Zero Project Awardees 2024

#ZeroCall24: Inclusive Education, and ICT

77 Zero Project Awardees from 43 countries

A dark green laurel wreath, the Zero Project logo, and the words "Award Winner 2024"
This is the Awardee Badge for the Zero Project Awardees 2024.

The Zero Project is delighted to announce the Zero Project Awardees 2024: 77 innovative solutions from 43 countries that remove barriers for persons with disabilities in the fields of Inclusive Education, and ICT.

Explore the Awardees by world region

Innovation, Impact, and Scalability

An unprecedented 526 nominations from 97 countries were submitted during this year's call for nominations (#ZeroCall24). They were evaluated in a multi-step process that included extensive peer-review by experts from the Zero Project's global and cross-sectoral network. The selection was based on three criteria: innovation, impact, and scalability.

Learn more about the Research process
 

The Zero Project Conference 2024 (#ZeroCon24)

#ZeroCon24 | February 21-23, 2024

The Zero Project seedling icon next to text reading "#ZeroCon24: Inclusive Education, and ICT. February 21-23, 2024"

The Zero Project Conference 2024 (#ZeroCon24) will be centred around the Zero Project Awardees and their proven solutions to remove barriers for all.

It is a unique global meeting place to innovate for disability inclusion. Around 1,000 people from 100 countries are invited to attend the annual conference at the United Nations Offices in Vienna (invite-only), and the accessible livestream and on-demand content are set to attract more than 10,000 views.

Explore the Agenda on the #ZeroCon24 conference platform: 

zerocon24.zeroproject.org
 

Global representation from all sectors of society

“The innovations of the Zero Project Awardees vary in their approaches and the fields they target. What unites them is a solution-oriented mindset towards removing barriers. Through their demonstrated practices, they also have answers for some of the most urgent challenges related to disability inclusion in these times of multiple crises.”

Martin Essl, Founder of the Essl Foundation

The 77 Zero Project Awardees come from 43 different countries and from all six continents, with Europe (24 Awardees), Asia & Pacific (23), North America (10), Latin America & Caribbean (11), Africa (6), and Australia & Oceania (3).

The countries with the highest numbers of Awardees are the United States of America (9); India (6); Austria (5); Spain (4); and Australia, Brazil, and Japan (3 each).

All awarded solutions are scalable, with many already operational in several countries. The number of innovations from and implemented on the African continent, is at its highest compared to any previous research cycle, reflecting the significant potential and steadily growing innovation landscape in these countries.

Explore the Zero Project Awardees by world region:

Jump to a section or scroll down for the full list.

Africa

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Asia & Pacific

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Australia & Oceania

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Europe

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  • This image captures a group of individuals gathered outdoors, likely for a social or community event. In the foreground, a woman holding papers is speaking to a man who is also holding a document, while a young girl stands beside them looking at a piece of paper, possibly an award or certificate. The audience, consisting of adults and children, appears attentive and cheerful. The setting includes wooden benches and lantern-style lights, suggesting a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The event seems to foster a sense of community and recognition, aligning with values of support and acknowledgment of individuals' efforts or achievements.

    Austria: Hospital St. John of God Linz, Upper Austria

    Support for deaf Ukrainian refugees

    Special support for deaf and hard of hearing refugees in sign language, life skills, and job application

  • This image shows a bright and inviting library space with individuals engaged in various activities. In the foreground, a person in a motorized wheelchair is interacting with a standing person, suggesting an atmosphere of inclusivity and assistance. In the background, two individuals are playing chess at a table, while another person walks by, blurred by motion, adding a dynamic feel to the scene. The library shelves are well-stocked, indicating a place of learning and resourcefulness. The environment promotes equality and tolerance, as people of different abilities and interests share the space harmoniously.

    Austria: Schulzentrum Ungargasse

    Reverse Integration Policy

    A high school prioritizing the admission of students with disabilities

  • This is a high-angle group photo featuring a diverse assembly of individuals, possibly colleagues, gathered outdoors. They are standing on a paved area surrounded by greenery, including a large leafy plant and a raised garden bed. The group is casually dressed, suggesting a relaxed, informal event. Their expressions are cheerful, and some hold drinks, which could imply a social gathering or celebration. The image conveys a sense of unity and camaraderie among the people, embodying themes of inclusivity and community.

    Austria: Johannes Kepler University

    Developmental medicine as a compulsory curriculum

    Inclusion of topics concerning developmental disabilities into the medical curriculum of future doctors

  • This image shows a young child engrossed in using a tablet. The child is sitting on the floor with a focus that suggests engagement with the content on the screen. The tablet is encased in a protective pink cover, indicating that it may be specially designed for use by children. The child appears to be casually dressed in a comfortable environment, possibly at home, which suggests a sense of security and the opportunity to learn and explore digitally. The picture subtly emphasizes the importance of access to technology for all ages and the role it plays in education and development.

    Austria: Lingvano

    Lingvano App

    A start-up app that reaches more than 1.3 million sign language learners worldwide

  • This image depicts a therapy session where a healthcare professional, a woman, is assisting a young child. The child is lying on a therapy mat with a blue exercise ball placed between their legs, which the therapist is holding. The environment suggests a pediatric therapy clinic, evidenced by the toys, therapy equipment, and child-friendly decorations around the room. The therapist is focused on the child, indicative of a caring and supportive interaction aimed at aiding the child's development or rehabilitation. The scene embodies themes of assistance, care, and the nurturing of growth and improvement, all within a setting designed to be welcoming and engaging for children.

    Belgium: EASPD with UNICEF Regional Office in Geneva and six national partner organizations

    Joint Emergency Early Childhood Development Support for Ukrainian Refugees

    Emergency early childhood intervention supporting over 12,000 Ukrainian refugees 

  • The photo depicts a clinical setting where a healthcare professional is attending to a young boy seated on a chair. The boy appears to have a prosthetic leg, and the professional is seemingly making adjustments or examining the prosthetic device. In the background, another individual is seated, possibly waiting for assistance or accompanying the boy. The image conveys a sense of care and medical support, highlighting themes of assistance and health services accessibility, which are crucial for societal equality and justice. The environment suggests that this may be taking place in an African context based on the appearance of the individuals and the website watermark.

    Belgium: Ugani Prosthetics

    Ugani Prosthetics

    Local 3D production of high-quality, low-cost prosthetics in low-income countries

  • The photo depicts a group of African men and women gathered around tables in a community setting, possibly a classroom or meeting space. The individuals are engaged in what appears to be a discussion or workshop, with a focus on inclusivity and community support, as suggested by the poster in the background mentioning improved access to inclusive early childhood care. The attire and adornments of the participants, along with the context provided by the poster, suggest a commitment to cultural identity and social development. The scene embodies themes of collaboration, education, and empowerment within a diverse community.

    Germany: CBM Christoffel-Blindenmission – Kenya Country Office

    CBM Turkana Inclusive Education Project

    Ensure inclusive early childhood care and education in refugee camps and emergencies

  • This image depicts a person in a garden center watering plants. The individual is using a walker, which indicates they may have mobility challenges, yet they are actively engaged in the task of gardening. They are dressed casually in a pink and purple plaid shirt and jeans, and they appear focused on their work. In the background, another person can be seen walking among the rows of plants. The setting is outdoors, and the garden center is filled with a variety of potted plants and gardening supplies. This scene promotes the theme of inclusivity, showing that gardening is an activity accessible to individuals with different abilities.

    Hungary: Salva Vita Foundation

    Youth House

    Youth House: Empowering vulnerable young people with disabilities not in education, employment, or training(NEET) 

  • In the image, we see a person sitting comfortably on a couch, wearing a vibrant yellow hoodie and headphones, with a joyful smile on their face. They are holding what appears to be a video game controller. The setting is a cozy room with a window through which daylight is coming in, and there are plants on the windowsill, adding a touch of nature and tranquility to the scene. The atmosphere is relaxed and the individual seems to be enjoying their leisure time, which may suggest a balance between work and personal life, an important aspect of well-being and equality.

    Netherlands: Hable One B.V.

    Hable One

    Enhancing smartphone and tablet accessibility for individuals with visual impairments 

  • The photo shows a young child from the back, engaged in play with colorful toy blocks that resemble little houses. The child is sitting on a patterned blanket that covers the floor, suggesting a safe and comfortable play environment. The presence of toys indicates a nurturing setting that encourages development and learning. The image reflects themes of growth, potential, and the universal aspect of childhood, where play is a common language across cultures, promoting equality and understanding among the youngest members of our global community.

    Portugal: Cooperative for Inclusion (CECD)

    National System of Early Childhood Intervention (SNIPI)

    A case manager coordinating early intervention support from three ministries

  • In the image, we see an individual focused on working at a laptop. The person is wearing glasses and a striped polo shirt, and appears to be sitting in an office environment. Behind them is a wall with the words "Fundacion GOODJOB" prominently displayed, suggesting that this may be a workspace of a foundation that likely focuses on social good, employment, or assistance. The setting conveys a professional atmosphere, and the person's engagement with their work could be seen as a representation of inclusion and empowerment in the workplace.

    Spain: Fundación GoodJob

    #IMPACT

    Company- and volunteer-based vocational training model for creating inclusive jobs in the IT sector

  • The image displays two documents laid out on a white surface, each accompanied by a digital tablet, a cup of coffee, and some office supplies. The documents are titled "Programme Content Guidelines" and "Curriculum Design Blueprint." Below each document, there is a blue button labeled "ACCESS RESOURCE," indicating that these are likely digital resources related to educational materials or guidelines. The overall theme suggests a focus on educational planning and accessibility, which aligns with values of equality and justice in education. No people are visible in the image.

    Spain: University of Barcelona together with partner universities in Europe

    Charm-EU

    European university alliance fostering inclusion by sharing tools and good practices

  • This image depicts a diverse group of individuals in a modern office or classroom setting, focused on technology and collaboration. A man in a plaid shirt appears to be leading or presenting, holding electronic components. In the foreground, a woman in a white jacket is working at a laptop, engaged in her task. The group includes people of different ethnic backgrounds and ages, and one person is in a wheelchair, highlighting inclusivity and accessibility. The environment suggests a theme of teamwork, learning, and mutual support, resonating with values of equality and justice.

    Spain: Fundación ONCE

    Por Talento Digital

    A programme to improve employability of people with disabilities in the digital sector

  • This image features a young child and an adult woman in a therapeutic or rehabilitative setting. The child, who appears to have some form of physical disability, is supported by a harness system, which suggests the facilitation of movement or physical therapy exercises. The woman, likely a therapist or caregiver, is attentively assisting the child. Both individuals are focused on an object or activity out of frame, possibly a form of interactive therapy or learning tool. The environment is colorful and designed to be engaging for children. The image conveys a sense of care, support, and the importance of accessibility in creating opportunities for all individuals to engage and learn.

    Spain: IRISBOND

    Hiru

    An eye-tracking device for persons with severe disabilities enabling them to communicate via computers and iPads

  • This image shows a group of young children engaged in play and learning activities. A child in a red shirt is interacting with a tablet, possibly using an educational app, while other children are around with toys like a doll and a yellow toy truck. The presence of various toys suggests a playful and inclusive environment that encourages learning through play, irrespective of gender or ability. The children appear focused and are likely developing important cognitive and social skills in a supportive setting.

    Switzerland: UNICEF

    Giving Voice to Every Child

    UNICEF-based technology project supporting young people with communication impairments

  • The image shows a joyful group of nine individuals posing together for a photo. Two individuals are using wheelchairs, which signifies the inclusion of people with disabilities. The group is diverse in terms of gender and possibly cultural backgrounds, reflecting a spirit of equality and tolerance. Behind them, a banner with vibrant colors and the words "Renkli Kampus" suggests a context of community, possibly related to an educational or social initiative that promotes diversity and inclusion. The smiles and positive body language of the individuals convey a message of camaraderie and support for one another.

    Turkey: Değiştiren Adımlar Derneği (DADER)

    Campus of Colours

    Training students to become leaders and innovators in accessibility and inclusion

  • This image shows a group of people, likely a mix of students and instructors, standing proudly in a room filled with colorful artwork. They are displaying their creative work, which includes various abstract designs and shapes. The table in front of them is scattered with paper cutouts and art materials, suggesting a collaborative and educational environment. The diversity in age and the shared focus on art convey a sense of inclusion and community. The setting appears to be an art class or workshop, emphasizing creativity and expression as a unifying activity, promoting values such as teamwork, learning, and the joy of creation.

    Turkey: Bergama Belediyesi Rahmi Yeşilsoy Engelliler Merkezi

    Accessible Education Systems

    Accessible education systems with audio and tactile inclusive materials

  • The image is a promotional graphic for Career Hub Pro, featuring two animated characters. On the left, a character is seated at a desk with a laptop, suggesting a professional setting. On the right, another character is perched on a speech bubble, holding a mobile device and papers, symbolizing active engagement in learning or work. The graphic includes logos and text in a non-English language, indicating a registration date and mentioning freelancing, copywriting, design, and digital marketing courses. The vibrant colors and playful design suggest a positive and inclusive approach to career development and education.

    Ukraine: CSR Ukraine

    Career Hub Pro: Freelance

    CSR Ukraine creates online-courses to support disabled people’s professional development 

  • The image shows a person's hand holding a smartphone with text in a non-English language on the screen, which seems to be a menu of services for internally displaced persons (IDPs). The text on the phone is not in English, but the English caption on the image reads "Services for internally displaced persons," indicating that the phone application is designed to assist those who have been forced to leave their homes but remain within their country's borders. The image promotes themes of assistance and support for vulnerable populations, reflecting values of equality, tolerance, and justice. No individuals' faces are shown, focusing the viewer's attention on the service being offered rather than the person using it. The logos in the upper right corner suggest that the application is possibly linked to a specific region or country.

    Ukraine: Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine

    Unified Information System of the Social Sphere (UISSS)

    A government e-system making social assistance to persons with disabilities available by smartphone

  • The photo depicts an African woman and a young boy in a classroom setting. The woman, wearing a vibrant pink headscarf and dress, is attentively guiding the boy through his studies. The boy, dressed in a white shirt, is focused on his work and appears to be counting or thinking deeply about a problem. Both are engaged in the educational process, highlighting the importance of learning and mentorship. The image exudes a sense of care, support, and the pursuit of knowledge, aligning with themes of equality and assistance in education.

    UK: Sightsavers with the International Disability Alliance (IDA)

    Inclusive Futures

    How to include regional DPOs in education programmes funded by international development agencies

Latin America & Caribbean

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North America

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  • This image depicts a lively indoor scene, possibly within a school or community center. A diverse group of children and adults are gathered around a table with colorful bowling pins set upon it, suggesting a playful activity or game is taking place. The atmosphere appears joyful and inclusive, with many participants smiling, clapping, and raising their hands in excitement. The room is brightly lit and filled with various items that indicate a child-friendly environment. The presence of individuals with varying abilities, as some appear to be using wheelchairs, underscores a theme of inclusivity and community engagement where everyone is welcomed and encouraged to participate. The scene conveys a sense of unity, celebration, and the importance of providing accessible and enjoyable activities for all members of the community.

    USA: Perkins School for the Blind

    Model Program Approach

    A fast-growing, easy-to-replicate approach making education accessible for children with disabilities

  • This image depicts a diverse group of individuals in an educational setting. The focus is on cultural exchange, as evidenced by the person at the front, who appears to be giving a presentation about China, as suggested by the cultural artifacts and decorations, such as traditional clothing and informational posters. The audience includes people of different ethnic backgrounds, demonstrating an inclusive environment where learning and appreciation of different cultures are encouraged. This scene promotes themes of equality and tolerance through education and cultural awareness.

    USA: Center for International Disability Advocacy and Diplomacy at St. Cloud State University

    US China Deaf Leadership and Advocacy Project

    Cultivating deaf leadership and global advocates from China to the United States 

  • This is a heartwarming photo showing a moment of care and connection between two individuals. A woman, likely of African origin, is gently holding a mug for a young child in her arms. The child, smiling broadly and looking directly at the camera, appears to be very happy and comfortable in the woman's embrace. The setting seems to be a home environment, with wooden furniture and cabinetry in the background. The image conveys themes of nurturing, support, and the joy found in simple acts of kindness. The woman's action exemplifies assistance and the child's joyful expression reflects the positive impact of such care.

    USA: SPOON

    Count Me In (app)

    Using an app, training, and advocacy to fight malnutrition among children with disabilities

  • This image shows a diverse group of schoolchildren watching a performance in a school auditorium. In the foreground, two persons in a wheelchair appears to be engaging in an expressive dance or performance art, whilst they are flanked by two standing dancers who are equally dynamic in the expressions with their hands extended into the air in a V-like shape. The audience looks captivated and surprised by the performance. The scene promotes inclusivity and the idea that art and expression are accessible to all, regardless of physical abilities. The performers demonstrate courage and creativity, which serves as an inspiration to the audience, highlighting themes of equality and the celebration of diverse abilities.

    USA: Infinite Flow Dance

    Elementary School Assemblies and ‘Scoops of Inclusion’

    A professional dance company educating youth about disability inclusion in mainstream schools

  • The image is a digital illustration promoting an application named Nagish, which offers captioning services for calls to facilitate communication. The illustration depicts a stylized, oversized smartphone with a female character standing on it. She appears engaged with the device, possibly communicating through it. The speech bubbles and the app interface suggest the app translates voice to text, enhancing accessibility. The image conveys themes of inclusivity and technological aid, emphasizing the importance of accessible communication tools for all individuals. The tagline "Communication For All" reinforces the message of equal access to communication.

    USA: Nagish

    Nagish App

    An AI-based smartphone app translating conversations into text messages in real time

  • This image shows a young child in a classroom environment, proudly holding up a tablet displaying an educational activity. The child is smiling and looking at the camera, conveying a sense of joy and engagement with the learning process. Around the child are other students, focused on their work, and school materials such as notebooks are visible on the tables. This scene highlights the importance of access to technology in education and the positive impact it can have on a child's learning experience. The atmosphere suggests a collaborative and inclusive educational setting where every student has the opportunity to learn and grow.

    USA: UNICEF

    Accessible Digital Textbooks (ADT) initiative

    UNICEF’s accessible digital textbooks for children with and without disabilities

  • This image shows a close-up of an open book with a tactile picture that a child is exploring with their hand. The page visible contains a large printed fish and text that reads "Big Fish was alone because it was so big. It could not play with little fishes." The tactile image is a raised outline of the same fish, allowing a child, possibly with visual impairments, to feel and understand the picture through touch. The book appears to be an educational tool designed for inclusive learning, promoting accessibility and catering to the needs of children with different abilities. The image embodies themes of understanding, inclusivity, and the importance of providing equal opportunities for learning and engagement for all children.

    USA: Sensee

    Sensee

    Technology converting complex textbooks into Braille within hours

  • The photo shows an individual who appears to be a man with a focused or contemplative expression. He is wearing a sweater with a geometric pattern and seems to be seated at a desk or table, suggesting a work or study environment. The background is out of focus, emphasizing the person in the foreground. There are no explicit elements in the image that denote themes of equality, tolerance, assistance, or justice, but the setting might imply a commitment to education or professional development, which can be associated with personal empowerment and opportunity.

    USA: Raising the Floor

    Morphic

    A free open-source tool for increasing cross-disability accessibility of computers 

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