What to expect
Call for Nominations (#ZeroCall27)
Zero Project Awards 2027
#ZeroCall27 update:
Innovative solutions for disability inclusion
Quick links
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What you can nominate
Topics explained
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From nominations to Awardees
Selection criteria and process
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From #ZeroCall27 to #ZeroCon27
Timeline
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Whats is #ZeroCall27?
Summary in Easy Language
About the Zero Project Awards
A unique global meeting place to innovate for disability inclusion
Recognition and support through a global network of experts
The Zero Project Awards connect innovative solutions with a global network of experts, international visibility, and opportunities to strengthen their reach and impact.
Please note: The Zero Project Awards do not include a financial prize. Recognition and support is based on the opportunities listed below, such as presenting at global events and joining the Zero Project Network.
Independent Living, Political Participation, and Assistive Technology (AT)
The three topics of #ZeroCall27 explained
Each year, the Zero Project researches innovative solutions from around the world. These efforts are guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), with the goal of advancing the implementation of these rights.
Every four years, the Zero Project focuses its research on Independent Living and Political Participation, alternating with the topics of Education, Employment, and Accessibility.
Since 2020, Assistive Technology (AT) has been featured annually due to its growing importance and the rapid development of AT innovations. It was formerly included under the term of ICT.
Definitions and examples
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Independent Living
Independent living refers to the right to — and real support for — choosing where, how, and with whom to live, participating in the community on an equal basis with others, and not being forced into institutions or a fixed living arrangement. The Zero Project is seeking projects, measures, and services that ensure this level of self-determination.
Organizations and initiatives from the Arts and Culture sector are invited to nominate their innovative practices and policies for the Zero Project Arts Awards.
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Political Participation
Political participation means exercising the right to vote, stand for office, join public life, and influence decisions on an equal basis with others. Under Articles 21 and 29 CRPD, it requires accessible information, communication, voting, and support so persons with disabilities can take part freely and effectively.
The Zero Project is seeking nominations that provide these measures; nominations may include self-advocacy programmes.
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Assistive Technology (AT)
AT innovations are new technologies or design solutions that support persons with disabilities in doing tasks more independently, safely, and effectively. They include tools like screen readers, captioning, smart mobility aids, exoskeletons, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based support systems.
The Zero Project is seeking AT innovations that support these efforts.
Selection criteria and process
Innovation, impact, and scalability
While the Zero Project's research topics rotate each year, there are three main criteria that inform the selection process: innovation, impact, and scalability.
Main selection criteria explained:
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Innovation
The nominated solution will have demonstrated to be innovative and effective in removing barriers for persons with disabilties. The research takes into account the local context, geographies, and groups of beneficiaries.
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Impact
The impact of a particular solution could refer to the number of beneficiaries or people using a service, the solution’s growth rate, or the influence on improved public services, among others. Any selected solution must have been deployed and have already had an impact; the selection process does not consider projects or products at a concept stage.
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Scalability
All nominations are reviewed for their potential in replicating and expanding to new geographies or growing in another way that allows a maximum number of persons with disabilities to benefit from the innovation. Among the 1,000+ solutions that have been identified since 2013, scalability has been indeed multifaceted, ranging from open-source applications to the replication of effective policies, to the expansion of inclusive start-up solutions to new countries.
Selection process: from nominations to Awardees
When the Call for Nominations closes, the selection process will begin, involving hundreds of people worldwide. Every nomination will be carefully evaluated: over several months, the Zero Project's research team will engage with experts from the Zero Project Network across an extensive multi-step process, including screening against formal criteria, peer review, and fact checking.
By the end of August, a shortlist of innovative solutions will be announced. In addition, a group of inclusive arts initiatives will be shortlisted for the Zero Project Arts Awardees cohort.
Shortlisted nominations will receive the Zero Project Shortlist Badge, certifying their achievement of reaching the shortlist stage. Moreover, they will receive an exclusive invitation to the Zero Project Conference, which will be hosted at the United Nations Office at Vienna.
On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3), the Zero Project will announce that year’s Zero Project Awardees.
From Nomination to Award Ceremony
Do you have questions?
Don't hesitate to send an email with your questions to the Zero Project Team!