction to be approved, the submitted building plans must comply with the accessibility standards. The construction permit
is only issued once approval has been given. To enable court
action in the case of non-compliance, every submitting person
needs to sign a certification that they accept full responsibility.
Furthermore, they have to issue an Access Statement describing all accessible facilities in public buildings. During the
construction, access auditors of the Kuala Lumpur City Hall
inspect the construction and have the possibility to issue a
stop-work order. After the construction, follow-up inspections
by access auditors grant either a Certificate of Compliance or
require the constructor to make adaptations or re-build. The
Periodic Inspection Unit monitors existing buildings. In addition, awareness-raising programmes are held.

Currently Kuala Lumpur City Hall (KLCH) staff are working

with the national standard-setting body. In 2013, the guideline
Using Universal Design in the Built Environment was published
for public comment. If approved, it will become mandatory for
all public and private service providers. KLCH plans to undertake a comprehensive accessibility mapping.

Year of existence: 2010

Country/region of origin: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Beneficiaries targeted:

Primarily persons with disabilities

and the elderly

Responsible body: 
Urban and Building Design Department
Stakeholders:
Public and private sector (construc-

tion departments, industry and
professionals)
Facts & Figures

Enforcement
Enforcement mechanisms consist of Access Officers, the Access Advisory Group, Access Inspectors, and Access Auditors.
Access statements, inspections and audits are used to monitor
and enforce accessibility standards.
Awareness raising and training
Awareness-raising programmes create a constant dialogue,
offer workshops for professionals and pilot projects as benchmarking.

Benchmark for all local authorities in Malaysia.

Implementation

70 access audits carried out and nine training workshops

held.

339 public housing units adapted.

Highlighted in the newsletter of Access Exchange

International.

Published access audit manual and guidelines.

Mayors Award for good practice.

IN BRIEF
The Action Plan Towards Kuala Lumpur as Accessible City,
which was developed in 2010, sets out an implementation
framework including workshops, access auditing and a holistic
focus on all three stages of the construction process: design,
construction and post-construction. It highlights three priority
areas: legislation, enforcement and monitoring, and awareness raising. The core concepts are the continuum of access,
approachability, accessibility and usability by applying UD.

130

History
Kuala Lumpurs Uniform Building Bylaw contains an obligation to respect accessibility standards. Such standards exist
regarding the access to public buildings, the access to outdoor
spaces, escape routes and minimum design criteria for public
toilets. In 2002, under the Biwako Millennium Framework: Towards an Inclusive, Barrier-free and Rights-based Society for
Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific, the Malaysian
government committed to achieving a 75% barrier-free environment by 2012. In 2008, the country enacted the Persons
with Disabilities Act, which contains accessibility provisions
and a definition of Universal Design. In 2010, the city developed the Action Plan Towards Kuala Lumpur as Accessible City.
Subsequently, in 2012, access to the physical environment,
public transportation, knowledge, information and communication became goal number three of the Incheon Strategy to
'Make the Right Real' for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and
the Pacific.

In 2010, Kuala Lumpur City Hall created a special Innovation

and Building Standard Unit which serves as a secretariat to
set up guidelines, design methods of access, run courses, conduct access audits and perform upgrades, as well as enter into
dialogue with persons with disabilities. It set up four enforcement mechanisms: Access Officers, the Access Advisory
Group, 27 Access Inspectors and 27 Access Auditors (numbers
as of 2013). All audits are conducted with persons with disabilities. Awareness and training programmes on access audits
are continuously carried out. Retrofitting and upgrading in
renovation is encouraged, stakeholder dialogues are held.
CONTACT  alilah Bee ABDULLAH
D
Kuala Lumpur City Hall Training Institute, Kuala
Lumpur City Hall, 19, Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000 Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia
cgb4444@yahoo.com.sg
0060-19-3298169
http://bengkeloku.webs.com
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1abPBrn

Access audit of the alternatives routes from the transportation hub

to the headquarters of Kuala Lumpur City Hall ( Kuala Lumpur
City Hall)

SOURCES Barrier Free Design Guidelines (Garispanduan

Rekabentuk Laluan Bebas Halangan)
Access Audit Manual 1: Universal Design Guidelines (Manual Audit Akses 1 Malaysia Sebagai
Garispanduan Untuk Fasilatator Rekabentuk
Sejagat)

Nominated by: Dalilah Bee ABDULLAH, Kuala Lumpur City Hall Training Institute, Malaysia

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INNOVATIVE POLICIES

INNOVATIVE POLICY 2014: NORWAY

Universal design in non-discrimination law

Only a few countries require the application of universal design and establish that inaccessibility is a matter of
discrimination. In Europe, Norway is, along with Spain, one of those countries that actively promote both concepts and practice in universal design. In Norway universal design is an enforceable legal standard.

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION AND ACCESSIBLITY ACT &

EQUALITY AND ANTI-DISCRIMINATION OMBUD AND
TRIBUNAL
Year of existence: 2008
Country/region of origin: Norway
Beneficiaries targeted:

Persons with a disability

Responsible body:

Ministry of Children, Equality and

Social Inclusion

Stakeholders:

Public and private sector

Facts & Figures

Innovative aspects

The Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombud

Together, the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombud and Tribunal constitute a well-functioning low-threshold enforcement
system. The Ombud is a reporting and monitoring mechanism,
while the Tribunal can impose moratorium fines on those who
do not abide by the Tribunals decision.

Norways Anti-Discrimination and Accessibility Act of 2008 is

the countrys first disability-specific, nationwide non-discrimination act. It introduced legal safeguards against discrimination of people with disabilities in all sectors of society. It focuses
on the built environment, transport and ICT, establishes that
inaccessibility is a matter of discrimination, contains the obligation to use universal design and refers to sector legislation
as well as specific regulations elaborating on the Act itself.

Implementation

Inaccessibility is discrimination
In particular, the obligation to provide universally designed
ICTs has been legally enshrined, without any reference to
disproportionate burden.

Norways Ombud annually receives 320 requests regarding

universal design.

IN BRIEF

versal design amounts to discrimination. The AAD contains a

positive duty of public and private entities offering goods and
services to the general public to promote universal design. In
particular, it legally enshrines the obligation to provide universally designed information and communication technologies,
without any reference to disproportionate burden.

Obligation to universal design

The Act promotes both concepts and practice in universal
design. The way in which standards are incorporated into the
operation of the law is important.

By 2012, it completed 291 cases on universal design. 26

out of the 96 attested violations were referred to the
Tribunal.

Very few countries have made universal design a legal concept in their anti-discrimination legislation, which
means that universal design is an enforceable legal standard.
(Berit Vegheim, Stop Diskrimineeringen, Norway)

History
Before 2008, Norway had statutory provisions against discrimination only in the field of employment, as Norway implemented the EU directive 2000/78/EC in 2001. In 2002, the
Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion set up a draft committee to prepare a proposal for legislation to improve the
legal safeguards against discrimination against people with
disabilities in all sectors of society. The committee looked into
experiences in the USA, the UK, Australia and Canada, and
presented its report in May 2005. After a broad public consultation was completed, the Act was finally enacted on June
2008, and entered into force in 2009. In 2008, the Ministry of
Children, Equality and Social Inclusion, launched an ambitious
Action Plan, which sets the goal of Norway being universally
designed by 2025. In 2010, Norway amended its Planning and
Building Act to include universal design.

Outside Oslo central station, the edges of the steps were marked due
to complaints of a breach of 9 ( Berit Vegheim)

Key features
The Anti-Discrimination and Accessibility Act (AAD) aims to
promote equality and ensure equal opportunities and rights to
social participation for all persons and to prevent discrimination on the basis of disability. It applies to all areas of society,
and with regard to accessibility its main focus is on the built
environment, transport and ICT. In each field, the AAD refers
to sector legislation as well as specific regulations elaborating on the provisions in the AAD itself. The AAD includes a
universal design obligation, which is a minimum requirement
and has been introduced as a legal standard, whose content
is determined when detailed requirements regarding accessibility to buildings, ICT, means of transport, etc. are specified.
Universal design is defined in accordance with the original
concept invented by the Centre for Universal Design at North
Carolina State University. The breach of the obligation to uniCONTACT Berit VEGHEIM
Stop Diskrimineeringen, Postboks 2474, Stms,
3003 Drammen, Norway
post@stopdisk.no
+47 901 96 325
www.stopdisk.no

Many of the AADs provisions become enforceable through

regulations specifying detailed accessibility requirements. Together, the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombud and Tribunal are responsible for enforcement of the AAD. Everyone can
appeal, without any cost, to the Ombud. The Ombud reviews
the complaint, asks for a statement from the perpetrator of
the discriminatory act and issues an opinion. The Ombud asks
the perpetrator to stop the discriminatory practice. If the case
is not solved, it will be forwarded to the Tribunal, which is a
semi-court composed of lawyers and disability experts. The
Tribunal can give legally binding statements and impose fines.
Future Development
The Act includes no right to reasonable accommodation in the
access to goods and services, and the definition of universal
design does not include products. Legally binding timeframes
need to be established in order to ensure universal design of
existing buildings and transportation. The Tribunal should be
able to decide on redress for non-economic loss and compensation.

SOURCES

Norway, Act No 42 of June 20, 2008 relating to

a prohibition against discrimination on the basis
of disability (Anti-Discrimination and Accessibility Act): http://bit.ly/1hQuajP

Nominated by: Berit VEGHEIM, Stop Diskrimineeringen, Norway

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INNOVATIVE POLICIES

SELECTED INNOVATIVE POLICIES 2014: QATAR

Comprehensive eAccessibility Policy

Digital exclusion is widespread. In many countries accessible websites, digital content, kiosks, and emergency
services are not available. One of the biggest challenges the Arab world faced was that Arabic did not feature
in assistive technology. Qatars eAccessibility Policy is well on the way to reducing a number of the most severe
barriers.
NATIONAL E-ACCESSIBILITY POLICY

Innovative aspects

Year of existence: 2011

Qatars comprehensive eAccessibility Policy is a first but highly significant step on the road to promoting a digital world that is accessible for Arabic-speaking people with disabilities.
(David Banes, Mada Center, Qatar)

General Usability
The eAccessibility policy outlines an end-to-end approach
which considers all elements of an ecosystem required to deliver accessible technology for people with a disability.

Country/region of origin: Qatar

Beneficiaries targeted: 
Persons with disabilities
Responsible body:

Ministry of Information and Com-

munications Technology

Stakeholders:

Public and private sector (ICT

departments and industry, DPOs)

Facts & Figures

20 assistive technology solutions introduced in Arabic.

Coherent approach
The policy addresses ICT within one scoping document and
establishes a broad mandate for a single body to oversee eAccessibility, to offer collaboration and partnership with public,
private and not-for-profit sectors to see access technologies
fully implemented within Qatar.
Cross-cutting
Mada is mandated to raise the level of accessibility across all
digital platforms and to make digital content more accessible
to all.

1,100 people with a disability supported, 950 professionals

trained.

250 people used eLearning portal.

Website accessibility support provided to over 60 sites.

History

Telecoms providers offer 50% discount on tariffs.

In 2004, Qatar established ictQATAR to regulate the sectors of

communication and information technology. In 2010, ictQatar
supported the creation of Mada, Qatars Assistive Technology
Center, in order to deliver upon the commitment to accessible
information and technology. Together, ictQatar and Mada developed the National eAccessibility Policy, which was officially
released in 2011. The National eAccessibility Policy extended
the mandate of Mada (Innovative Practice 2014) and committed Mada to raising the level of accessibility across all digital
platforms and to making digital content more accessible to all.
The policy supports the wider inclusive agenda in Qatar and
the National Vision 2030, and ictQATARs Strategy ICT2015 to
develop an ICT-skilled population which especially prioritises
women, retirees and citizens with special needs. It is also in
line with the National Development Strategy 2011-2016 that
supports the use of ICT for improving learning environments
for children with special needs.

IN BRIEF
Qatars National eAccessibility Policy addresses key issuesaround information and communication technologies. It laysthe
foundations for an accessible ICT ecosystem that enables persons with disabilities to take full advantage of ICTs. Its goals
are to reduce the following barriers:
Inaccessible websites and content
Inaccessible telecommunications services and supporting technologies
Inaccessible public access terminals/kiosks and ATMs
Limited usage and access to assistive technologies
Lack of accessible digital content, especially in Arabic.

of digital video programming in Qatar have to develop a plan

that enables them to deliver digital video programming with
either open or closed captioning. All materials produced are
published under creative commons license.
Implementation

Welcome area of the Mada Centre in Doha (Qatar) ( Mada)

Key features
Qatars National eAccessibility Policy addresses key issues
around information and communication technologies: it requires all public domain websites to meet Level 'AA' of the Web
Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 as well as W3Cs Mobile
Web Best Practices Guidelines 1.0 by 2013 for new websites
and 2015 for existing websites. It requires telecommunications service providers to provide accessible handsets, user interfaces and special rate plans (all 2011); relay (from 2013);
and emergency services (2012). It requests that government
agencies and banking institutions provide at strategic locations at least one fully accessible and/or universally designed
ATM by 2013 and Public Access Terminal/Kiosk by 2015. It
establishes a fund to improve access to assistive technologies
and services and to develop practical guidelines. All producers
of digital content should strive to increase the amount of accessible content in both English and Arabic so that it represents 5% of their total digital content available. All distributors
CONTACT David BANES
M
 ada Center, Al Nasr Tower B, 7th Floor, Al Corniche
Road, PO Box: 24230, Doha, Qatar
dbanes@mada.org.qa
+97 4 4459 4050
www.mada.org.qa/en/

In general, ictQATAR is charged with ensuring implementation

and closely monitoring the progress of the policy. It maintains
relationships with all parties responsible for implementing the
policys provisions. ictQATAR can also review, update and/
or widen the policys scope. As a minimum, the policy review
takes place every five years. The key innovation within this
policy is to address information and communications technology within a single scoping document and by establishing
a wide mandate for a single body to oversee eAccessibility (Mada), so that issues are addressed in a coherent and
consistent manner. Mada operates with a budget of 23 million
QAR per year.
Future Development
The policy has been of interest to other Gulf States and its
replication in other countries is achieved via the establishment
of a Gulf region assistive technology network, which draws
upon services, researchers and policy makers across the region to discuss progress and to share resources. Mada continues
to play an active role in contributing to global access efforts.

SOURCES Qatars National eAccessibility Policy, 2011:

http://bit.ly/18YpQwg

Nominated by: Axel LEBLOIS, The Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs (G3ict), USA

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INNOVATIVE POLICIES

INNOVATIVE POLICY 2014: SOUTH AFRICA

Inclusive design of Cape Towns Bus System

Since the first Bus Rapid Transit System was developed as an alternative to the more expensive underground in
Curitiba, Brazil, similar systems have been enthusiastically deployed in 147 cities across six continents, primarily in the Global South. Cape Town Bus System stands out for its commitment and ability to create accessibility.

MyCiTis Integrated Rapid Transport System is the first universally accessible transport system in South Africa,
and it is highly likely to have repercussions on all sub-Saharan African countries.
(Guy Davies, Disability Solutions, Cape Town)

UNIVERSAL ACCESS POLICY OF THE MYCITI INTEGRATED RAPID TRANSPORT SYSTEM

Innovative aspects

Key features

Benefits for all

By reaching areas that have never had this type of transport
before, by accommodating passengers with disabilities and by
offering a safe travel mode for women and children, MyCiTi
serves everyone.

The MyCiTi Integrated Rapid Transport system includes the

establishment of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network and the
integration of the BRT system with all other modes of motorised and non-motorised transport. MyCiTi concerns the
entire passenger journey, including getting to the bus stop
from a distance of 50 m from the journeys origin, boarding
vehicles, arrival as well as reporting any problems along the
way. MyCiTi paid attention to many details that aim to ensure
that everyone can use the system independently. MyCiTis
key accessibility features include stations that provide level,
seamless boarding onto vehicles (through the use of dedicated
boarding points); wheelchair accessible toilets and wide entrance gates without inaccessible turnstiles; a new fleet of low
floor kneeling vehicles (18 m buses with two wheelchair positions and 12 m buses with one wheelchair position) that have
level entry, boarding bridges as well as Kassel Kerbs (allowing
drivers to position their vehicle close to the bus stops without
tyre damage), all equipped with audio LED screens; as well as
service information in a wide variety of formats, door-to-busstop infrastructure (way finding/signage, including tactile signage, tactile paving, and on-demand services) and dedicated
customer support staff.

Year of existence: 2009

Country/region of origin: Cape Town, South Africa
Beneficiaries targeted: All persons, including persons with
disabilities
Responsible body: 
Transport for Cape Town
Stakeholders:
Public sector (transport
departments)

Facts & Figures

In 2013, 15,000 daily passengers were recorded (Phase 1).

All 35 MyCiTi stations and 161 roadside bus stops are

universally accessible.

All 379 buses have levelled boarding, spaces for

wheelchairs and an audio LED screen.

22.4 km of accessible walking and cycling pathways.

IN BRIEF
Cape Towns MyCiTi system is, along with Johannesburgs Rea
Vaya, among the first South African Bus Rapid Transit systems. Cape Town, however, clearly stands out for its commitment and ability to implement accessibility, as its Universal
Access Policy is a comprehensive long-term and multi-level
effort that includes universal design and attention to the
entire journey. The Universal Access Policy is currently being
reviewed.

Universal design
Accessible public transportation is defined as mainstream
services that can be used by all people, to the greatest extent
possible, without the need for further adaptation or specialised
features.
Attention to the entire journey
The Universal Access Policy looks at the route planning to
ensure that all key destinations can be reached. It has input
to the infrastructure and the operation.
History
Until recently, public transport in South Africa was not accessible and lacked significant investment. In 2007, the 'Towards
2020: Public Transport Strategy and Action Plan' focused on
upgrading existing public transport and on Integrated Rapid
Public Transport Networks whilst highlighting the need for
100% accessibility. When Cape Town became one of the FIFA
World Cup 2010 Host Cities, a fully accessible Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network was to be established. With the
National Land Transport Act in 2009, the responsibility for the
provision of municipal public transport shifted to the municipalities. In 2010, Cape Town approved the Business Plan for
the MyCiTi Integrated Rapid Transport System, along with the
Universal Access Policy. The Universal Access Policy has been
developed with the input of disabled people's organisations
and is a guiding component that establishes how accessibility
is to be achieved. MyCiTis implementation of Phase 1 is to be
completed by 2014.

and there is a procedure whereby the feedback of passengers

with special needs is used to constantly improve the system.
The aim is to eventually build a safe, reliable, inclusive, and
cost-effective transport network within 500 meters of 75 percent of the homes in the city.
Future Development
In 2012, the city established Transport for Cape Town, which
is charged with the implementation of its 2013-2018 Integrated Transport Plan and the integration of the MyCiTi BRT
system with other transport modes, with rail being chief
amongst them. The Universal Access Policy is therefore being
reviewed. In 2014, an audit by DPOs and an evaluation study
will be conducted.
Universal access
of the MyCiTi
system in Cape
Town, South
Africa Guy
Davies, Disability
Solutions

Implementation
MyCiTi is designed to be rolled out in four phases for completion within 15 to 20 years. In October 2009, Phase 1a was approved and the National Department of Transport allocated a
total of 312 million USD for 2010-13 to Cape Town. By March
2013, Phase 1A, 'a world-class BRT system in miniature', was
operational. National indicators guide MyCiTis implementation
CONTACT Guy DAVIES
Disability Solutions (Pty) Ltd, 6 Non Pareille St, Paarl
7646, South Africa
disabilitysolutions@gmail.com
+27 21 872 1101, +27 83 289 1199
Skype: guydissol
www.disabilitysolutions.co.za

SOURCES Media release by the Transport Authority of

Cape Town: http://bit.ly/1bAdYdT

Nominated by: Brett HERRON, Transport Authority of Cape Town

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INNOVATIVE POLICY 2014: SPAIN

INNOVATIVE POLICIES

Public-private partnership for accessibility

In Spain, the worlds biggest public-private partnership between the government and civil society concerning
universal accessibility has been established, enabling not only millions of Euros of investment but a continuous
flow of information and expertise between all stakeholders.

FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE INSTITUTE OF

THE ELDERLY AND SOCIAL SERVICES AND FUNDACION
ONCE
Year of existence: 2011
Country/region of origin: Spain
Beneficiaries targeted:

All, including people with disabilities

Responsible body: 
Ministry of Health, Social Policy and
Equality
Stakeholders:

Public and private sector (equality

departments, foundations, public
and non-profit entities)

Innovative aspects

Key features

Universal design
Anticipating the needs of all persons, not only of persons with
disabilities, universal accessibility is defined as the condition
to be fulfilled by environments, products and services in order
for them to be understandable, usable and functional for all
persons.

The Framework Agreement lays out the respective financial

contributions of the Institute of the Elderly and Social Services
and Fundacin ONCE, and allows both partners to sign collaboration agreements with other public and non-profit entities.
These collaboration agreements need to state the objective,
budget, responsibilities, and compliance requisites. The aforementioned entities can apply for funding and technical support
in five different action lines:

Performance appraisal and planning for accessibility,
including a Universal Accessibility Plan and a study and project
to improve accessibility

Corrective actions to achieve accessibility, including
performance in the planning and building, as well as operations on environments, services and ICT-based systems

Precautionary actions or implementation of access
management systems, including the implementation of a
access management system according to UNE 170001 and/or
for webpages or software

Actions to enhance the transport service of accessible taxis

Awareness raising, training and innovation, including
support for the innovation of Design for All persons; orientation measures for digital alphabetisation; actions of training.

Multi-stakeholder approach
Financial and technical support was available to manifold
stakeholders, including public authorities, universities and
non-profit entities.
Monitoring & Reporting
Fundacin ONCE draws up a suitability report evaluating each
project. It then issues a quality evaluation report, which is
necessary to receive funding.

Facts & Figures

In 2011, 124 projects were implemented, with 120
beneficiary municipalities and a 4.7 million investment.
The largest public-private partnership in the world
concerning universal accessibility and design for all.

IN BRIEF
The Framework Agreement between the Institute of the
Elderly and Social Services (IMSERSO), under the Ministry of
Health, Social Policy and Equality, and Fundacin ONCE for the
Cooperation and Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities
is the biggest public-private partnership concerning 'design
for all' in the world. Its purpose is to develop a programme of
universal accessibility. The public-private dimension makes it
especially transferable to other countries.

This public-private partnership is the reason why Spanish municipalities are now at the forefront when it comes to universal accessibility.
(Jess Hernndez-Galn, Fundacin ONCE, Spain)

History
In 1990, Spanish municipalities and provinces defined basic
criteria for the improvement of accessibility and liveability
in urban spaces. In 2003, Spain adopted the Law of Equal
Opportunities, Non-Discrimination and Universal Access for
Persons with Disabilities, which marked a definitive shift in
disability policy towards a human rights perspective. The laws
crosscutting goal of universal accessibility led to the launch of
the National Action Plan on Accessibility, 2004-2011. Subsequently, almost all subsidiary legislation included a clear
focus on accessibility requirements. The two partners of the
presently described Framework Agreement, the Institute of
the Elderly and Social Services and Fundacin ONCE have
cooperated for the past 22 years and invested 167 million
benefitting more than 800 beneficiary municipalities. Among
Europes foundations, Fundacin ONCE is the most active in
the field of disability and accessibility.

clarifies any queries about implementation. The administration of expenditures is done by IMSERSO, while Fundacin
ONCE is charged with the technical evaluation. Its Accessibility
Office draws up a suitability report that evaluates the project
and issues the quality evaluation report, necessary to receive
funding. In the case of non-compliance, the other party may
suspend the contract.
Future Development
Due to the current economic situation in Spain, the Institute
of the Elderly and Social Services is subject to budget cuts
and it is unclear whether a follow-up agreement will be established.

Implementation
For the assessment, resolution and decision-making, a
commission comprising four representatives from IMSERSO
and three from Fundacin ONCE was established. It defines
objectives and priorities for the selection of projects, decides
on the scale of the projects, finalises approved projects, and
CONTACT Jess HERNANDEZ-GALAN
Fundacin ONCE, C/Sebastin Herrera 15, 28012
Madrid, Spain
jhernandez@fundaciononce.es
+34 91 506 8873
http://www.fundaciononce.es

Avila's accessible city wall - a project of the public-private

partnership City Council of Avila

SOURCES IMSERSO about the Framework Agreement with

Fundacin ONCE: http://bit.ly/1kluuqh

Nominated by: Carlos SANCHEZ MARTIN, Fundacin ONCE, Spain

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INNOVATIVE POLICIES

INNOVATIVE POLICY 2014: UGANDA

Uganda makes accessibility standards mandatory

In many countries in the Global South, accessibility standards do not exist. In the few countries where they
exist, they are very often not legally binding, not enforced and not monitored. Uganda is among the first subSaharan countries to have developed their own accessibility standards. Ugandas standards are mandatory for
school construction projects.
OBLIGATORY ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS

Innovative aspects

Year of existence: 2010

We call upon all stakeholders in the construction industry to play their part in making Uganda a barrier-free
society by implementing these standards.
Apollo Mukasa, Uganda National Action on Physical Disability, Uganda

Success of the disability movement

The driving force for the development of the Standards was
Ugandas strong disability movement and its network of representatives of persons with disabilities at all levels.

Country/Region of origin: Uganda

Beneficiaries targeted:

People with disabilities as well as

the elderly, pregnant women

Responsible body:

Government Line Ministries in Disa-

bility Issues (Transport, Social, Edu-
cation, Health)

Stakeholders:
Public, private and not-for-profit
sector

A fully accessible trip

The attention to the entire journey means that persons with
disabilities are able to exit their homes, access a sidewalk,
reach the building and manoeuvre within the building.
Monitoring
A National Accessibility Audit Committee and several District
Accessibility Audit Committees were set up, composed of
professionals of the built environment, line ministries, and
disabled people's organisations.

Facts & Figures

Mandatory for school construction projects and other public
facilities.
Adopted by the Uganda Society of Architects.

Accessibility audits conducted.

Several court cases filed.

Disseminated by all the line ministries on disability.

IN BRIEF
Ugandas Accessibility Standards are an important start in
advocating and enforcing an accessible environment for all
persons, including persons with disabilities. Their objective
is to draw up a blueprint and be a tool for measurement, assessment and advising. The Ministry of Education and Sports
adopted them for all school construction projects. As part of
the Building Control Bill, the Standards will become a requirement for the approval of all construction projects, once the bill
is signed into an Act.

Implementation

Accessibility Auditing and Advocacy in Uganda ( UNAPD)

Key features

environment (barrier-free entrance, parking space, pathways,

corridors, urban roads, water and sanitation facilities). They
provide a series of practical and detailed plans and maps that
planners can use to construct accessible facilities such as toilets, boreholes, etc. They also include provisions on the accessibility of services, information and communication, e.g. public
operated machines, and on the use of accessible formats such
as sign language, tactile and Braille.

History
In 2007, a ministerial report found that 95% of the buildings
in Kampala were not accessible, despite the fact that several laws emphasised the need to have an accessible physical
environment, such as the Persons with Disabilities Act and
National Policy on Disability, both of 2006. One of the reasons
for the limited implementation of the accessibility provisions
in these laws was the absence of accessibility standards. After
an in-depth review of literature, the Uganda National Action
on Physical Disability and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and
Social Development developed Ugandas first Accessibility
Standards with the support of Dansk Handicap Forbund and
in consultation with other stakeholders, such as disabled
people's organisations, architects, physical planners, building
engineers and community development workers, and different
government ministries and departments. In May 2010, the
Accessibility Standards were published and officially launched.

One guiding principle of the Standards is a fully accessible

trip: persons with disabilities must be able to exit their home,
access a sidewalk, enter a vehicle, alight from the vehicle
onto a sidewalk near the workplace, reach the entrance of the
building, manoeuvre within the building and reach their workstation. The Standards highlight the different access barriers
faced by people who use wheelchairs and people with limited
movements, blind persons and persons with visual impairments, deaf persons and persons with hearing impairments,
people with learning or intellectual disabilities, and other
groups (such as the elderly). Most importantly, the Standards
are to be applied during the design, construction and alteration of buildings and facilities, and cover mainly the built
CONTACT Mukasa APOLLO
Uganda National Action on Physical Disability (UNAPD), P.O.Box 959, Kampala, Uganda
mukas20032000@unapd.org
www.unapd.org

The Government Line Ministries in Disability Issues (Transport,

Social Development, Education, Health) oversee the implementation of the Standards. With their launch, a National
Accessibility Audit Committee was set up, composed of eight
professionals of the built environment, line ministries, and
disabled people's organisations responsible for enforcing the
accessibility requirements and provisions among the relevant
stakeholders, service providers and other players. In addition, several districts have set up District Accessibility Audit
Committees to supplement the National Committee efforts at
the local level.
Future Development
One aspect that Uganda - like all countries in the Global South
- has to fight is the lack of funding and expertise. Further outreach, dissemination and training are needed. It is crucial that
district engineers do not approve building plans that do not
adequately respect the accessibility elements. The sanction
system is not yet working well because of limited enforcement
and supervision.
SOURCES Uganda National Action on Physical Disability
and Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development, Accessibility Standards: A practical
guide to create a barrier-free physical environment in Uganda, 2010: http://unapd.org/
introduction.pdf

Nominated by: George William KYINGI, Uganda National Action on Physical Disability (UNAPD)

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INNOVATIVE POLICIES

INNOVATIVE POLICY 2014: UNITED KINGDOM

London 2012: The most inclusive Olympics ever

The Olympics and Paralympics are among the worlds most spectacular sporting events and represent a massive opportunity to spread a message to a vast audience. London 2012 approached the Olympic and Paralympic
Games for the first time as one event with exemplary accessibility as a key theme and set a high standard for
all events to come.
ACCESSIBILITY POLICY OF THE LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES
Year of existence:

2009 - 2012

Country/region of origin: London, United Kingdom

Beneficiaries targeted:

Persons with all kinds of disabilities,

parents with infants, children, first
time visitors and older people.

Responsible body:

London Organising Committee of

the Olympic and Paralympic Games
(LOCOG)

Stakeholders:

Public and private sector

Facts & Figures

Innovative aspects

Enabling everyones participation

With venue accessibility, inclusive ticketing, well-trained staff
and additional services, LOCOG ensured that everyone, including people with high support needs, could participate equally
as spectators, athletes or workforce.
Producing legacy
By improving accessibility in venues permanently, by including
people with disabilities in the workforce, and by enhancing
media coverage, London 2012 produced an important legacy.

An accessible experience for 10 million ticket holders and

16,000 athletes.
Offered more tickets for persons with disabilities.

Projects with over 100 disability organisations.

4% of volunteers had a disability.

Enhanced media coverage of the Paralympics (350 hours).

IN BRIEF
The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games were held
for the first time as one event. LOCOGs Accessibility Policy
inculcated accessibility into everything done, from venue
management to ticketing, and provided additional services
where necessary, from mobility to information in accessible
formats. For the first time people with disabilities were able
to participate in every single aspect of the Games, including
the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and could serve in the
workforce and as volunteers since staff areas were accessible.

facilities suitable to the needs of everyone. Disabled people

could apply for tickets like anyone else. For every session,
venue and price category, LOCOG issued different ticket types.
Furthermore, LOCOG ensured that all mainstream services
were accessible, that persons with disabilities could participate, that they had access to parking, and that they could use
mobility services.

Accessibility as a priority
With the help of accessibility advisors, LOCOG implemented
a strategy that mainstreamed accessibility and successfully
delivered the worlds most inclusive Olympic and Paralympic
Games.

London 2012 Games were a truly inclusive and unique experience for athletes, visitors and volunteers. It
should serve as a model for all major (sporting) events to come.
Amelia Gentleman, 'The Guardian'

History
In 2005, London won in the final round of voting of the
International Olympic Committee. Shortly thereafter, the UK
Government, the Mayor of London and the British Olympic
Association jointly established the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG). LOCOG
was responsible for organising, publicising and staging the
Olympic and Paralympic Games in London. In order to ensure
consistent access provision and a great experience for each
client group across a wide variety of sporting venues, LOCOG developed and officially adopted in 2009 an Accessibility
Services and Inclusive Ticketing Strategy and the LOCOG
Overlay Access File. In connection with London 2012, LOCOG
also developed an Employment and Skills Strategy, a Diversity
and Inclusion Business Charter and a Diversity and Inclusion
Strategy and the Transport Department issued an Accessible
Transport Strategy.

Implementation

Image from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games

( Mark Todd)

Key features
LOCOGs responsibilities included the delivery of all venues
in Olympic and Paralympic Games mode. Therefore, LOCOG
adopted the Overlay Access File (LOAF), which covered a wide
range of topics concerning physical accessibility in the facilities
and buildings of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. It provided a framework for the engineering, design and procurement
teams on access and inclusion standards for temporary facilities and infrastructure added to venues (known as overlay).
LOAF was a practical tool to be applied consistently across all
venues by all staff planning and designing temporary overlay.
It provided Games-specific advice and highlighted important
design features. In addition, LOCOG adopted the Accessibility Services and Inclusive Ticketing Strategy, which aimed to
provide a wide range of ticket products making services and
CONTACT Mark TODD
access all areas, 14 Hapton Ave, West Chorlton, M32
8JN Manchester, United Kingdom
AccessArea@aol.com
www.london2012.com

In order to develop and implement its Accessibility Policy,

LOCOG engaged in-house accessibility advisors. It established
an Access Inclusion and Integration Group that integrated
services such as transport, tourism and venues, to produce
a streamlined experience. LOCOG consulted widely with the
disability community. Each Venue General Manager worked to
design venues that are accessible and in line with the LOAF. A
team of access consultants reviewed the plans at each stage,
producing reports and highlighting issues and risks. Once the
plans were at an advanced stage, the Accessibility Manager
and the Project Manager conducted a series of client walkthroughs to test the Games time operability.
Future Development
Only a few cases of misimplementation in construction works
occurred. Instances occurred in three out of the 20 temporary venues, and in only one existing venue did LOCOG not
reach the same quality for persons with disabilities in viewing
platforms. Currently, its best practices are being transferred,
as far as possible, to Sochi 2014, Glasgow 2014, Rio 2016 and
PyeonChang 2018.

SOURCES London Organising Committee of the Olympic

and Paralympic Games, LOCOG Overlay Access
File: http://bit.ly/Jllt2O

Nominated by: Mark TODD, London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG)

142

143

ANNEX: ICT POLICIES-ANALYSIS

ICT POLICIES-ANALYSIS

G3ICT: Special Report on

ICT Policies

While it seemed an overwhelming task to tackle the global challenges of inaccessible ICTs, we firmly believe
today that progress is possible and happening.
Axel Leblois, G3ict

By Axel Leblois
Axel Leblois is the Founder and Executive Director of G3ict the Global Initiative for Inclusive
Technologies, an Advocacy Initiative launched in cooperation with UNDESA in December 2006 to
promote the ICT accessibility provisions of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities with the participation of the IT industry, governments, disability advocacy organisations and
United Nations agencies.

In order to answer this question, measure progress and offer

benchmarks for governments and disability advocates around
the world, G3ICT, in partnership with Disabled Peoples International launched in 2010 the CRPD ICT Accessibility Progress
Report. It collects 57 data points per country to measure
the level of legislative and regulatory commitments made by
States Parties, their capacity to implement and their actual results for persons with disabilities. In 2013, for its third edition,
76 countries participated representing 68 percent of the world
population.

And while only a small number of countries had ICT accessibility on their legislative roadmaps prior to the CRPD, in 2012
36.4 percent of ratifying countries had adopted a definition of
accessibility which includes ICTs or electronic media in their
laws or regulations. This figure reached 50 percent in 2013,
an extremely encouraging sign that policy makers around the
world understand the necessity to make ICTs accessible to all.

The UN CRPD has a measurable impact on the legislative agenda of States Parties

Those results establish that a large proportion of persons with

disabilities around the world today may not be able to access
television, make a phone call, access vital e-government
resources, learn and work with web resources, retrieve cash
from an ATM or enjoy accessible digital books, all essential
services for everyones life. Javed Abidi, Chair of Disabled
Peoples international stated, when G3ict and DPI jointly published those results at the Conference of States Parties at the
United Nations:

The key findings are very encouraging on one hand but

reflect tremendous challenges on the other hand. The first
piece of evidence is that the CRPD did in fact have a profound
global legislative impact in promoting the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities. For instance, 86 percent of countries report
that they now have a constitutional article, law or regulation
defining the rights of persons with disabilities, compared to
a handful of countries prior to the adoption of the UN CRPD,
while 68 percent have a designated focal point within government for matters relating to the CRPD and a framework for
implementing and monitoring the CRPD. So it is very clear
that the global reach of the CRPD in establishing a Rightsbased approach for disability is a tremendous success.
In the autumn of 2006, UN DESA and leading experts negotiating the final draft of the Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities (CRPD) anticipated how revolutionary many
of its dispositions would be for a number of countries. Among
these, definitions and obligations in matters of Information
and Communication Technologies (ICTs) accessibility were
particularly critical: virtually all aspects of society and the
economy depend on ICT applications and services.

devices with digital interfaces would need to be accessible.

And while there was a great deal of anticipation regarding the
adoption of the CRPD, future challenges to make the dispositions of article 9 a reality appeared daunting due to the complexity of information and communication technologies, the
global nature of the ICT industry, the speed of innovation, the
multiplicity of actors creating products and delivering services
and the general lack of awareness of ICT accessibility issues.

The Committee which drafted the UN CRPD set the stage by

embedding in its article 9 a definition of accessibility requirements for States Parties which includes ICTs. As a result, every possible digital application and service such as web sites,
computers, telephony, ATMs, television, voting machines and
electronic kiosks, public displays and a number of consumer

Measuring UN CRPD Implementation progress

among States Parties

144

Seven years later, how can one assess how much progress
was driven by the resounding success of the adoption of the
CRPD by 158 signatories and 138 ratifying States Parties?

A LARGE PROPORTION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE A PHONE CALL

This joint G3ict-DPI global survey clearly establishes the

severe gaps in ICT accessibility that remain among States
Parties and their lack of compliance with Article 9 of the UN
CRPD. It also demonstrates the urgency for States Parties to
involve Disabled Persons Organizations in policy making and
monitoring.

Rights-based approach supports accessibility

Solutions exist and can be implemented

Furthermore, the CRPD establishes the lack of reasonable

accommodation as discrimination: few countries around the
world had such a definition in their laws and regulations as
recently as 2006. Reasonable accommodation (or 'reasonable
adjustment' as defined in several countries) is an important
foundation for disability advocates: it creates a direct link
between the Rights-based approach of the UN CRPD and accessibility. It establishes the imperative for society to provide
accessibility solutions for persons with disabilities. It is therefore extremely encouraging that 54.5 percent of the countries
reported having such a definition in their laws and regulations
in 2012, and 63 percent in 2013: a remarkable sea-change in
the global legislative agenda in support of accessibility.

Yet, as the Zero Project demonstrates very well, solutions

exist to make most ICT applications and services and digital
media accessible. For instance, accessible television and relay
services for the deaf are well established, digital books for the
blind now belong to mainstream standards with ePUB3, mobile
phones operating systems and apps are bringing innovative
and powerful solutions for persons with disabilities and technologies for accessible ATMs or accessible web sites are well
defined. Similarly, Universal Design principles are adopted by
mainstream ICT industry leaders.
So, how to best promote the implementation of proven available solutions?
145

ANNEX: ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ANNEX: ICT POLICIES-ANALYSIS

Acknowledgements
Focused multi-stakeholder cooperation is an
essential success factor

ans that solutions can best be developed by sectorial-focused

multi-stakeholder initiatives.

Successful implementation of ICT accessibility programs and

policies relies on a few critical factors:

3.
Defining agreed-upon roadmaps and milestones
in making progress with appropriate metrics and monitoring tools is essential. In 2014 G3ict, jointly with the
ITU, will be releasing model policies for mobile accessibility,
TV accessibility, web accessibility for e-government and public
procurement rules to promote ICT accessibility as well as a
model policy developed jointly with UNESCO on implementing
Inclusive ICTs for Education. They all include steps to define
and monitor roadmaps based upon best practices observed in
various countries.

1.
Lack of awareness and understanding of accessibility issues is the biggest obstacle in advancing
programs to promote ICT accessibility. The best way to
overcome this obstacle is to involve disabled persons organisations in policy and program development and monitoring. Far better results are obtained by countries or companies involving DPOs in their decision-making in matters of
accessibility. Yet, in 2013, only 13% of States Parties had
implemented a systematic mechanism to involve DPOs in
the drafting, design, implementation and evaluation of laws/
policies in the field of digital accessibility.

Back in December of 2006, the notion of launching a global

multi-stakeholder initiative among industry, disabled persons'
organisations and the public sector to address those challenges took shape, facilitated by UNDESA. G3ict, the Global
Initiative for Inclusive ICTs, was launched a week prior to the
vote of the General Assembly. While it seemed an overwhelming task to tackle the global challenges of inaccessible ICTs,
we firmly believe today that progress is possible and happening: political support in most countries is strong, ICT industry
leaders are supportive, innovation brings new affordable
solutions every day and the Disability movement is increasingly involved. The Zero Project contributes in an excellent way
to fostering this momentum by celebrating and documenting
successes.

2. Each ICT accessibility domain calls for different policies, programs and groups of stakeholders
to cooperate. Mobile telephony, for instance, can be best
promoted with mobile service providers while accessible television requires the collaboration of broadcasters. In addition, each sector operates under a different business model.
And while promoting accessible ICTs for Special Education
in schools may be predominantly a public sector endeavour,
deploying accessible ATMs is obviously a task implemented
by banks. Similarly at government level, different administrations cover different aspects of ICT accessibility. This me-

ICT accessibility gaps remain considerable

While most advocates can rejoice that such legislative advances are made, gaps in implementation, however, are considerable.
The 2013 CRPD ICT Accessibility Progress Report shows that there are few countries with basic appropriate levels of ICT or digital media accessibility.
Are there any dispositions among country laws, regulations and government-supported
programmes promoting digital accessibility, the use of ATs or provisions from reasonable accommodations in the following areas of ICT?

No disposition

Minimum
implementation

Partial
implementation

Substantial
implementation

Full implementation

Copyright Exceptions

83%

7%

7%

3%

0%

ATM or Kiosks

68%

19%

10%

0%

3%

Fixed-line Telephony

62%

14%

15%

7%

1%

Wireless Telephony

61%

18%

11%

4%

62%

25%

9%

3%

62%

16%

18%

3%

1%

Transportation Public Address Systems and Services

57%

24%

13%

6%

0%

Websites

51%

30%

12%

7%

0%

Television

28%

50%

16%

6%

0%

Some organisations from Austria are contributing more than

their time and networks: We are extremely grateful for the
financial supported granted by Bank Austria. The Austria Ministery of International Affairs has supported the Zero Project
enormously by arranging Side Events to the UN Conferences
in Geneva and New York, and there we were in the excellent
hands of Christian Strohal and Johannes Strasser (Geneva),
and Julia Thallinger and Nadia Kalb (New York).

1%

Digital Talking Books

With the Essl Foundation being based in Austria, the cooperation with the Austrian NGOs and DPOs is most important
for the Zero Project, and we are especially grateful for the
trust and support that we get from atempo (Klaus Candussi
and Walburga Frhlich), Behindertenanwalt Erwin Buchinger,
Bundessozialamt, Career Moves, Caritas, Diakonie (thanks
especially to Katharina Meichenitsch), Erste Foundation,
Hilfsgemeinschaft der Blinden und Sehschwachen, KOBV, AR
(thanks to Christine Meierschitz), ZIV, Selbstbestimmt Leben
sterreich (Independent Living) and Seraphisches Liebeswerk
der Kapuziner. We are happy and proud that Albert Brandsttter, chair of Lebenshilfe sterreich, will take the system of the
Zero Project one step further in 2014 and use it for their own
purpose of measuring inclusion.

4%

Public Building Displays

The Zero Project would not have been possible without the
broad and continuous support of many individuals and organizations in the last three years. The Zero Project team would
like to point out some of them: Javed Abidi, Chair of Disabled Peoples International (DPI), together with his network
of grassroots organizations, were most helpful in expanding
the network to experts in more than 130 countries. Other
organizations that opened their networks include Light for the
World (many thanks to Rupert Roniger and Johannes Trimmel), Christoffle Blind Mission, RIADIS from Latin America,
AOPD from Arab countries, the European Foundation Centre
and its network of foundations (with an extraordiary contribution this year by Fundacion ONCE from Spain), the Design
for All-network, Handicap International, Trust for the Americas
and many more.

Source: CRPD ICT Accessibility Progress Report - G3ict and DPI 2013 - http://g3ict.org/resource_center/CRPD_2013_ICT_Accessibility_Progress

146

The Austrian Minister of Social Affairs, Rudolf Hundstorfer,

supported the Zero Project right from its beginnings and was
present at the first Zero Project Conferences. Max Rubisch
from the Ministery is one of our most valuable advisors. The
Fachhochschule St. Plten supports us with a team of five
students in the research and during the Zero Project Conference. We are grateful to another longterm-supporter, Monika
Vyslouzil.
Ashoka Austria, chaired by Marie Ringler, is our main advisor
in the field of social entrepreneurship and social innovation,
and how to develop the Innovative Practice-approach still
further every year.
There some persons who have not only become formal advisors to the Zero Project, but people that we can contact any
time when questions have to be answered and decisions have
to be made. Susan Scott Parker (Business Disability Forum),
Barbara Murray (ILO) and Anna Lawson (University of Leeds;
ANED) belong to that group.
With this years focus on accessibility we are very proud to
have build strong relationships with G3ict, thanks to Axel
Leblois and Martin Gould, to Mukhtar al Shibany and Betty
Dion from GAATES and Jose Batanero and Amal Kharbachi
from the ITU. In Austria, we were very happy that VC supported us very well in the field of transport and accessibility.
The Zero Project Conference is dependent on special assistance to make it a success. We are most thankful to Caroline
Casey from Kanchi (Ireland) and her energy as a moderator.
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation supported us by bringing
extraordanary examples of accesible art to Vienna, and the
Kunsthistorische Museum generously invited everyone to a
Farewell Cocktail in their extraordinary premises. The United
Nations Organization of Vienna (UNOV), was an excellent
host, thanks to Lars Larsen and Linto Thanikkel.
Verbavoice, on of the Innovative Practices 2014, has taken
care of all the technical issues of the Zero Project Conference
2014, including captioning, and they did a great job.

We are really looking forward to the cooperation with

University of Economics of Vienna, to Vice-Rector Michael
Meyer, who arranged for a team of students to evaluate the
success of the Zero Projects first years.

147

ANNEX: ZERO PROJECT NETWORK

148

Armenia
Australia

Austria

Accessibility Organization for Afghan Disabled (AOAD) - DPI Associate

Fdration Algrienne des Personnes Handicapes (FAPH); DPI Member
Antigua & Barbuda Association of Persons with Disabilities (ABAPD)
Defensora del Pueblo de la Ciudad Autnoma de Buenos Aires
Ente Nacional Coordinador de Instituciones de Discapacitados (ENCIDIS)
"Agate" Center for Women with Special Needs NGO - DPI Associate
Australia For All Alliance Inc
Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID)
Australian Disability and Development Consortium (ADDC)
CBM Christoffel Blind Mission
Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO)
Griffith University
Livable Housing Australia
NV Access Limited
Vocational Education & Training DEEWR GOV AU
Arbeitsgruppe "Barrierefreie Geldausgabeautomaten"
Ashoka Oesterreich
atempo GmbH
atempo GmbH
Aussenministerium sterreich
Aussenministerium sterreich
Aussenministerium sterreich
Aussenministerium sterreich
Aussenministerium sterreich
Aussenministerium sterreich
Bank Austria
Bank Austria
Behindertenanwaltschaft
Berufliche Bildungs- und Rehabilitationszentrum
Bundesministerium fuer Arbeit, Soziales und Konsumentenschutz (BMASK)
Bundesministerium fuer Arbeit, Soziales und Konsumentenschutz (BMASK)
Bundesministerium fuer Arbeit, Soziales und Konsumentenschutz (BMASK)
Bundessozialamt
Bundessozialamt Oesterreich
Career Moves
Career Moves
Caritas Wien
CEDOS
Ceit Alanova
Dachverband Oesterreichischer Heimleiter
Dachverband Wiener Sozialeinrichtungen
DanceAbility
Diakonie Oesterreich
Diakonie Oesterreich
Diakoniewerk sterreich
Die Grnen SeniorInnen Krnten
easy entrance
Erste Bank der sterreichischen Sparkassen
Erste Stiftung
FAB - Virtual Office
Fachhochschule Obersterreich
FH-JOANNEUM GmbH
FH St. Plten
Freiraum - Europa
Freiraum - Europa

Name

Innovative
Policies - Nominator

First Name

Innovative
Practices - Nominee

Afghanistan
Algeria
Antigua y Barbuda
Argentina

Organisation

Questionnaire
respondent

Country

Innovative
Policies - Interviewee

All organizations and people that contributed to the Zero Project in 2013/2014.
Innovative
Practices - Nominator

Great additional work is done by Martin Habacher, our social

media advisor, Cezar Neaga, who created an exceptional
website, as well as Monika Voglgruber, Maria Plattner (both
from bauMax AG), Martin Kratky and Matthias Noe who do a
outstanding job with our media relations.

The Zero Project Network

Advisors

Javed Abidi - Disabled Peoples International (DPI) - India

Mohammed Al-Tarawneh - Member of the United Nations'
CRPD - Jordan
Jose Batanero - International Telecommunication Union
(ITU) - Switzerland
Monthian Buntan - Thai Blind Association,
Member of the UN' CRPD - Thailand
Miguel Angel Cabra de Luna, PhD Fundacion ONCE / EFC Consortium - Spain
Facundo Chavez Penillas - OHCHR- Switzerland
Mary Crass International Transport Forum /
OECD - France
Vladimir Cuk - International Disability Alliance USA
Betty Dion -GAATES - Canada
Bernadette Feuerstein - Independent Living - Austria
Ann Frye - Ann Frye Ltd - UK
Martin Gould - Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs (G3ict)
- USA
Javier Gemes - European Disability Forum - Belgium
Stig Langvad - Member of the UN's CRPD - Denmark
Anna Lawson - University of Leeds / ANED - UK
Laszlo Lovaszy, PhD Member of the United Nations'
CRPD, adviser to MEP Adam KSA and lecturer at
the University Pcs - Hungary
Barbara Murray - International Labour Organisation Switzerland
Gerard Quinn - Centre for Disability Law & Policy,
National University of Ireland
Adolf Ratzka - Independent Living Institute - Sweden
Thomas Rickert - Access Exchange International - USA
Rupert Roniger - Light for the World - Austria
Susan Scott Parker - Business Disability Forum - UK
Damjan Tatic - Member of the United Nations' CRPD Serbia
Stefan Trmel - International Labour Organisation
Switzerland
Lisa Waddington - EDF Chair in European Disability Law Netherlands

The Zero Project Team:

Carmen Arroyo de Sande, European Foundation Centre, Brussels
Silvia Balmas, European Foundation Centre, Brussels
Thomas H. Butcher, Essl Foundation, New York
Michael Fembek, Essl Foundation, Vienna
Sandra Gassner, Essl Foundation, Vienna
Amelie Heimann, World Future Council, Geneva (until 2013)
Ingrid Heindorf, World Future Council, Geneva
Doris Neuwirth, Essl Foundation, Vienna
Maria Orejas-Chantelot, European Foundation Centre, Brussels
Amelie Saupe, Essl Foundation, Vienna
Dagmar Zechmeister, Essl Foundation, Vienna

Scientific Advisory
Board

Whilst the screening of nominations and the research process

of nominated policies was kindly supported by Professor Anna
Lawson from the University of Leeds/ANED, the shortlist and
selection of Innovative Policies has been compassionately supported by the Zero Projects Scientific Advisory Board composed of 28 experts on disability and accessibility:

ANNEX: ZERO PROJECT NETWORK

n
n
n

Mario

Pironi

n
n
n

Sheila
Rosemary
Christine
Mary

King
Mckay
Walton
Keogh

n
n
n

Patrick
Amelia
Michael
Neil
Doris
Marie
Klaus
Walburga
Susanne
Martin
Erwin
Michael
Gerlinde
Christine
Norbert
Erwin
Erwin
Manfred
Max
Hansjrg
Karin
Susanne
Guenther
Gregor
Nina
Otto
Marion
Julia
Johannes
Anton
Vera
Katharina

O'Leary
Starr
Curran
McAuslan
Ossberger
Ringler
Candussi
Froehlich
Heinrich
Kraemer
Kubesch
Linhart
Paschinger
Stix-Hackl
Knopp
Schauer
Buchinger
Polzer
Rubisch
Hofer
Miller-Fahringer
Wiedenhofer
Schuster
Demblin
Putzenlechner
Lambauer
Moser
Neuschmid
Wallner
Schmalhofer
Rebl
Meichenitsch

Stefan
Maria
Peter
Sidonie
Alina
Siegfried
Thomas
Werner
Monika
Isabel
Dietmar

Marchewa
Hoppe
Milbradt
Stein
Serban
Kreutzer
Jetzinger
Bischof
Vyslouzil
Hoeglinger
Janoschek

n
n

n
n

n
n

n
n

n
n

n
n
n
n

n
n
n
n

n
n

n
n
n
n

n
n

n
n

n
n

n
n

149

Bahamas
Bangladesh

Barbados
Belgium

The Society "For International Cooperation of Disabled People" of Azerbaijan

Society For International Cooperation of Disabled People
Union of Disabled People Organisation (UDPO)
Disabled Persons' Organization
Bangladeshi Systems Change Advocacy Network
Centre for Disability and Development
Centre for Disability and Development
Bangladeshi Systems Change Advocacy Network (B-SCAN) - DPI Associate
National Forum of Organizations Working with the Disabled (NFOWD)
National Resource Centre on Deafblindness
Sightsavers
WaterAid Bangladesh
WaterAid Bangladesh
Barbados National Organization of the Disabled (BARNOD)
Christoffel Blind Mission
Convention of Scottish Local Authorities

150

n
n
n

n
n

n
n

n
n

n
n
n
n

n
n
n
n

Belize
Benin
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bosnia Herzegovina

Brazil

n
n

Davud
Davud

Rahimov
Rehimli

Nazmul

Bari
n
n

Nusrat
Shamim
Mahfuj-ur

Zerin
Ahmed
Rahman

Catherine

Naughton

n
n

Serafin

Pazos-Vidal

Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada

Anne
Damir

European Parliament
European Parliament
European Union of the Deaf (EUD)
European Union of the Deaf (EUD)
European Vocational Training Association
European Women's Lobby
EVPA
Flemish Agency for Persons with a Disability (VAPH)
Fundacion Academia Europea de Yuste
Handicap International Belgium
Inclusion Europe
Inclusion Europe
International Disability and Development Consortium
International Disability and Development Consortium
KVG
Regional Representative of the UN High Commissioner for HR
Republika Srpska Representation in Belgium
Social Economy Europe
Social Platform
Tourism Board of Flanders-Brussels
Westkans vzw
Belize Assembly for Persons with Diverse Abilities (BAPDA)
Federation des Associations des Personnes Handicapees du Benin
Disabled Person's Association of Bhutan - DPI Associate
Confederacin Boliviana de Personas con Discapacidad (COBOPDI)
Informativni Centar za Osobe sa Invaliditetom "Lotos", Tuzla - DPI Associate

Marian
Rafal
Mark
Markku
Pauline
Pierrette
Julia
Rudi
Miguel ngel
Francoise
Geert
Petra
Julia

Gelders
Rommel
Brumter-Coret
Sanmartin Sola
Guemes
Gosme
Orejas Chantelot
Harkin
Trzaskowski
Wheatley
Jokinen
van den Bosch
Pape
Meuter
Kennes
Martn Ramos
Weri
Freyhoff
Letavayova
Wolhandler

Filip
Paul
Mario
Marcel J.G.
Annica
Pieter
Tine

Innovative
Policies - Interviewee

Innovative
Policies - Nominator

Thieren
d'Auchamp
Djuragic
Smeets
Ryngbeck
Ghijsels
Missinne

Bertana
Dekoninck
Ferraina
Staskowiak
Zelderloo

Katrien
An
Pamela
Ramon
Javier
Liz
Maria

Wagenfuhr
Filipovic

Irene
Katrijn
Sabrina
Sonia
Luc

Innovative
Practices - Nominee

Deutscher Caritasverband e.V.

Digitaleurope
KVG - Katholieke Vereniging Gehandicapten vzw
EASPD
EASPD
EASPD
EASPD
EASPD
ENIL Belgium
ENSA - Intro events
ENSA - Knowledge centre social Europe
European Commission
European Commission
European Disability Forum
European Federation of National Organisations
European Foundation Centre

Name

Questionnaire
respondent

First Name

Advisors

Organisation

Scientific Advisory
Board

Innovative
Policies - Interviewee

Country

Innovative
Practices - Nominator

Dlin Efa
Bernadette
Wolfgang
Kristin
Martin
Gnter
Gerhard
Klaus
Bettina
Willi
Andrea
Wolfgang
Michael
Elmar W.M.
Christian
Stefan

Reichl
Wagner
Weienbach
Schmid
Nowak
Karl
Cervera
Baumgartl
Breichner
Hackl
Brandstaetter
Schrammel
Hofer
Mang
Nittmann
Roniger
Trimmel
Jarmer
Meierschitz
Schauhuber
Huainigg
Pauser
Schnitzer-Voget
Becker-Machreich
Doringer
Feuerstein
Glaser
Vavtar
Peterl
Emberger
Neustaetter
Miesenberger
Urbanek
Nowak
Angermann
Illek
Meyer
Frst
Vogelauer
Mosbck

Innovative
Practices - Nominee

Tanja
Monika
Veronika
Karin
Wolfgang
Franz
Rocio
Regina
Ludwig
Renate
Albert
Eva
David
Johanna
Eva
Rupert
Johannes
Helene
Christina
Stefan
Franz-Joseph
Stefan
Hedi
Doris

Marano
Hckner
Bachleitner
Vogel

PlanSinn GmbH
Selbstbestimmt Leben sterreich
Selbstbestimmt Leben Obersterreich
Seraphisches Liebeswerk der Kapuziner
SP Korneuburg
TU Wien - Institut fr Verkehrswissenschaft
TU-Wien
University of Linz
VC-Mobilitaet mit Zukunft
VC-Mobilitaet mit Zukunft
Wien Work integr. Betriebe und AusbildungsgmbH
Wings for Life
Wirtschaftsuniversitaet Wien, NPO Institut
WU Wien, Institut fr Transportwirtschaft und Logistik
WU Wien, Institut fr Transportwirtschaft und Logistik
Azerbaijan

Daniele
Klaus
Helga
Irene

Innovative
Practices - Nominator

Hilfsgemeinschaft der Blinden und Sehschwachen sterreichs

Hilfsgemeinschaft der Blinden und Sehschwachen sterreichs
Hilfsgemeinschaft der Blinden und Sehschwachen sterreichs
Hilfsgemeinschaft der Blinden und Sehschwachen sterreichs
Hilfsgemeinschaft der Blinden und Sehschwachen sterreichs
hoerwelt-barrierefrei hoeren
Hunger auf Kunst und Kultur
ifS Vorarlberg
ifS Vorarlberg (Institut fr Sozialdienste)
Institut Wiener Kreis/Universitt Wien
Interessenvertretung behinderte Menschen in der Stadt Wien und AR
International Union of Socialist Youth - IUSI
KOBV - Kriegsopfer-und Behindertenverband
KOBV Korneuburg
Land Obersterreich, Abteilung Soziales
Lebenshilfe Oesterreich
Lebenshilfe Oesterreich
LIFEtool
Light for the World
Light for the World
Light for the World
Light for the World
Member of the Austrian Parliament, Gruener Klub
OeAR
EGS barrierefrei
OeVP Parlamentsklub
OeZIV-Oesterreichischer Zivil-Invalidenverband
OeZIV-Oesterreichischer Zivil-Invalidenverband
OeZIV-OesterreichischerZivil-Invalidenverband

Innovative
Policies - Nominator

Name

Advisors

First Name

Questionnaire
respondent

Organisation

Scientific Advisory
Board

Country

Informativni Centar za Osobe sa Invaliditetom "Lotos", Tuzla - DPI Associate

Ahimsa Aasoc. Educ.
Barbosa & Dias Advogados Associados and Storto Reicher Advogados
Barbosa & Dias Advogados Associados and Storto Reicher Advogados
Escola de Gente - Comunicao em Incluso
Mais Diferenas
Rede Nossa So Paulo
RIOinclui - Obra Social da CIdade do Rio de Janeiro
URBS - Urbanizao de Curitiba S/A
Worldwide initiative for Grantmakes support - WINGS
FEBAH
Union des Personnes Handicapees du Burundi (UPHB)
Cambodian Disabled People's Organization (CDPO)
Cambodian Disabled People's Organization (CDPO)
Cameroon Disable Persons Association (CDPA) - DPI Associate
AMI
Canadian Association for Community Living

n
n
n

n
n

n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n

Shirley

Rodrigues Maia

n
n

Joelson
Claudia
Luis Henrique
Ariel
Isabel Cristina
Rodrigo
Helena

Dias
Werneck
da Silveira
Mauch
Kogan
Pessa Gimenes
Binotto Grevetti
Monteiro

n
n
n

n
n

n
n

Ngin

Saorath
n
n

Robert

Pearson

n
n

151

Cape Verde
Chile

China
China - Hong Kong

Colombia

Corporacin Discapacidad Colombia-Tecnoayudas

Ministry of Technology, Information and Communications
Red Iberoamericana de Accesibilidad (RIADIS)
Red Iberoamericana de Accesibilidad (RIADIS)

Congo
Cook Islands
Costa Rica

Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark

Domican Republic
Ecuador

Egypt

El Salvador

Estonia
Ethiopia

Finland

152

Red Iberoamericana de Accesibilidad (RIADIS)

Union Nationale des Handicapes du Congo (UNHACO)
Cook Islands National Disability Council (CINDC)
Disability Rights Fund DRF
Instituto Interamericano sobre Discapacidad y Desarrollo Inclusivo
Croatian Union of Associations of Persons with Disabilities
Czech National Disability Council
Danske Handicaporganisationer
Design for All
Disabled People Organization DPOD
Vanfrefonden (The Danish Disability Foundation)
Federacin Nacional de Discapacitados Dominicanos (FENADID)
RIADIS (Red Iberoamericana de Accesibilidad)
Federacin Nacional de Ecuatorianos con Discapacidad Fsica (FENEDIF)
RIADIS (Red Iberoamericana de Accesibilidad)
Secretara Tcnica de Discapacidades (Setedis)
Arab Organization of Persons with Disabilities (AOPD) Egyptian Union of organization of persons with disabilities
CEOSS Local Development Unit - DPI Associate
Seven Million Disabled - DPI Associate
Asociacin Cooperativa de Grupo Independiente Pro Rehabilitacin (ACOGIPRI)
RIADIS; Fundacin Red de Sobrevivientes y Personas con Discapacidad
NGO Hndikpp
Pane oma meeled proovile
Tallinn University of Technology
Ethiopian Federation of People with Disabilities (FENAPD)
Ethiopian Center for Disability and Development (ECDD)
Ethiopian Center for Disability and Development (ECDD)
Abilis Foundation
ENSA - City of Helsinki
The National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)

France

n
n

n
n

n
n
n
n
n

Paulina
Daniela
Pedro

Cavada
Albuquerque
Chana

Pamela

Molina

n
n
n
n

Tam
Cheung
Sui
Chan
Tam
Suarez Vasquez
del Pilar
Gonzalez
Morato
Gustavo Alberto Hincapie
Corrales
Mauro Camilo
Mora Nez
Maria Eugenia Anzola Tavera
Sandra
Echeverri
Duque
Cesar
Arevalo

n
n
n
n
n

Gambia
Georgia
Germany

n
n

Luis Fernando

Devandas
Aguilar
Astorga Gatjens
n
n

Stig
Karin

Langvad
Bendixen

n
n

Torben

Svanberg
n

Ana

Fisher
n

Alex

Camacho
n
n
n
n
n
n

Sven
Meelika
Kalle

Kllamets
Siilsalu
Tammeme

n
n
n

Yetnebersh

Nigussie

n
n

Pirjo

Artesens
Centre de la Gabrielle
Centre de Promotion du Livre de Jeunesse 93
Centre des Monuments Nationaux
Centre Francais de Fonds et Fondations
Centre Franais des Fonds et Fondations
Council of European Municipalities and Region
CRIDEV
Delta Process
Delta Process
European Blind Union
Fondation de France
Fondation des Amis de l'Atelier

Francoise
Francoise
Sylvie
Max

Denis
Michael
Veronique
Francois-Xavier
Bndicte

Mutualit Fonction Publique Action Sant Social

OECD / International Transport Forum
OECD centre for Entrepreneurship
Orange
Orange
Orange
Saint-Etienne Mtropole
SCOP Le Messageur
ENSA - Conseil Gnral du Val-deMarne
ENSA - Conseil Gnral du Val-deMarne
Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD)
Parsa
Ashoka Deutschland GmbH
Behrde fr Arbeit, Soziales, Familie und Integration Hamburg (FHH)
Berlin Disability Union
Bundesministerium fuer Arbeit und Soziales
Bundesministerium fr Arbeit und Soziales
Bundesverband Selbsthilfe Krperbehinderter e.V.
C1 WPS GmbH
Caritasverband fuer den Kreis Soest e.V.
CBM Christoffel Blind Mission
DBSV
Deutscher Behindertenrat
Deutscher Gehoerlosen-Bund e.V.
German Council for Selfdetermined Living
ENSA - Kreis Offenbach
ERA Academy of European Law
Fortbildungsakademie der Wirtschaft gGmbH
Forum Eine Mitte fr Alle
Forum Eine Mitte fr Alle Hamburg
Gehrlosenverband Mnchen und Umland e.V.
In der Gemeinde leben gGmbH
Institut Mensch, Ethik und Wissenschaft gGmbH (IMEW)
Interessensgemeinschaft Handicap, Uni Bremen
Kombia GbR
Landesvereinigung Selbsthilfe Berlin e.V.
Member of the German Parliament, Die Linken
Senatsverwaltung fr Stadtentwicklung und Umwelt, City of Berlin
Sozialhelden
Spass am Lesen Verlag
Stiftung Lauenstein
Universitt Dortmund

Bernadette
Mary
Antonella
Laurent
Francois Rene
Dominique
Martine
Samuel
Martine
Julie

Poikonen
n

Innovative
Policies - Interviewee

Innovative
Policies - Nominator

Questionnaire
respondent

Advisors

Name

Reynette
Laurent
Vassalo
Bouvy

n
n
n

Suzanne
Sandra
Regis
Herve
Virginie
Gary
Catherine
Viviane

Janet
Fanny
Stephen
Kam-yuen Allen
Eric W.C.
Adriana
Constanza

Catalina

First Name

Fondation Les Amis de l'Atelier

Handicap International
IBM France
Kernix
Muse de la musique - Cit de la musique

n
n

Organisation

Scientific Advisory
Board

Innovative
Practices - Nominee

Innovative
Practices - Nominator

Innovative
Policies - Interviewee

Innovative
Policies - Nominator

Advisors

Bergeron
Qureshi
Peters
Topping
Treviranus
Hoskins
Hoy
Lucas

Country

Innovative
Practices - Nominee

Diane
Aqeel
Marnie
Bob
Jutta
Eric
Ann
Jerry

Name

Innovative
Practices - Nominator

CNIB
Global Alliance on Accessible Technologies and Environments (GAATES)
Global Alliance on Accessible Technologies and Environments (GAATES)
Global Alliance on Accessible Technologies and Environments (GAATES)
OCAD University
Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment
Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment
Vice President of Programs, March of Dimes Canada
Associacao Caboverdana de Deficientes (ACD)
ANDDI Chile
Corporacion CETRAM
Corporacion CETRAM
Asociacin Nacional de Personas Discapacitadas (ANDI)
TheTrustfortheAmericas
China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF)
ADAHK
Labour and Welfare Bureau, Hong Kong City
Labour and Welfare Bureau, Hong Kong City
Hong Kong Federation of Handicapped Youth
Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Alcaldia de Medellin, Unidad de Discapacidad
Centro Comercial Gran Estacin SIN LIMITES

First Name

Questionnaire
respondent

Organisation

Scientific Advisory
Board

Country

Gorge
Ceciarini
Herbin
Allart
Guerin
May
Agius
LorcerySekercioglu
Pelsy
Guy
Doux-Marot
Bois
Capelle-Perceval
GROSYEUX
Crass
Noya
Depond
Germain
Nogent
Maras
Poulingue
Conin
Mallegol

n
n

n
n

n
n

n
n

n
n
n
n
n

Laura
Martin
Andr
Andr
Christian
Ulf-D.
Guido
Peter
Christiane
Andreas
Klaus
Rudi

Haverkamp
Weber
Nowak
Necke
Papadopoulos
Schwarz
Gryczan
Wawrik
Noe
Bethke
Lachwitz
Sailer

n
n
n

n
n

n
n

n
n
n

n
n

Georg
Killian
Matthias
Michael
Karen
Anke
Thomas
Katrin

Horcher
O'Brien
Gillmann
Preuss
Haubenreisser
Hannig
Marczinzik
Grber

Birgit
Beate
Ilja
Gerd
Raul
Barbara
Lieselotte
Christian

Nofftz
Hbner
Seifert
Grenner
Krauthausen
Mounier
Schnell
Bhler

n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n

n
n
n

153

Greece

Grenada
Guatemala

Guinea
Haiti
Honduras
Hungary

Iceland
India

Indonesia

Iran
Iraq

154

Margarita Special Vocational Training

Margarita Special Vocational Training
Paraplegic's Asociation of Drama
Stavros Niarchos Foundation
Grenada National Council of the Disabled (GNCD)
Christoffel Blind Mission
Consultora IPILCO
Trickle Up
Federation Guineenne pour la Promotion des Associations de et pour Personnes
Handicapees (FEGUIPAH)
CBM - Christian Blind Mission
National Associative Network for the Integration of Disabled Persons (RANIPH)
Asociacin Nacional de Discapacitados de Honduras (ANADISH)
Alko-Soft Bt.
Bliss Foundation
Blue Bird Foundation
Foundation for equal rights
Hallatlan Stiftung
Hungarian Civil Liberties Union
Mental Disability Advocacy Center
Mental Disability Advocacy Center
NESsT
NESsT
Open Society Foundation
Salva Vita Alapitvany
The Organisation of Disabled in Iceland
BarrierBreak
CBM Christoffel Blind Mission
Centre for Internet and Society
Disabled People's International (DPI)
DIT, Government of Maharashtra
AccessAbility
Mobility India MI
National Inistitute of Universal Design
National University of Juridical Sciences
Network of Persons with Disabilities Organisations
Registrar of Copyrights
Samarthyam
Shishu Sarothi (Centre for Rehabilitation and Training for Multiple Disabilities)
Svayam
Svayam
University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital Delhi
Wipro Infotech
CBR Development and Training Centre Solo
Indonesian Disabled People Association
Mayor of Solo City
Transportation, Information and Communication Dep. Solo City
Disability Association of Tavana
Iranian Disability Support Association
Arab Organization of Persons with Disabilities (AOPD) - Iraqi Gathering of persons
with disabilities
Little People Association in Baghdad - DPI Associate

n
n
n

n
n

n
n

Sefakor
GratefulMiranda
Ioannis
Panayota

KomabuPomeyie

Lenia

Vlavianou

Bistas
Markomihali

n
n
n

Rota
Marco Aurelio
Jorge

Gonna
Colindres
Estrada
Croy

Israel
n

Benjamin

Dard
n

Italy

Balint
Szofia
Andrea

Dvarieczki
Kalman
Meszaros

Pal
Stefania
Maglajlic
Gabor
Annamaria
Eva
Susan
Zsuzsanna

Bartos
Kapronczay
Reima Ana
Gombos
Horvath
Varga
Treadwell
Csanyi

n
n

n
n

Shilpi
Sara
Nirmita
Javed
Jitendra

Kapoor
Varughese
Narasimhan
Abidi
Mandalia

Albina
Shivani
Shamnad
M.
Shri G.R.
Anjlee

Shankar
Gupta
Basheer
Srinivasulu
Raghavender
Agarwal

n
n

n
n

n
n

n
n

n
n
n
n

Sminu
Abha
Satendra
Isaac
Sunarman

Jindal
Negi
Singh
George
Sukamto

n
n
n
n
n

FX. Hady
Yosca Herman

Rudyatmo
Soedrajad

n
n

n
n

Ivory Coast
Jamaica
Japan

Atlantic Philanthropies
CBM Christoffel Blind Mission
Centre for Disability Law and Policy
Centre for Excellence in Universal Design
Genio Trust
Industry Representative
Kanchi
Manager Centre of Independent Living
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland
National Federation of Voluntary Bodies,
National University of Ireland Galway
National University of Ireland Galway
National University of Ireland Galway
Oasam Foodstore Ltd
People with disabilities in Ireland Ltd
Plan Ireland
Special Olympics Ireland
Sports and Social Centre for People with Disabilities (Cairde Le Chile)
Trinity College
Access Israel
JDC-Israel / Israel Unlimited
Legal Advisor Ministry of Justice
NOVA, Norwegian Social Research
AISM - Associazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla
Arch Mitzi Bollani
ASSOCIAZIONE ARTEPERTUTTI
Associazione Italiana Editori
Centro Didattico IAO Miniestero Affari Ester Firenze
Comune di Ferrara
Comune di Lucca, Ufficio Strade
Comune di Venezia
DisMappa: mappa di Verona accessibile
Domus Natura System SRL
EDISER SRL
Edizioni Angolo Manzoni
ENOF - Toscana
European Disability Forum EDF
Fondazione Banca del Monte di Lucca
Forum Italiano sulla Disabilita
GESAC s.p.a.
Istituto Nazionale per la Mobilit Autonoma dei Ciechi e Ipovedenti
Lettura Agevolata Associazione Onlus
onlusgondole4all
Osservatorio sulle Barriere Architettoniche di Fossano
Provincia di Lucca
Regional Parliament
San Marino 2000 s.c.r.l.
Societ Letteraria di Verona
Village for All
Fdration des Associations des Handicaps de Cote dIvoire (FAHCI)
Combined Disabilities Association (CDA)
Asia Disability Institute
Assistive Technology Deveopment Organization
Den-en Chofu University
Japan National Assembly of Disabled Peoples' International (DPI Japan)
ECOMO Foundation
Japanese Disability Forum
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
Nippon Foundation
Sekisui House
Shizuoka University of Art and Culture
Tokyo Advocacy Law Office

Brian
Mary

Craddock
Clarke
Hannon
Casey
McCabe
Buckley
Harnett
Quinn
Casey
Flynn
Deasley
McClean
Leavy
Farrell

Questionnaire
respondent

Advisors

Kearney-Grieve
Keogh

Gerald
Madeleine
Fiona
Caroline
Micheal
Barry
Alison
Gerard
Breda
Eilionoir
Catherine
James
Aidan
Carol

Scientific Advisory
Board

Innovative
Practices - Nominator

Innovative
Policies - Interviewee

Innovative
Policies - Nominator

Innovative
Practices - Nominee

Ireland

Name

Innovative
Practices - Nominee

Centre for Employment of PWD

Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD)
Enlightening and empowering PWD

First Name

Innovative
Practices - Nominator

Michaela
Silke
Rolf
Udo
Alexander

Hoermannsdorfer
Nachtrab
Weigele
Papenfuss
Lohreit
Tetteh

Organisation

Innovative
Policies - Interviewee

Verbavoice
Verbavoice
Zentralverband des Deutschen Handwerks e. V.,
Ghana

Ursula

Country

Innovative
Policies - Nominator

Verbavoice

Name

Advisors

First Name

Questionnaire
respondent

Organisation

Scientific Advisory
Board

Country

n
n

n
n
n

n
n

Mark
Yoyval
Avital
Bila
Naomi
Marco
Mitzi
Franca
Lorenzon
Pasqualino
Tiziano
Barbara
Monicaelisa
Nicoletta
Alessandro
Mussinelli

Dyer
Wagner
Sandler-Loeff
Berg
Schreuer
Pizzio
Bollani
Pregnolato
Alfieri
Carpensano
Tagliani
Martinelli
Bettin
Ferrari
Esegio
Cristina

n
n
n
n
n

n
n

n
n
n

n
n

Taddeo
Donata

Albanese
Vivanti

Tommaso
Antonio
Eugenio
Lucia
Alessandro
Igor
Paolo
Virginia
Annalisa
Daniela
Roberto

Daniele
Pascale
Migliarini
Baracco
Dalla Piet
Calcagno
Benedetti
Marci
Ciavatta
Brunelli
Vitali

n
n
n

n
n

n
n
n
n
n
n

n
n

n
n

Hiroshi
Tomoko

Kawamura
Hikuma

Daisuke
Osamu
Norie
Yasunobu
Kazuhiro
Satoshi
Yoshikazu

Sawada
Nagase
Suzuki
Ishii
Teranishi
Kose
Ikehara
(Suigura)

n
n
n
n

n
n

155

Jordan

Kazakhstan
Kenya

Kosovo
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Lebanon

Lesotho
Libya
Luxembourg

Macedonia (FYROM)
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia

Mali
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mexico

Moldova

156

Arab Foundation Forum

Arab Organization of Persons with Disabilities (AOPD) Jordanian Coalition of persons with disabilities
Cross borders development consultancies /CRPD Member
High Council for People with Disabilities from Jordan - DPI Associate
Human Society for Rights of PWD - DPI Associate
Rights and Development Center - DPI Associate
King's Academy - Round Square
The National Center for Human Rights
Welfare Association
Almaty City Society of People with Disabilities AGOI
Able Child Africa
African Rehabilitation Institute
CBM Christoffel Blind Mission
Leonard Cheshire DisabilityEast & N-Africa Regional Office
United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK)
Disability Rights International DRI
Little People of Kosova
Association of Parents of Children with Disabilities (ARDI) - DPI Associate
OO Souz invalidov Issykkulskoi oblasti, RAVENSTVO
Laos Disabled People's Association (LDPA)
Arab Organization of Persons with Disabilities (AOPD) Lebanese Council of Disabled People (LCDP)
Arab Organization of Persons with Disabilities (AOPD) Lebanese Council of Disabled People (LCDP)
Arab Organization of Persons with Disabilities (AOPD) Lebanese Council of Disabled People (LCDP)
Arc En Ciel - DPI Associate
Lebanese Down Syndrome Association - DPI Associate
Lebanese Physical Handicapped Union
Lesotho National Federation of Organizations of the Disabled (LNFOD)
Arab Organization of Persons with Disabilities (AOPD) - Musawa 2 project
All Together for Women with Disability - DPI Associate
INFO HANDICAP - Centre National D'information et de Rencontre du Handicap
Luxembourg National Disability Council
National Disability Information and Meeting Center
Polio Plus Movement Against Disability

Luma

Open the Windows

Plate Forme des Federations des Personnes Handicapees de Madagascar
(PFPH/MAD)
Federation of Disability Organizations of Malawi (FEDOMA)
Acting Mobility President
Kuala Lumpur City Hall Training Institute
Urban and Building Design Department, Kuala Lumpur

Vladimir

Fdration Malienne des Associations de Personnes Handicapes (FEMAPH)

Fdration Mauritanienne des Associations Nationales des Personnes Handicapes
(FEMANPH)
Federation of Disabled Persons' Organizations Mauritius
CAI Pia Palmera AC
CAI Pia Palmera AC
CAI Pina Palmera AC
Disability Rights International DRI
Confederacin Mexicana de Limitados Fsicos y Representante de Deficientes
Mentales A.C.
Grupo educativo interdisciplinario
Red Iberoamericana de Accesibilidad
RENAPRED
Association of the Deaf of Republic Moldova
Centre of Legal Assistance for People with Disabilities - DPI Associate
Centre Sperana
Keystone Moldova

Montenegro

Hamdan
n

Mohammed

Al-Tarawneh

Morocco
Mozambique

n
n
n

Nepal

Rana

Matar

Atallah
Ali
Chris
Not known
Kirstin
Jayne

Kuttab
Amanbayev
James
Not Known
Lee Bostelmann
Muema

Laurie
Hiljmnijeta

Ahern
Apuk

Netherlands

New Zealand
Nicaragua

Association of Youth with Disabilities of Montenegro

Association of Youth with Disabilities of Montenegro
DisabilityRightsPromotionInternational (DRPI)
Morocco Forum Disabilities and Rights" - DPI Associate
Frum das Associaes Moambicanas dos Deficientes (FAMOD) - DPI Member
Handicap International - Mozambique
National Federation of the Disabled Nepal (NFDN) - DPI Member
National Federation of the Disabled Nepal (NFDN) - DPI Member
De Nederlandse Stichting voor het Gehandicapte Kind
Maastricht University
ENSA - City of Rotterdam
Landelijke Clintenraad
Mama Cash Women`s Fund
Disabled Persons Assembly (New Zealand) Inc. - DPI Member
ADIFIM

Velibor
Marina
Milenko

Niger
Nigeria

Gulmira

Kazakunova
n
n

Jahda Kamal

Abou Khalil

Nawaf

Kabbara
Norway

n
n

Sylvana

Lakkis
n
n
n
n

Silvio
Silvio

Sagramola
Sagramola

n
n

Lazovski

n
n
n

Anthony
Dalilah
Puan Sharifah
Junidah

Arokia
Bee Abdullah
Syed Omar

n
n

n
n

n
n

Antidiscrimination and Equality Ombud

National Parliament
Norwegian Social Research Institute
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Scandic Hotels
Stop Diskrimineeringen
The Civil Rights Foundation Stop Discrimination
Tingtun AS
Universal Design 2012 Oslo
Oman
Oman Paralympic Committee - DPI Associate
Pakistan
Civil Society Human and Institutional Development Programme (CHIP)
Disabled Peoples' International - Pakistan - DPI Member
Khuddar Pakistan
Special Talent Exchange Program
Palestine
Arab Organization of Persons with Disabilities (AOPD) - Musawa 2 project
General Palestinian Union for People with Disabilities - DPI Associate
Panama
Asociacin Nacional de Personas con Discapacidad (ANPI) - DPI Member
Papua New Guinea PNG National Assembly of Disabled People (NADP) - DPI Member
Peru
Deaf People's Foundation Peru
Confederacin Nacional de Discapacitados del Per (CONFENADIP) - DPI Member
Fundacin Caminando Utopas
Fundacin Caminando Utopas

Flavia Ester
Mariano

Anau
Enriquez

Sofa Galvn

Puente

Philippines
n

Irene
Carlos Ignacio
Klaudia

Torices Rodarte
Ramirez
Gonzalez

Poland

Ludmila

Malcoci, Ph.D.

Portugal

Fundacin Personas Sordas del Per

Municipalidad de Miraflores
Vecina del Distrito de Miraflores
Christoffel Blind Mission
Commission on Human Rights of the Philipinnes
Life Haven, Inc. - DPI Associate
SM PRIME HOLDINGS, INC.
SM PRIME HOLDINGS, INC.
Forum Dostpnej Cyberprzestrzeni
PFON (Polish Disability Forum)
The "Visible" Foundation
ColorADD

Innovative
Practices - Nominee

Innovative
Practices - Nominator

Innovative
Policies - Interviewee

Boskovic
Vujacic
Vojii

n
n

n
n

Dirce

Nurmahomed

Raj Pokharel
Ingrid
Lisa
Anthony
Branko
Esther

Birendra
Tuinenburg
Waddington
Polychronakis
Hagen
Lever

Pedro

Romero
Guerrero

Organizacin de Revolucionarios Discapacitados (ORD) - DPI Member

Secretaria del Concejo Municipal de Managua-Poltico
Fdration Nigrienne des Personnes Handicapes (FNPH) - DPI Member
CBM Christoffel Blind Mission
Joint National Association of Person with Disabilities (JONAPWD) - DPI Member
Independent Living Programme for PWD
Independent Living Programme for PWD
JONAPWD
Prosthese Disability Economic Empowerment Projects

Name

Innovative
Policies - Nominator

First Name

Questionnaire
respondent

Organisation

Advisors

Country

Scientific Advisory
Board

Innovative
Practices - Nominee

Innovative
Practices - Nominator

Innovative
Policies - Interviewee

Innovative
Policies - Nominator

Name

Advisors

First Name

Questionnaire
respondent

Organisation

Scientific Advisory
Board

Country

Reyna Juanita

Rueda

n
n

Sergio

Mainetti

Idowu Grace
Grace Foluke
Eric
James
Eli
Karin
Rune
Jan
Magnus
Berit

Foluke
Idowu
Ndubueze Ufom
Aireomiye
Melchy Olamide
Knsen
Andersen
Halvorsen
Tssebro
Berglund
Vegheim

Mikael
Haakon

Snaprud
Aspelund

n
n
n

n
n
n

n
n
n
n
n
n

Ali
Shabbar
Muhammad Atif Sheikh

n
n
n
n
n
n

Susana

Stiglich Watson

n
n

Luis Miguel
Luis Miguel

del Aguila
Umeres
del Aguila
Umeres

n
n

Carlos Enrique
Susana
Rainer

Contreras Ros
Stglich Watson
Guetler

n
n

n
n

Bien C.
Hans T.
Anna
Natalia
Wojciech
Miguel

Mateo
Sy
Rozborska
Bukowska
Kulesza
Neiva

n
n
n
n

157

Qatar

Romania
Russia

Rwanda
Samoa
San Marino
Saudi Arabia
Senegal

Serbia

Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Somalia
South Africa

South Korea
South Sudan
Spain

Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Portugal

ProAsolutions.pt
ProAsolutions.pt
Instituto Nacional para a Reabilitao
ictQatar
ictQatar
Mada (Qatar Assistive Technologie Center)
Psych. Sciences Department,Qatar University
Organizaia Naional a Persoanelor cu Handicap din Romnia - DPI Member
Downside Up
All-Russian Public Organization of Small and Medium Enterprises "OPORA Rossii"
- DPI Associate
National Union of Disabilities' Organizations of Rwanda (NUDOR) - DPI Member
Rainbow of Love, National Council of People with Disabilities in Samoa Nuanua o
le Alofa (N.O.L.A) - DPI Member
San Marino 2000 s.c.r.l.
Arab Organization of Persons with Disabilities (AOPD)
GAATES
Action Enfance Senegal
Action Enfance Senegal
Ambassade d' Angleterre Dakar
Fdration Sngalaise des Associations de Personnes Handicapes - DPI Member
District of Pirot
Ecumenical Humanitarian Organisation
Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Policy
National Organization for Persons with Disabilities Serbia
National Union of DPO' s of Serbia NOOIS
NOOIS
Disability Monitor Initiative
Rehabilitation International
Disability Awareness Action Group - DPI Member
Building and Construction Authority
Disabled People's Association (DPA) - DPI Member
Alliance of Organizations of Disabled People Slovakia (AOZPO) - DPI Member
YHD-Association for the Theory and Culture of Handicap - DPI Member
Horn of Africa Aid and Rehabilitation Action Network (HAARAN) - DPI Associate
Athena - Interactive Training Network (Pty) Ltd.
Athena - Interactive Training Network (Pty) Ltd.
Cape Mental Health
Cape Town Society for the Blind
Department of Home Affairs
Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities
DepartmentofHomeAffairs
Disability Solutions
Disabled People South Africa (DPSA) - DPI Member
Shonaquip Pty and Uhambo the Shonaquip foundation
South African Reserve Bank
Transport for Cape Town
Universal Design in Public Transport, National Ministry
University of Pretoria
Disabled People's International Korea (DPIK) - DPI Member
South Sudan National Network of Person with Disabilities (SSNNPW) - DPI
Associate
AMERSAM
Association of European Border Regions
COCEMFE
COCEMFE Tarragona
Confederacin ASPACE
Confederacin ASPACE
Consejo General de Colegios Farmaceticos
CSR+D European Network Secretariat Project
Design for all Foundation

158

Joslia
Pedro Daniel
Rafael

Neves
Cunha Costa
Montes Gomez

Kolesnichenko

n
n
n
n

Abbati

Mukhtar
Gorgui

Al Shibani
Diallo

n
n

Ibrahima

Bob
n

Goran
Tamara
Vladimir

Stamenovic
Blagojevic
Pesic

n
n
n
n

Damjan
Zoltan
Patricia

Tatic
Mihok
Rene

Siam Imm

Goh

n
n
n

Enrique
Maria
Fernando
Franciso Javier
Jesus
Lourdes
David
Josefa
Carlos
Miguel Angel
Andres
Maria

Diego Bernardo
Sorzano
Bellver Silvn
Font Garcia
HernandezGalan
Marquez de la
Calleja
Zanoletty
Garca
Alvarez Ilzarbe
Snchez Martin
Cabra de Luna
Ursueguia
Tussy

Universidad Politcnica de Catalua

Universitat de Valencia -POLIBIENESTAR
UniversitatdeValencia-POLIBIENESTAR

Daniel
Estrella
Garcs Ferrer
Merce
Miguel ngel

Torena
Ortega
Pajares
Trmel
Dedeu
Ferri
Garces Ferrer
Pino
Junc Ubierna
Diego Garcia
Mairena Garca
de la Torre
Guasch Murillo
Dur Ferrandis
Jordi
Luz Arque
Muoz Castro

Jacqueline

Dippenaar
Palanee
Bosch
Daniels
Apleni
Pretorius
Kgasi
Davies

Shona
Sandra
Brett
Amanda
Christo

McDonald
Brown
Herron
Gibberd
Venter

n
n

Sri Lanka
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Vincent a. t.
Grenadines
Sweden

n
n
n
n
n

n
n
n

n
n

Alfred
Martn Guillermo
Gonzalo
Olena
Adres
Cesar
Maria
Barbara
Francesc

Blasi Escude
Ramrez
Arjona Jimenez
Bilozerova
Castello
Mauri
Valdemoros
Mayoral
Aragall

n
n

n
n

Switzerland

Innovative
Practices - Nominee

Innovative
Practices - Nominator

Innovative
Policies - Interviewee

Netto

Susan
Devon
Carol
Vincent
Mkuseli
Lidia
Themba
Guy

Innovative
Policies - Nominator

Bonet

Fundacin ONCE
Fundacin ONCE
Fundacion ONCE / Europ. Cons. of Foundations for HR and Disability
Fundacion ONCE/ Fundosa Accesibilidad, SA
FundacionONCE
Fundosa Accesibilidad
Fundosa Technosite, S.A.
FundosaTechnosite,S.A.
GVAM
International Labour Organization
Ministry of Health of Catalonia
Polibienestar Research Institute - University of Valencia
Polibienestar Research Institute - University of Valencia
Redsys Servicios de Procesamiento
Sociedad y Tcnica, SOCYTEC, SL
Spanish Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality
The Kitchen Game S.L.

Imma

Fundacion ONCE

Anwar
Hefnawy
Banes
Keller

Mahena

Name

Fundacion ONCE

Yulia

First Name

Design for All Foundation

Confederacin Espaola de Personas con Discapacidad Fsica y Orgnica
(COCEMFE) - DPI Member
Empresa Municipal de Transportes de Madrid
ENSA - IVADIS
EUSE
FAMMA-Cocemfe Madrid
Fundacion ONCE

Hira
Ahmed
David
Clayton

Organisation

Questionnaire
respondent

Country

Advisors

Innovative
Practices - Nominee

Innovative
Practices - Nominator

Innovative
Policies - Interviewee

Innovative
Policies - Nominator

Name

Advisors

First Name

Questionnaire
respondent

Organisation

Scientific Advisory
Board

Country

Scientific Advisory
Board

ANNEX: ZERO PROJECT NETWORK

ANNEX: ZERO PROJECT NETWORK

Wheels in Motion - DPI Associate

Neelan Tiruchelvam Trust
St. Kitts & Nevis Association of Persons with Disabilities (SKNAPD) - DPI Member
National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) - DPI Member
National Society of Persons with Disabilities(NSPD) - DPI Member
Access Sweden
Cultural Heritage without Borders
Cultural Heritage without Borders
Dyslexifrbundet FMLS
Dyslexifrbundet FMLS
ENIL
ENSA - Eskilstuna Municipality
ENSA - Solna Municipality
ENSA - Solna Municipality
ENSA - Solna Municipality
Handikappfrbunden/Swedish Disability Federation
Independent Living Institute
Municipality of Lund
Neonova
Nordic School of Public Health
PO Skne
Region Varmland
Swedish Agency for Disability Coordination
Zugang fr alle (Access for all)
Centre for Disability and Integration, University of St. Gallen

n
n
n

n
n
n

n
n
n
n

n
n

Roberto
Manuel
Jos
Stefan
Toni
Mireia
Jorge
Begona
Jos Antonio
Laura
Javier

n
n
n
n
n

n
n
n

Michelle
Diana
Sven
Eva
Jamie
Johan
Frida
Johanna
Camilla

Taylor
Walters
Eklf
Hedberg
Bolling
Lindstrom
Bergstrm
Carlsson
Milhorn

Adolf
Bengt
Ingalill
Kerstin
Maths
Viveca
Rickard
Anton
Miriam

Ratzka
Person
Fahlstrm
Kristensen
Jesperson
Granberg
Bracken
Bolfing
Baumgaertner

n
n

n
n

n
n
n

n
n

159

Syria
Tanzania

Thailand

Togo

Tunisia

Turkey

Turkmenistan
Uganda

Ukraine
United Arab
Emirates
United Kingdom

160

Access Design Solutions UK Ltd

Adding to Life - Pluss
Ann Frye Ltd
Association of Train Operating Companies
Barclays Bank
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.
Business Disability Forum
CBM Christoffel Blind Mission
Centre for Accessible Environments
Centre for Accessible Environments (CAE)
City Bridge Trust
Disability Wales
United Kingdoms Disabled Peoples Council (UKDPC) - DPI Member
EASPD
European Dysmelia Reference Information Centre
Former Director of Venues and Infrastructure London 2012,Trivandi
Global Fund for Children
Hft's person-centred approach to personalised technology
Inspired Services Publishing
International Human Rights Funders Network
John Ellermann Foundation
Leonard Cheshire Disability
Lloyds Banking Group

Murray
Batanero
Araya
Chavez Penillas
Strasser

London Organising Committee Olympic and Paralympic Games

Northern Ireland Mental Health and Deafness Service.
RNIB
Royal Mencap Society
Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts
School of Law and Social Sciences (LSS)
University of Brighton
University of Leeds
University of Leeds
University of Leeds / ANED
University of Manchester/The Manchester Museum
University of Manchester/The Manchester Museum
University of Southampton
VocalEyes
VocalEyes

n
n

Erwin
Clement
Ditte Lauritzen

Telemans
Ndahani
Mwakalukwa

n
n

n
n

Saowalak

Thongkuay

n
n

Monthian
Michael

Buntan
Kirumba

Uruguay
USA

n
n
n
n

Kemal
Erhan
Emrah
Suleyman
Derya
Bengu

Unlu
Ustundag
Gurer
Akbulut
Kokten
Zabitci

Katy
Phyllis

Bodkin
Kwesiga

n
n
n
n

n
n
n

n
n

Sulaiman
Rose
George William
Dolorence

K. Madada
Achayo Obol
Kiyingi
Were

n
n

n
n

Carol
Rod
Ann
David
Gary
Mary
Susan
Allen
Chan
Alexandra
Jenny
Rhyan

Thomas
Burnett
Frye
Sindall
Sennett
O`Brien
Scott-Parker
Foster
Wai
Smedley
Field
Berrigan

Phil
Geoff
James
Neha
Steve
Andrew
Jo
Nicola
Mohammed
Graeme

Madden
Adams-Spink
Bulley OBE
Raval
Barnard
Holman
Andrews
Pollock
Imtiaz
Whippy

n
n
n

n
n

n
n

n
n

n
n
n
n

n
n

Union Nacional de Ciegos del Uruguay

Access Exchange International
AMAC Accessibility Solutions
AMAC Accessibility Solutions
ARCUS Foundation
Ariadne, European Human Rights Funders Network
Ashoka Global Venture & Fellowship Program
Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University
CBM Christoffel Blind Mission
Centre for Financial Inclusion at ACCION International
Disability Funders Network
Disability Rights Fund DRF
Disability Rights Fund DRF
DivisionoftheStateArchitect
United States International Council on Disabilities (USICD) - DPI Member
EquallyAble Foundation
Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs (G3ict)
Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs (G3ict)
Global Research Innovation and Technology
GO! Mobility Solutions
Human Factors, Trace Research & Development Center
IFES International Foundation for Electoral Systems
Institute for Human Centered Design
International Disability Alliance
International Human Rights Funders Network
International Human Rights Funders Network
International Human Rights Funders Network
Knowbility
Law Office of Lainey Feingold
MetaMovements Dance Company
Mobility International USA (MIUSA)
MOMA Museum of Modern Arts
MOMA Museum of Modern Arts
National Council on Disability
National Council on Independent Living
Open Society Institute
Perkins International
Perkins School for the Blind
Permanent Mission of Austria at the United Nations, New York
Permanent Mission of Austria at the United Nations, New York
President, Recreation Accessibility Consultants LLC
Rehabilitation International
Rehabilitation International
Ruderman Foundation

Mark
Martin
Kevin
Beverley
Dan
Kerry

Innovative
Practices - Nominee

Todd
Creed
Carey
Dawkins
Pescod
Tweed

Innovative
Practices - Nominator

Name

Questionnaire
respondent

First Name

Advisors

Organisation

Scientific Advisory
Board

Innovative
Practices - Nominee

Innovative
Practices - Nominator

Innovative
Policies - Interviewee

Innovative
Policies - Nominator

Country

Innovative
Policies - Interviewee

Barbara
Jose
Jorge
Facundo
Johannes

Name

Innovative
Policies - Nominator

International Labour Organization

International Telecommunication Union
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Permanent Mission of Austria at the United Nations, Geneva
Arab Organization of Persons with Disabilities (AOPD)
Cultural Forum for People with Special Needs in Syria - DPI Associate
Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania (CCBRT)
Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania (CCBRT)
Information Centre on Disability
Organization of Woman with Disabilities (JUWAUZA)
Tanzania Federation of Disabled People Organisation - DPI Member
Disabled People's International - Asia-Pacific Region (DPI/AP)
Disabled People's International - Asia-Pacific Region (DPI/AP)
National Human Rights Commission of Thailand
Thai Blind Association and Member of the CRPD
CBM Christoffel Blind Mission
Federation Togolaise des Associations de Personnes Handicapees (FETAPH) - DPI
Member
Arab Organization of Persons with Disabilities (AOPD) - Musawa 2 project
Ahmad Karoud - DPI Associate
Tunisian Association for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities - DPI Member
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality
TAV Istanbul
TAV Istanbul
TAVIstanbul
TOHAD / GOZDER
Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S
Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S
Overcoming - DPI Associate
Able Child Africa
Architect
National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) - DPI Member
Minister of State for Elderly and Disability Affairs
National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda
Uganda National Action on Physical Disability (UNAPD)
Uganda Society for Disabled Children
National Assembly of Persons with Disabilities (NAPD) - DPI Member
Al Thiqah Club for Handicapped - DPI Associate

First Name

Advisors

Organisation

Questionnaire
respondent

Country

ANNEX: ZERO PROJECT NETWORK

Scientific Advisory
Board

ANNEX: ZERO PROJECT NETWORK

n
n

n
n

Jo
Kalliopi
Suzanne
Mark
Alan
Anna
Nick
Samantha
Wald
Judie
Cassie

Ecclestone
Chainoglou
Conboy-Hill
Priestley
Roulstone
Lawson
Merriman
Sportun
Mike
Dixey
Herschel
Shorland

Tom
Joy
Christopher
Kerry
Lisa
Elena
William N.
Karen
Joshua
Kim
Paul
Yolanda
Dennis J.

Rickert
Kniskern
Lee
Ashforth
Hashemi
Correas
Myhill
Heinicke-Motsch
Goldstein
Hutchinson
Deany
Muoz Gonzalez
Corelis

Mohammed
Martin
Axel
Tish
Rick
Gregg C
Virginia
Valerie
Georgia
Zara
Mona
Christen
Rush
Lainey
Anara
Susan
Carrie
Francesca
Robin

Yousuf
Gould
Leblois
Scolnik
Goldstein
Vanderheiden
Atkinson
Fletcher
Dominik
Bohan
Chun
Dobson
Sharron
Feingold
Frank
Dunn
McGee
Rosenberg
Powell

Tirza
Aubrey W
Anne
Julia
Nadia
John N.
Venus
Iris
Jay

Leibovitz
Webson
Hayes
Thallinger
Kalb
McGovern, J.D.
Ilagan
Reiss
Ruderman

n
n

n
n
n
n

n
n

n
n
n
n

n
n
n
n

n
n
n
n
n
n

n
n

n
n

n
n

n
n

161

Silent Rhythms Dance

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
The Trust for the Americas - Organization of American States
The Trust for the Americas - Organization of American States
The Trust for the Americas - Organization of American States
U.S.AccessBoard
United Nations Development Program
United Nations Development Program
United Nations Intern. Childrens Emergency Fund
University of Cornell
University of Harvard
University of Massachusetts Boston
University of Texas at Austin
University-Loyola Law School
Wellspring Advisors, LLC
Wellspring Advisors, LLC
World Bank
World Institute on Disability
Uzbekistan

Venezuela
Vietnam

Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

Improvement of Social Protection and Rehabilitation of Disabled People in

Uzbekistan - DPI Associate
Uzbekistan Society of Disabled People - DPI Associate
Confederacin de Personas Sordas de Venezuela (CONSORVEN)
The Trust for the Americas
CBM Christoffel Blind Mission
CBM Christoffel Blind Mission
CBM Christoffel Blind Mission
Malteser International
Vietnam Rehabilitation Association
Arab Association for Human Rights - DPI Associate
Zambia Federation of the Disabled (ZAFOD) - DPI Member
Federation of Organisations of Disabled People in Zimbabwe (FODPEZ) - DPI
Member

Kerry
Robert L
Pamela
Dario
David A.
David
Karolina
Marcos
Rosangela
Susanne
Michael Ashley
William
Christopher J.
Michael
Andrew
Catherine
Alekzandra
Bruce
Jayne

Thompson
Posey
Molina Toledo
Soto
Rojas Mejia
Capozzi
Mzyk
Neto
Berman-Bieler
Bruyere
Stein
Kiernan
Stanfill
Waterstone
Park
Townsend
Posarac
Curtis
Cravens

Innovative
Practices - Nominee

Innovative
Practices - Nominator

Innovative
Policies - Interviewee

Innovative
Policies - Nominator

Name

Advisors

First Name

Questionnaire
respondent

Organisation

Scientific Advisory
Board

Country

n
n
n
n
n

n
n

n
n
n
n

Silvina

Acosta

Silvana
Dung
Trang

Mehra
Mai
Trong Hai

n
n
n

About the Zero Project For a World without Barriers

The Zero Project, officially launched in 2011 by the Essl Foundation, advocates the rights of persons with disabilities internationally.
With its global outreach, the Zero Project monitors the national implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities and highlights both innovative practices and policies. The project is organised in partnership with the World Future Council
(since 2011) as well as the European Foundation Center (since 2013). www.zeroproject.org
ABOUT THE Essl Foundation
The mission of the Essl Foundation is to support persons with disabilities as well as social innovation and social entrepreneurship. It was
founded in 2007 by Martin and Gerda Essl, an Austrian entrepreneurial family (bauMax company Group).
www.esslfoundation.org
ABOUT THE World Future Council
The World Future Council consists of 50 eminent global change-makers from governments, parliaments, civil society, academia, the arts
and business. We work to pass on a healthy planet and just societies to our children and grandchildren with a focus on identifying and
spreading effective, future-just policy solutions. The World Future Council was launched in 2007 by Jakob von Uexkull, Founder of the
'Alternative Nobel Prize'. It operates as an independent foundation under German law and finances its activities from donations. www.
worldfuturecouncil.org
ABOUT THE European Foundation Centre
The EFC, founded in 1989, is an international membership association representing public-benefit foundations and corporate funders
active in philanthropy in Europe and beyond. Through its European Consortium of Foundations on Human Rights and Disabilities, the
EFC ensures a distinctive contribution from the foundation sector in promoting the ratification and implementation of the UN Convention
on the Rights of People with Disabilities. www.efc.be
162

Join the Zero Project Network!

Zero Project WEBSITE
www.zeroproject.org; includes all Innovative Practices and Policies from 2014 and previous years, to be searched in an online
database. Also world maps of all Social Indicators that can be fully searched and analyzed.
Zero Project CONFERENCE
annual conference in Vienna; 2014: February 27 and February 28 in the United Nations Headquarters of Vienna, Austria
Zero Project ON FACEBook
https://www.facebook.com/zeroproject.org?ref=hl
Zero Project on TWITTER
https://twitter.com/zeroprojectorg
Zero Project on YOUTUBE
www.youtube.com/user/Zeroprojectorg
Join The Zero Project Network!
In 2014 the Zero Project was supported by more than 800 experts worldwide, by nominating and evaluating Innovative Practices and Innovative Policies, by answering questionnaires on the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities, by partnering in conferences and presentations or by giving us their unvaluable support in developing the Zero
Project. Want to join the network as well? Simply get in touch at office@zeroproject.org
EXPERT ON THE UN CRPD IN YOUR COUNTRY?
You are an expert on disability issues in your country and you want to answer the questionnaire on the implementation of the
Zero Project in your country? Simply register at http://zeroproject.org/indicator-type/convention/ and you can start immediately.
INVITe us to CONFERENCES!
The aim of the Zero Project is to promote its Innovative Policies and Innovative Practices. The Zero Project Team is happy to take
part in conferences or even to co-organize events worldwide.
SUGGEST PROJECTS AND POLICIES!
For those who know about projects, organisations or policies that have a potential to become Innovative Practice or Innovative
Policy of the Zero Project (and of course also those who run them), feel from to send us suggestions any time to office@zeroproject.org
OTHER IDEAS?
You have another idea for joint activities together with the Zero Project? Simply write an email to office@zeroproject.org