More information about the Zero Project Awards 2026, the Call for Nomination, the other topics, and the selection process can be found here:
Accessibility is one of three #ZeroCall26 topics, alongside ICT and Crisis Response.
It is the precondition for persons with disabilities to live independently, participate fully and equally in society, and have unrestricted enjoyment of all their human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with others.
The Zero Project defines Accessibility in alignment with Article 9 of the UN CRPD; solutions that remove barriers and ensure equal access to environments, ICT, and services. Nominations can relate to the built environment, access to healthcare, inclusive arts, and workplace adaptations, to name a few.
The built environment consists of buildings, roads, and transport networks. It also includes places like schools, housing, medical facilities, and workplaces. The Zero Project is seeking design solutions that improve accessibility. This means making it easier for people to move and use these spaces.
Products are physical things like cars or smart phones; services are intangible e.g. a ride in a taxi or getting a haircut. They should be easy to use. The Zero Project is interested in inclusive products and services, assistive technology, access to health services, and crisis response solutions, among others.
Urban development means solutions for city planning. These solutions should make places open and easy for everyone to use. They should use Universal Design rules. The Zero Project is looking for solutions that make public places like community centers, museums, schools, libraries, sport centers, transport systems, and smart city areas better for everyone.
Accessible tourism makes travel easy for persons with disabilities. It includes accessible places to stay, transport, and attractions. The Zero Project is seeking solutions for better accessibility in tourism. These solutions can be standards for accessible places, technologies for easy navigation, and services that make travel better for everyone.
Inclusive art allows for experiences that everyone can enjoy -- persons with and without disabilities. The Zero Project is seeking solutions that make it easier for people to access arts. Examples include accessible museums, tactile 'touch' art tours, easy language guides, and programmes/solutions in a variety of fields from music to photography to dance to theater and the visual arts.
Access to financial services means easy use of banking and financial services for everyone. The Zero Project is seeking solutions that include accessible banking apps, inclusive financial education programmes, and services for equal access to loans and savings.
Access to healthcare means easy use of medical services for everyone. Healthcare for persons with disabilities must be fair and affordable. The Zero Project is seeking solutions that align with the UN CRPD and the social model of disability, and barrier free access to healthcare programmes and services, buildings/facilities, ICT-solutions and telemedicine.
Workplace adaptation makes workspaces accessible for persons with disabilities. The Zero Project is seeking solutions that include flexible workspaces, assistive technologies, and inclusive policies. The solutions should support equal job opportunities and improve productivity for everyone.
Universal Design makes products, places, and services usable for everyone. It does not need changes or special design. It has seven principles; (1) equitable use; (2) flexibility; (3) simplicity; (4) perceptible information; (5) tolerance for error; (6) low physical effort; (7) and appropriate size/space. The Zero Project is seeking universal design solutions that can be used in public spaces, products, services, and elsewhere.
Fill out the official form (Microsoft Form) to submit your innovative solution for #ZeroCall26.
Please note: The form cannot be saved mid-way and must be submitted in English. Find resources to prepare your nomination here.
More information about the Zero Project Awards 2026, the Call for Nomination, the other topics, and the selection process can be found here:
The Zero Project seeks intersectional solutions that address diverse needs, focusing on women with disabilities and incorporating inputs from various races, religions, sexual orientations, refugees, persons with severe disabilities, albinos, and those with rare diseases. The aim is to foster inclusive innovations that promote equality and representation for all.
If in doubt, do not hesitate to nominate!
The Zero Project Team will answer questions on the Call for Nominations in this free information webinar on MS Teams:
Date: May 22, 2025
Time: 14:00-15:00 CEST
Accessibility: Live captioning in English and International Sign interpretation
If your Accessibility solution doesn’t match the examples on this page but is innovative, has proven impact, and is based on a replicable model, your nomination may still be eligible.
If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out to the Zero Project Team with your question: