Built Environment, Europe, News, October 1 2019 SPAIN: The Alliance for World Universal Accessibility Day, formed by FC Barcelona, the Barça Foundation, the ‘la Caixa’ Bank Foundation, Barcelona City Council and Mapp4all Universal Accessibility have put together a request that will be sent to the United Nations to ask the international organisation to declare 30 […]

The new six-year plan aligns with our core values of inclusion and diversity, and community expectations that people with disability are included in all areas of public life. The University of Sydney is recognised as one of Australia’s higher education leaders in disability inclusion, with our previous Disability Action Plan (2013-18) being recognised as an […]

Asia-Pacific, Built Environment, Universal Design, September 10 2019 AUSTRALIA: A group of Perth university students and real estate agents have teamed up to design an accessible home using construction software inspired by the gaming industry, with the goal of raising awareness of the importance of creating universal affordable accommodation. A computer model of one of the […]

Asia-Pacific, Built Environment, News, August 26 2019 MYANMAR: A first-ever private eatery run by staff with hearing impairment was opened in Myanmar’s Yangon earlier this month, creating a deaf-friendly environment. “The Able,” a sign language book cafe, is entirely staffed by six hearing-impaired persons from service staff to chef, to encourage disabled yet differently abled […]

Asia-Pacific, Built Environment, Universal Design, August 16 2019 INDIA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked for introduction of a mobile application to help the disabled facing difficulty in accessing means of transport and government buildings upload pictures of their experiences. He has also asked officials to be “compassionate” towards the cause and to accelerate the […]

TOKYO, JAPAN: A little more than a year remains before the start of the Tokyo Paralympics, and sports facilities for the disabled are being built across Japan and competitions being held for para athletes. The Paralympics are expected to enhance the visibility of sports for the disabled and help improve their business viability. The Yomiuri […]

Built Environment, Europe, ICT, Universal Design, August 12 2019 The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) will finance 20 urban projects with €82 million. These projects were put forward by cities under the 4th call for proposals of the Urban Innovative Actions which is implemented by French region Hauts-de-France. Johannes Hahn, Member of the EC in charge of European Neighbourhood Policy […]

MARYLAND, US: The National Federation of the Blind, the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans, today applauded the introduction of the Greater Access and Independence through Nonvisual Access Technology (GAIN) Act of 2019 (H.R. 3929) in the House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and Mark […]

Asia-Pacific, Built Environment, July 15 2019 SINGAPORE: From Jan 6 next year, new buildings or buildings undergoing large-scale renovations will have to ensure that they fulfil new accessibility regulations. These include building more spacious changing rooms and toilets for the convenience of the elderly, their caregivers and the disabled to give them a more accessible […]

Asia-Pacific, Built Environment, July 12 2019 SINGAPORE: Lunch with colleagues is a simple affair for many, a little highlight of each workday. But for people with disabilities, it can be an ordeal they have to pass up because of the lack of accessibility where colleagues may be gathering. The public accessibility mapping exercise was held on […]