“I am working at Corona and can now even participate in team meetings.”
My name is Nicéforo Andrés Amado and I am 32 years old. I was born in Anolaima, a town of about 300,000 people located in the Colombian Department of Cundinamarca, very close to the capital, Bogotá. When I was born I was able to hear, but after a few months I lost my hearing due to an accident.
Before encountering the FENASCOL “Centre for Change: Technologies for Inclusion” project I was highly dependent on the support of others to access information, and it was frustrating to communicate with people. I did not always have the funds to hire a face-to-face interpreter, and so I had to make people understand me in other ways. That changed, however, seven years ago when a friend told me about the FENASCOL project. That’s when I started using their call relay service. I called my mom and she could not believe it was me! Later, I started using the Online Interpretation Service (SIEL), and it became my daily tool, since it allows me to communicate with my fellow listeners of the Corona Company, where I currently work. Thanks to the SIEL interpreter, when the company holds team meetings I do not miss any information and participate actively.
The “Centre for Change” really changed my life. It gives me peace of mind and, most importantly, it gives me the opportunity to be independent.
Read more on how FENASCOL enables telephone communication between deaf and hearing people by reading the factsheet.
“It means I can enter at ground level, same as my able-bodied friends.”
My name is Matthew Chaffee and I am a 27-year-old multi-sport wheelchair athlete. As such, I spend a lot of time at the Mary Free Bed YMCA in Grand Rapids for practice and tournaments. Before the YMCA opened, I had never participated on a wheelchair sports team because they just weren’t convenient for me. Now that everything is centrally located at the YMCA, and because I work out there anyway, I participate in basketball, rugby, softball, and handcycle.
The Mary Free Bed YMCA is built around the principles of Universal Design. For me, it means I’m able to enter the building at the ground level, same as my able-bodied friends, instead of needing to use a ramp off to the side. Similarly, I’m able to access the building’s various levels via a large ramp that serves as the primary form of vertical circulation. The gym equipment is also more accessible than other workout facilities I’ve belonged to, with seats that slide away, allowing me to gain access from my chair. Another big advantage that speaks to the planning of the YMCA includes a specific wheelchair storage area where I and my teammates can store our sports chairs. This makes getting into and out of the building much easier, eliminating the need to navigate with the extra chair when coming in for practice or a tournament.
The most noticeable difference at the Mary Free Bed YMCA is that it feels like it was truly built for everyone. Most buildings that are only compliant to existing laws seem to be designed for the able-bodied, with modifications made afterwards. The difference is amazing and is felt by everyone who enters the facility.
Read more on how the Mary Free Bed YMCA built a community centre on Universal Design principles by reading the factsheet.
Apollo Mukasa, representative of the project, was unfortunately unable to make the trip to Vienna but we are pleased to share details of the project with our dedicated network and celebrate the excellent work:
“Uganda National Action on Physical Disability presented a By-Law on Accessibility in Nabbale Sub-County and was selected by the Zero Project among the most innovative policies in Accessibility for 2018. The summary of the project presentation is below;
In 2010, the Uganda National Action on Physical Disability (UNAPD), a non-profit organization, developed and launched the Accessibility Standards in line with Article 9 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Building Control Act (2013). In an effort to promote the effective implementation of the standards at the local level, UNAPD worked together with Nabbale sub-county local government in the Mukono district of Uganda to develop a By-Law on Accessibility.
By working closely with the respective local government officials, the organization was able to translate national laws into local binding laws, which were subsequently developed into the By-Law on Accessibility and passed by the council in 2016 as a binding law of government. The law obliges the construction industry of the designated area to construct accessible buildings/facilities based on the Accessibility Standards.
Focusing on the high drop-out rates of children with disabilities, implementation of the By-Law started with primary schools in the area. Since the passing of the law, six newly constructed primary schools and one secondary school are now in line with the Accessibility Standards, thus meeting the needs of all persons – including children – with disabilities. In addition, two existing schools and one health centre are currently undergoing crucial modifications to comply with the standards. Since 2016, 249 children with disabilities have been enrolled and retained in the six new primary schools.
All these actions have also led to increased awareness regarding accessibility rights and needs among service providers and the construction industry in Nabbale. The policy is the first of its kind among the eight sub-counties forming the Mukono district. Since each sub-county can develop and pass its own By-Law, the policy is expected to be replicated in other sub-counties in the future.
“Wheelchair users are now participating in local planning processes.”
I am Gunaraj Khatiwada, residing in the rural community of Dhading, one of the most earthquake vulnerable districts in Nepal. I was not prepared for the unexpected, and I have seen both of my houses collapse in a flash. I am now living in a temporary shelter with my seven-member family, including my elderly mother and my children.
Despite my hardship, I have been featured in an episode of Classic FM radio, and the story of my engagement in supporting persons with disabilities touched thousands of listeners. I was privileged to participate in the “Inclusive Post-Earthquake Reconstruction: Public Building Safe and Accessible for All” project of the non-governmental organization Action on Disability Rights and Development, which is supporting thousands of persons with disabilities to utilize state services and benefits. Currently, I am engaged in rehabilitating persons with disabilities in their own communities, helping to construct their accessible houses through government schemes. I am particularly pleased to see many wheelchair-user-colleagues participating independently in local planning processes in the District Development office, which, like many public places, has been made accessible during the post-earthquake reform process.
I am now being encouraged by the local community to represent them politically, and I have devoted myself as a paralegal to supporting persons with disabilities to enjoy their rights and secure dignified lives in an accessible environment.
Read more about how ADRAD ensures inclusive post-disaster reconstruction by reading the factsheet.
The applications for the 2018 edition of the Gulbenkian Prizes are open until 30th of April.
The Gulbenkian Prizes aim to distinguish individuals or non-profit organisations in the following categories: Human Rights, Cohesion, Knowledge and Sustainability.
Specifically, in the Human Rights category, the Gulbenkian Prize aims to distinguish an individual or a non-profit organisation with international impact in promoting human rights. This year, this category focuses on the issue of freedom of expression, information and press.
On 28th March Canadian MP Mike Lake gave his annual one-minute statement to raise awareness for World Autism Day which took place on 2nd April. Mike Lake gave his speech in the Canadian House of Commons with his 22-year-old son Jaden watching from the gallery.
My name is Anne-Lise Dahl. I am 79 and have lived alone since my husband died six years ago. During the last years of his life he had difficulty walking because of illness. I have been an active person all my life. I love being outdoors walking my dogs. I love nature, the fresh air, physical activity, and meeting nice people. My husband had the same interests.
When my husband was alive, we became less able to continue walking together. But the dogs helped us to get out every day, despite the weather. If not for the dogs, we could have been both mentally and physically less satisfied.
At least two important things happened to us. My late husband got an electric wheelchair – more like a scooter for being outdoors. Second, a functional footpath into the nature preserve close to our house was created. The footpath incorporates Universal Design elements, without compromising the experience of being close to nature when walking on it.
Even though my husband was in a wheelchair, we went for walks in the woods every day – in rain and sun, in windy or quiet weather. But not when there was snow and ice.
I now use a wheelchair myself because of a hip surgery, but I still take my daily walks on this lovely path. Getting inspiration from green nature, fresh air, and meeting other people, these daily trips give meaning to my life.
Read more about how Telemark’s County Council makes footpaths accessible for leisure and daily use by reading the factsheet.
Martin Vogelsang at the Corporate and Entrepreneur Forum
We were incredibly happy to invite Martin Vogelsang from the European Venture Philanthropy Association to the UN in Vienna to take part in the Zero Project Conference.
Martin played a key role as an expert panellist in the Corporate and Entrepreneurship Forum, where he provided posed questions and provided advice to IT-related start-ups working in the assistive technology field.
Shortly after, Martin was able to catch up with Zero Project Director, Michael Fembek to find out more about the challenges and future vision of the Zero Project.
“Bmaps has enabled me to be out and about with peace of mind.”
My name is Issei Kizu and I live in Tokyo. I have a congenital disease that makes my bones fragile; they are prone to break and bend easily. I use a lightweight electric wheelchair to go out. During my free time I take great pleasure in visiting new places and trying popular restaurants. As a wheelchair user, however, I used to give up trying to enter certain places because of steps, to my disappointment.
With Bmaps I can check the number of steps of the places I want to visit in advance, so now I don’t have to wait until I reach my destination to find out if it is accessible or not. It is particularly helpful when I go out with another wheelchair user, as we wish to move around by ourselves without having to ask for assistance.
The reviews by other users make me feel assured and encouraged to go out. I make it a rule to log the accessibility information of the places I could enter, hoping it will help others like me. Bmaps has enabled me to be out and about with peace of mind.
As a suggestion, it would be even better if Bmaps users could communicate with each other on a common platform, as this kind of interactive feature would be very useful in exchanging more detailed information and connecting Bmaps users.
Read more about how Mirairo Inc. has developed an application With accessibility information for a range of users by reading the factsheet.
At the ISCL Summit 2018 in Tel Aviv Moshe Gaon, CEO of yoocan passionately explained yoocan’s vision that “by the year 2020, no one with a disability will feel alone. yoocan wants to provide solutions and empowerment to every person with a disability around the globe.”
Gaon announced last month that yoocan Technologies would be launching the first early seed global assistive technologies hub and investors club. The hub and club are designed to allow early stage companies in the ecosystem receive the funding and market access support they need to accelerate their growth.
Yoocan was launched in 2016 as a global collaborative community, for and by people with disabilities. Stories from more than 100 countries are now shared on it, as well as information and knowledge from thousands of community members, organizations, service providers, innovators and vendors. It is now the world’s numbers one collaborative information and connection network for people with disability.
In ISCL summit there were 400 participants from over 40 countries who gathered to exchange information and build the next generation of startup community management tools, practices, and ideas. The ISCL summit’s goal was “to promote community mindsets and methodologies among startup enablers and creators by uniting and bringing together leading community managers from around the world.” Yoocan CEO was invited to share his vision and experience in building the yoocan global community.
For more information, check out yoocanfind.com or contact Moshe: moshe@yoocantech.com.
The story of Nicéforo Andrés Amado, user of Centro de Relevo
“I am working at Corona and can now even participate in team meetings.”
My name is Nicéforo Andrés Amado and I am 32 years old. I was born in Anolaima, a town of about 300,000 people located in the Colombian Department of Cundinamarca, very close to the capital, Bogotá. When I was born I was able to hear, but after a few months I lost my hearing due to an accident.
Before encountering the FENASCOL “Centre for Change: Technologies for Inclusion” project I was highly dependent on the support of others to access information, and it was frustrating to communicate with people. I did not always have the funds to hire a face-to-face interpreter, and so I had to make people understand me in other ways. That changed, however, seven years ago when a friend told me about the FENASCOL project. That’s when I started using their call relay service. I called my mom and she could not believe it was me! Later, I started using the Online Interpretation Service (SIEL), and it became my daily tool, since it allows me to communicate with my fellow listeners of the Corona Company, where I currently work. Thanks to the SIEL interpreter, when the company holds team meetings I do not miss any information and participate actively.
The “Centre for Change” really changed my life. It gives me peace of mind and, most importantly, it gives me the opportunity to be independent.
Read more on how FENASCOL enables telephone communication between deaf and hearing people by reading the factsheet.
The story of Matthew Chaffee, user of Mary Free Bed YMCA
“It means I can enter at ground level, same as my able-bodied friends.”
My name is Matthew Chaffee and I am a 27-year-old multi-sport wheelchair athlete. As such, I spend a lot of time at the Mary Free Bed YMCA in Grand Rapids for practice and tournaments. Before the YMCA opened, I had never participated on a wheelchair sports team because they just weren’t convenient for me. Now that everything is centrally located at the YMCA, and because I work out there anyway, I participate in basketball, rugby, softball, and handcycle.
The Mary Free Bed YMCA is built around the principles of Universal Design. For me, it means I’m able to enter the building at the ground level, same as my able-bodied friends, instead of needing to use a ramp off to the side. Similarly, I’m able to access the building’s various levels via a large ramp that serves as the primary form of vertical circulation. The gym equipment is also more accessible than other workout facilities I’ve belonged to, with seats that slide away, allowing me to gain access from my chair. Another big advantage that speaks to the planning of the YMCA includes a specific wheelchair storage area where I and my teammates can store our sports chairs. This makes getting into and out of the building much easier, eliminating the need to navigate with the extra chair when coming in for practice or a tournament.
The most noticeable difference at the Mary Free Bed YMCA is that it feels like it was truly built for everyone. Most buildings that are only compliant to existing laws seem to be designed for the able-bodied, with modifications made afterwards. The difference is amazing and is felt by everyone who enters the facility.
Read more on how the Mary Free Bed YMCA built a community centre on Universal Design principles by reading the factsheet.
A message from UNAPD, ZeroCon18 awardee
The Uganda National Action on Physical Disability (UNAPD) are a very deserved awardee of the Zero Project 2018 in the category of Innovative Policies.
Apollo Mukasa, representative of the project, was unfortunately unable to make the trip to Vienna but we are pleased to share details of the project with our dedicated network and celebrate the excellent work:
“Uganda National Action on Physical Disability presented a By-Law on Accessibility in Nabbale Sub-County and was selected by the Zero Project among the most innovative policies in Accessibility for 2018. The summary of the project presentation is below;
In 2010, the Uganda National Action on Physical Disability (UNAPD), a non-profit organization, developed and launched the Accessibility Standards in line with Article 9 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Building Control Act (2013). In an effort to promote the effective implementation of the standards at the local level, UNAPD worked together with Nabbale sub-county local government in the Mukono district of Uganda to develop a By-Law on Accessibility.
By working closely with the respective local government officials, the organization was able to translate national laws into local binding laws, which were subsequently developed into the By-Law on Accessibility and passed by the council in 2016 as a binding law of government. The law obliges the construction industry of the designated area to construct accessible buildings/facilities based on the Accessibility Standards.
Focusing on the high drop-out rates of children with disabilities, implementation of the By-Law started with primary schools in the area. Since the passing of the law, six newly constructed primary schools and one secondary school are now in line with the Accessibility Standards, thus meeting the needs of all persons – including children – with disabilities. In addition, two existing schools and one health centre are currently undergoing crucial modifications to comply with the standards. Since 2016, 249 children with disabilities have been enrolled and retained in the six new primary schools.
All these actions have also led to increased awareness regarding accessibility rights and needs among service providers and the construction industry in Nabbale. The policy is the first of its kind among the eight sub-counties forming the Mukono district. Since each sub-county can develop and pass its own By-Law, the policy is expected to be replicated in other sub-counties in the future.
Read more about the project by reading the Zero Project factsheet or by visiting the UNAPD website.
The story of Gunaraj Khatiwada, counsellor for accessible homes
“Wheelchair users are now participating in local planning processes.”
I am Gunaraj Khatiwada, residing in the rural community of Dhading, one of the most earthquake vulnerable districts in Nepal. I was not prepared for the unexpected, and I have seen both of my houses collapse in a flash. I am now living in a temporary shelter with my seven-member family, including my elderly mother and my children.
Despite my hardship, I have been featured in an episode of Classic FM radio, and the story of my engagement in supporting persons with disabilities touched thousands of listeners. I was privileged to participate in the “Inclusive Post-Earthquake Reconstruction: Public Building Safe and Accessible for All” project of the non-governmental organization Action on Disability Rights and Development, which is supporting thousands of persons with disabilities to utilize state services and benefits. Currently, I am engaged in rehabilitating persons with disabilities in their own communities, helping to construct their accessible houses through government schemes. I am particularly pleased to see many wheelchair-user-colleagues participating independently in local planning processes in the District Development office, which, like many public places, has been made accessible during the post-earthquake reform process.
I am now being encouraged by the local community to represent them politically, and I have devoted myself as a paralegal to supporting persons with disabilities to enjoy their rights and secure dignified lives in an accessible environment.
Read more about how ADRAD ensures inclusive post-disaster reconstruction by reading the factsheet.
Make your application for the Gulbenkian Prizes
The applications for the 2018 edition of the Gulbenkian Prizes are open until 30th of April.
The Gulbenkian Prizes aim to distinguish individuals or non-profit organisations in the following categories: Human Rights, Cohesion, Knowledge and Sustainability.
Specifically, in the Human Rights category, the Gulbenkian Prize aims to distinguish an individual or a non-profit organisation with international impact in promoting human rights. This year, this category focuses on the issue of freedom of expression, information and press.
Don’t miss the 30th April deadline! Make your nomination now and find out more information by visiting the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation website.
Watch Canadian MP Mike Lake’s speech for World Autism Awareness Day
On 28th March Canadian MP Mike Lake gave his annual one-minute statement to raise awareness for World Autism Day which took place on 2nd April. Mike Lake gave his speech in the Canadian House of Commons with his 22-year-old son Jaden watching from the gallery.
Watch the video and share with your own networks.
The story of Anne-Lise Dahl, a daily walker
“Those daily trips give meaning to my life.”
My name is Anne-Lise Dahl. I am 79 and have lived alone since my husband died six years ago. During the last years of his life he had difficulty walking because of illness. I have been an active person all my life. I love being outdoors walking my dogs. I love nature, the fresh air, physical activity, and meeting nice people. My husband had the same interests.
When my husband was alive, we became less able to continue walking together. But the dogs helped us to get out every day, despite the weather. If not for the dogs, we could have been both mentally and physically less satisfied.
At least two important things happened to us. My late husband got an electric wheelchair – more like a scooter for being outdoors. Second, a functional footpath into the nature preserve close to our house was created. The footpath incorporates Universal Design elements, without compromising the experience of being close to nature when walking on it.
Even though my husband was in a wheelchair, we went for walks in the woods every day – in rain and sun, in windy or quiet weather. But not when there was snow and ice.
I now use a wheelchair myself because of a hip surgery, but I still take my daily walks on this lovely path. Getting inspiration from green nature, fresh air, and meeting other people, these daily trips give meaning to my life.
Read more about how Telemark’s County Council makes footpaths accessible for leisure and daily use by reading the factsheet.
EVPA – Interview with Michael Fembek, Director of the Zero Project
Martin Vogelsang at the Corporate and Entrepreneur Forum
We were incredibly happy to invite Martin Vogelsang from the European Venture Philanthropy Association to the UN in Vienna to take part in the Zero Project Conference.
Martin played a key role as an expert panellist in the Corporate and Entrepreneurship Forum, where he provided posed questions and provided advice to IT-related start-ups working in the assistive technology field.
Shortly after, Martin was able to catch up with Zero Project Director, Michael Fembek to find out more about the challenges and future vision of the Zero Project.
You can read the full interview by visiting the EVPA website.
The story of Issei Kizu, Bmaps user
“Bmaps has enabled me to be out and about with peace of mind.”
My name is Issei Kizu and I live in Tokyo. I have a congenital disease that makes my bones fragile; they are prone to break and bend easily. I use a lightweight electric wheelchair to go out. During my free time I take great pleasure in visiting new places and trying popular restaurants. As a wheelchair user, however, I used to give up trying to enter certain places because of steps, to my disappointment.
With Bmaps I can check the number of steps of the places I want to visit in advance, so now I don’t have to wait until I reach my destination to find out if it is accessible or not. It is particularly helpful when I go out with another wheelchair user, as we wish to move around by ourselves without having to ask for assistance.
The reviews by other users make me feel assured and encouraged to go out. I make it a rule to log the accessibility information of the places I could enter, hoping it will help others like me. Bmaps has enabled me to be out and about with peace of mind.
As a suggestion, it would be even better if Bmaps users could communicate with each other on a common platform, as this kind of interactive feature would be very useful in exchanging more detailed information and connecting Bmaps users.
Read more about how Mirairo Inc. has developed an application With accessibility information for a range of users by reading the factsheet.
By the year 2020, no one with a disability will feel alone – The vision of yoocan
At the ISCL Summit 2018 in Tel Aviv Moshe Gaon, CEO of yoocan passionately explained yoocan’s vision that “by the year 2020, no one with a disability will feel alone. yoocan wants to provide solutions and empowerment to every person with a disability around the globe.”
Gaon announced last month that yoocan Technologies would be launching the first early seed global assistive technologies hub and investors club. The hub and club are designed to allow early stage companies in the ecosystem receive the funding and market access support they need to accelerate their growth.
Yoocan was launched in 2016 as a global collaborative community, for and by people with disabilities. Stories from more than 100 countries are now shared on it, as well as information and knowledge from thousands of community members, organizations, service providers, innovators and vendors. It is now the world’s numbers one collaborative information and connection network for people with disability.
In ISCL summit there were 400 participants from over 40 countries who gathered to exchange information and build the next generation of startup community management tools, practices, and ideas. The ISCL summit’s goal was “to promote community mindsets and methodologies among startup enablers and creators by uniting and bringing together leading community managers from around the world.” Yoocan CEO was invited to share his vision and experience in building the yoocan global community.
For more information, check out yoocanfind.com or contact Moshe: moshe@yoocantech.com.