Accessibility Progress in January
In this month's disability news, witness historic political breakthroughs, remarkable personal achievements, and technological strides enhancing accessibility. Initiatives promoting digital equity and challenging societal norms underscore a collective effort towards a more inclusive future. Join us in exploring the latest pick where individuals with disabilities redefine possibilities and inspire positive change.
People:
Mar Galcerán, a 45-year-old advocate for inclusivity with Down's syndrome, became Spain's first parliamentarian with the condition, marking a significant step towards greater representation and dismantling stereotypes for people with Down's syndrome, not just in politics but in society as a whole, following in the footsteps of Ángela Bachiller, who became Spain's first city councillor with Down's syndrome in 2013.
Learn more about Mar Galcerán: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/09/mar-galceran-makes-history-spain-first-parliamentarian-downs-syndrome
Jay Stevens, from Sydney's Northern Beaches, defied the odds and became the first paraplegic to walk to Mount Everest base camp without a wheelchair. This incredible feat involved a challenging 12-day trek covering 130 kilometres of rough terrain - boulders, bridges, glaciers - in harsh conditions with sub-zero temperatures, both day and night.
Learn more about Jay Stevens: https://www.9news.com.au/national/sydney-jay-stevens-paralysed-mount-everest/291375d0-c11d-4c96-9a2b-034012720473
Tech:
In a major accessibility win, Unilever has partnered with Be My Eyes to bring AI-powered cooking assistance to visually impaired individuals. By scanning special QR codes on Unilever products, users can access narrated recipe instructions or connect with sighted volunteers for live video help, empowering them to cook independently and enjoy the full culinary experience.
Learn more about the partnership: https://vergemagazine.co.uk/unilever-partners-with-be-my-eyes-to-introduce-ai-assisted-cooking-for-blind-and-low-vision-shoppers/?utm_source=accessinformationnews&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=01292024&utm_term=editorial
Airbnb is celebrating the success of its Adapted category launched a year ago, which caters to users with accessibility needs. With over 5 million searches and 1,100 homes listed globally, the initiative is proving popular. To showcase its diversity, Airbnb highlighted 10 beautifully designed examples from this ever-growing category.
Learn more about the Airbnb Adapted category: https://news.airbnb.com/accessible-travel-tips-for-guests-and-hosts-to-spread-festive-cheer-to-all/
New York subways are getting an accessibility upgrade! Vibrant QR codes are rolling out across stations to assist riders with diverse needs. These interactive codes cater to individuals with mobility, language, or sensory disability, aiming to transform navigation and create a more inclusive public transportation experience for everyone.
Learn more about New York Subway QR Codes: https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorful-qr-codes
Policy:
Bangladesh government launched Smart Bangladesh 2041, one of the highlights of this initiative is its focus on ensuring Digital Equity – the idea that everyone should have the availability, accessibility and affordability of information technology needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy.
Learn more about Smart Bangladesh: https://a2i.gov.bd/a2i-missions/digital-equity/
Rosemary Kayess, a senior academic and a member of the United Nations drafting committee for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, began her tenure as Australia’s new Disability Discrimination Commissioner on January 29, 2024. She aims to transform societal perceptions of disability and address social structures that hinder equal participation. Her focus will be on working with the government, stakeholders, and the disability community to combat ableism and uphold the rights of people with disabilities in all aspects of life.
Learn more about Rosemary Kayess: https://humanrights.gov.au/about/news/media-releases/rosemary-kayess-commences-disability-discrimination-commissioner
