Headline News

Focus shifts from creating a barrier-free environment to more holistic approach From the design plan to the implementation, various aspects of the built environment have been covered under the new guidelines for universal accessibility recently drafted by the Centre. The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) released the Harmonised Guidelines and Standards for Universal… Continue Reading »

Mada Center launched the “Arab ICT Accessibility Expert Group” the first project of its kind in the Arab world and the region, that aims to unify efforts, localize accessibility standards and apply them to various digital platforms, and establish the first specialized virtual forum.  This project comes in confirmation of… Continue Reading »

Communication is important in expression of one’s thoughts, desires and feelings to other parties but this has been a great challenge for people with hearing impairment. Very few people in the public sphere in Kenya have the ability to communicate in and interpret sign language and this has further alienated… Continue Reading »

Social Protection Minister, Heather Humphreys, has announced the publication of the Cost of Disability Research Report. The cost of disability can be measured by the costs faced by people with a disability in their day-to-day lives that others in society do not face (the ‘direct costs’ approach). It can also… Continue Reading »

The lack of adapted and accessible hotel rooms, restaurants, stores, bathrooms and public spaces is one of the most significant challenges for those living with impairments. To address this obstacle, the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) and South African Tourism have initiated a partnership to work with all… Continue Reading »

The Ontario government is supporting local accessibility and inclusivity for children of all abilities across the province to experience and enjoy dance. Canada’s National Ballet School’s Inclusive Movement for Kids project is receiving over $100,000 through Ontario’s EnAbling Change Program, which supports diverse projects across the province that promote accessibility… Continue Reading »

DUBAI: Merge Technology has launched “Merge-Interpreter Sign Language”, the “first-ever” smart platform in the Middle East & North Africa to provide a community with a simultaneous interpretation of sign language for the deaf & hard of hearing. The platform enables users to communicate easily through video calls, with round-the-clock assistance… Continue Reading »

NEW YORK: The number of children with disabilities globally is estimated at almost 240 million, according to a new UNICEF report. Children with disabilities are disadvantaged compared to children without disabilities on most measures of child well-being, the report says. “This new research confirms what we already knew: Children with disabilities… Continue Reading »

COSTA RICA: Airbnb announced its commitment to improve the experience of travelers with disabilities in their destinations in Costa Rica. To achieve this, a cooperation agreement has been signed with the National Council of People with Disabilities (Conapdis) and with the Costa Rican Accessible Tourism Network in order to promote accessible tourism among its hosts. The… Continue Reading »

Over the last year and a half, the perspective around urban mobility has dramatically shifted. The devastating second COVID-19 wave and warnings around a likely third one have made hygiene, safety and social distancing top-of-mind considerations. In turn, they are influencing travel needs and mode preferences across the socio-economic spectrum.… Continue Reading »

The Disabled People’s Organisations (DPO) Coalition has welcomed announcements made today by the Minister for Disability Issues. Minister for Disability Issues Hon. Carmel Sepuloni and Minister of Health Andrew Little announced a number of key changes affecting disabled people, including system transformation, the creation of a new Ministry for Disabled… Continue Reading »

In recent years, the International Disability Alliance (IDA) has increased its strategic focus on enhancing inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in climate action. IDA has obtained provisional observance status to participate in the 26th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26), and… Continue Reading »

Mastercard has delivered a new design standard using a series of notches on the side of the card to help visually impaired people distinguish between a credit, debit or prepaid card. As more cards move to flat designs without embossed name and numbers, Mastercard’s Touch Card provides an effective way… Continue Reading »

The Disabilities Act is to come into effect on February 14, 2022. Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Karl Samuda, made the announcement during Wednesday’s (October 6) sitting of the House of Representatives as he tabled the Disabilities Regulations, 2021, Resolution. The Regulations were approved by Members of the… Continue Reading »

Launched by Queensland on World Tourism Day, 27th September 2021, the Accessibility Accreditation Module forms part of Australia’s national Quality Tourism Framework. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive social and economic impact. Both developed and developing economies have been hit. And marginalized groups and the most vulnerable have been… Continue Reading »

Syria: Recently, a grand opening for first restaurant and café which served by hosts with Down syndrome in Damascus, Syria “Societe restaurant and cafe” has been opened in Tishreen Park in the heart of Damascus. More than twenty youth boys and girls with Down syndrome are working permanently now in Societe… Continue Reading »

Despite being an estimated 15 percent of the world’s population, people with disabilities are not routinely included in peacebuilding, which would benefit from their expertise and perspectives. Although efforts to include marginalized populations can help, the current deficits are too great to be remedied through general approaches. This report covers… Continue Reading »

New proposed legislation entitled ‘An Act Respecting Accessibility in the Province’ began second reading in the House of Assembly today. This new enabling legislation would allow government to outline the principles and goals for an accessible Newfoundland and Labrador. An extensive engagement process with the community of and for persons… Continue Reading »

The Accessible Product Design Alliance has released a statement calling for changes in products and packaging design to assure equal accessibility among consumers, including those with disabling disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Composed of 11 nonprofit health consumer organizations in Australia and New Zealand — including MS Australia — the alliance recognizes how… Continue Reading »

JAMAICA: Executive Director for the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Christine Hendricks, says work to develop three codes of practice, designed to safeguard persons with disabilities, has been completed. Speaking recently on the JIS Television programme, ‘Get the Facts’, Dr. Hendricks explained that codes of practice are practical guidelines… Continue Reading »