Zero Project

🌍 Proud to announce the Zero Project Awardees 2025! On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, join us in celebrating 77 innovative solutions from 45 countries that break down barriers to disability-inclusive Employment, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). From women entrepreneurs to company strategies and DPOs as employment facilitators, to the arts as job promoters; from solutions featuring low-cost prosthetics to assistive technology accelerators, and from sign-language solutions to AI-based innovations: all Awardees contribute significantly to advancing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), standing out for their innovation, impact, and scalability. #ZeroBarriers The Awardees will present their innovative solutions at the Zero Project Conference 2025 (#ZeroCon25), March 5-7, at the United Nations at Vienna. 📢 Join us as we celebrate the Zero Project Awardees 2025, by spreading the word about their innovative solutions. Your words of encouragement mean the world to our Awardees, who tirelessly work toward creating a world with zero barriers. Let them know their efforts are recognized, valued, and seen! ➡️ Discover the full list of Zero Project Awardees 2025 here: https://lnkd.in/daktCJJA 💡 Stay connected to learn about these innovations in detail over the coming weeks. Martin Essl, Michael Fembek, Anna Königseder, Robin Tim Weis, Wilfried Kainz, Sabine Wachernig, Mariia Horbivnenko, Judith Hermetter, Małgorzata Grobelna, Maria Chiara Franco, Isabella Essl, Alessandro Gobello, Anja Günther, Mediengarten, Michael Pichler, United Nations Office at Vienna #ZeroBarriers #IDPWD #ZeroProjectAwardees #InclusiveEmployment #ICT #DisabilityCommunity #IDPD25"

We are Hiring! Are you passionate about technology and AI? Join the Zero Project Team and help shape our digital landscape while connecting with a global network of disability inclusion innovators and experts! 🌍✨ We are seeking a passionate professional with expertise in Microsoft applications (e.g., CRM Dynamics, SharePoint, Azure) and a keen interest in AI developments. This role offers an exciting opportunity to be involved in innovative AI projects with a purpose, collaborating with an international team and contributing to removing barriers for persons with disabilities. 🔹 Position: Microsoft AI and Systems Specialist with a Focus on AI Projects and Microsoft Solutions 🔹 Hours: Part-time / Full-time 🔹 Location: Vienna, Austria (with telework flexibility) 🔹 Applications by persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged! How to apply: 🔹 Find the job description here (PDF): https://lnkd.in/dJgKBfY9 🔹 Application deadline: Friday, January 31, 2025, at 23:59 CET Repost and share with your network! 🌟 #AI #ZeroBarriers #DisabilityInclusion #Hiring Anna Königseder, Michael Fembek

🗺️💡Funding and Accelerating Innovations in Assistive Technologies 🗺️💡 Funding and scaling assistive technologies remain a challenge in an investment landscape that does not fully recognize and understand the inherent business case. Discover these Zero Project Awardees and their replicable solutions to support the development of assistive technologies: - 2Gether-International (United States): The 2GI Accelerator Programs empower start-ups led by entrepreneurs with disabilities. From 2019-2024, 2GI supported 80+ start-ups, raising $70M+ with backing from Comcast, Amazon, Google.org, and JP Morgan Chase. - TOM Tikkun Olam Makers (United States): A global platform connecting engineers, caregivers, and persons with disabilities to develop assistive technologies. Operating in 35+ countries, TOM delivers solutions 80%-99% cheaper with innovations across 62 university campuses worldwide. - Access to Success Organization (Canada): Through ATS Labs, this program accelerates accessible start-ups by providing mentorship, resources, and funding. From 2019-2024, ATS Labs funded 60 entrepreneurs across five countries to build life-changing assistive technologies. The Zero Project Awardees 2025 from 45 countries will be front and center at the Zero Project Conference 2025. Find out more about #ZeroCon25 on zerocon25.zeroproject.org/. 🔗 Discover more solutions at. https://lnkd.in/djJnvbvU #AssistiveTech #InclusiveInnovation #AccessibleFuture #ZeroProjectAwardee2025

🌟 Empowering Entrepreneurs with Disabilities🌟 Discover how impactful programmes around the globe are driving entrepreneurship and fostering economic empowerment for persons with disabilities: 🟢 Fundación Saraki (Paraguay): The Mbarete Project delivers comprehensive support, combining business advocacy and training to empower entrepreneurs with disabilities to build sustainable enterprises. 🟢 World Vision Zambia (Zambia): Through its Registration Programme for Disability-Owned Suppliers, World Vision Zambia prioritizes purchases from entrepreneurs with disabilities, opening access to larger markets and opportunities. 🟢 National Union of Disability Organizations in Rwanda (Rwanda): Their Save and Invest for Your Bright Future program provides microfinance solutions tailored for persons with disabilities in rural sub-Saharan Africa, enabling small businesses to grow and thrive. 🟢 SOFAN (Chile): The SOFIA Programme champions social enterprise by creating inclusive jobs and supporting businesses in the digital marketing sector. 🟢 Sense International Kenya (Kenya): Through the Disability Inclusive Development Inclusive Futures Programme, Sense International supports micro-entrepreneurs with complex disabilities, promoting financial inclusion and independence. 🗓️ These organizations are among the 77 Zero Project Awardees to be featured at the Zero Project Conference 2025 (#ZeroCon25) from March 5-7 at the United Nations Office at Vienna. 🔗 Explore more innovative solutions at: https://lnkd.in/djJnvbvU 🔗 Find the Conference agenda at: https://lnkd.in/djJnvbvU #InclusiveEntrepreneurship #EconomicEmpowerment #EntrepreneursWithDisabilities #DrivingChange #ZeroProjectAwardee2025

☀️ DPOs as 360° Facilitators of Inclusive Employment☀️ Discover Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs) worldwide are transforming employment for persons with disabilities by providing 360° support, vocational training, and job placement: 🟢 Network of Organizations Working with People with Disabilities, Pakistan (NOWPDP) (Pakistan): NOWPDP empowers the business sector through regional inclusion centres and its Centre of Excellence for Financial Inclusion (CEFI). Between 2016-2023, NOWPDP created 1,400 jobs, collaborated with major firms, and set inclusive standards in the banking sector. 🟢 100% Handinamique (France): This youth-led programme provides 360° support for young persons with disabilities, creating activities, employment opportunities, and peer-led mentorship. From 2021 to 2024, it enabled 150 youth to find jobs, engaging over 632 members in 2023 alone. 🟢 Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (Guyana): Through its EmployAbility programme, this DPO offers ICT and entrepreneurship training. From 2016-2024, 624 individuals were trained, with 42% gaining employment and 80 launching businesses with grant support. 🟢 Fundacja Aktywizacja (Poland): Providing a comprehensive nationwide support model, Fundacja Aktywizacja helped 3,120 individuals with disabilities in 2023 alone. Over 1,137 participants secured open-market jobs with tailored employer support. 🟢 Canadian Association For Supported Employment/ Association canadienne de soutien à l'emploi (CASE) (Canada): CASE’s MentorAbility initiative connects job seekers with disabilities to employers through 700 mentorships and 1,000+ events by 2023, fostering confidence and inclusive workplaces across the nation. 🗓️ These transformative DPOs are among the 77 Zero Project Awardees to be featured at the Zero Project Conference 2025 (#ZeroCon25) from March 5-7 at the United Nations Office at Vienna. 🔗 Find the #ZeroCon25 Agenda at: https://lnkd.in/djJnvbvU 🔗 Discover more innovations at: https://lnkd.in/daktCJJA #ZeroProjectAwardee2025 #InclusiveEmployment #DPO #DIsabilityInclusion #360SupportForAll

🌟 Encouraging Employers with Standards, Data, and Certification Explore how impactful initiatives are driving inclusive employment by setting high standards, leveraging data, and certifying employers: 🟢 Associazione Italiana Persone Down (AIPD) (Italy): The Valueable Handing Opportunities programme certifies employers in the hospitality sector for inclusive hiring practices. Since its launch in 2014, Valueable has expanded to 8 countries and facilitated over 350 placements for people with intellectual disabilities.  🟢 HandicapNL (Netherlands): Through From Learning to Earning, launched in 2023, HandicapNL focuses on apprenticeship training for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The programme is driving change with 400 apprenticeships, particularly in retail and hospitality sectors, providing participants with certification and pathways to employment.  🟢 CareER Association. (China – Hong Kong): The Disability Inclusion Index (DII), launched in 2021, helps 30 employers yearly enhance inclusivity in hiring educated individuals with disabilities. By setting measurable standards and tracking outcomes, the initiative supports 200 job placements annually, ensuring sustained progress. 🗓️ These initiatives are among the 77 Zero Project Awardees who will be showcased at the Zero Project Conference 2025 (#ZeroCon25). Join us as these organizations demonstrate how standards, data, and certifications empower employers to foster inclusive workplaces worldwide. 🔗 Find the Conference agenda at: https://lnkd.in/djJnvbvU 🔗 Discover more innovations at: https://lnkd.in/daktCJJA #ZeroProjectAwardee2025 #InclusiveEmployment #StandardsAndCertification #DrivingChange

🏘️ Public spaces for all: Discover “Champions of Inclusive Spaces” The Zero Project, in collaboration with SG Enable, is delighted to present this new report which was the result of a significant research project: For the first time the Zero Project harnessed its global network and collective expertise to spotlight champions and leaders in one of the most crucial areas of disability inclusion and accessibility: The Built Environment. 🔹 10 in-depth case studies from cities like Istanbul, Dublin, and Singapore. 🔹 7 expert insights from global thought leaders on challenges and solutions for building inclusive spaces. 🔹 20 short reviews of innovative approaches advancing accessibility and inclusion worldwide. The spaces and practices featured in “Champions of Inclusive Spaces” were carefully selected by the Zero Project to ensure they represent real, tangible examples of inclusive design. 📍 During our latest trip to Singapore, we were thrilled to experience three exemplary practices featured in the report: Istanbul Airport, the Enabling Village, and the Punggol Regional Library—all brilliant models of accessible and inclusive spaces! This report was first unveiled at the Zero Project Asia Pacific Symposium 2024 in Singapore. Since 2008, the Zero Project has identified over 1,000 innovative and scalable solutions that advance the implementation of the CRPD. 📥 Discover the report! Download the free accessible PDF. Martin Essl, Michael Fembek, SG Enable, Anja Günther, Ai Ling Chia, Alvin Tan, Hilal Kahraman, Iain McKinnon, Utsav Choudhury, Amanda Basi, Mark Trieglaff, Gerald Craddock, Susan Smyth, CSM, Guy Davies #ZeroProject #InclusiveSpaces #Accessibility #UniversalDesign #InnovationForAll

🌟 Employers Partnering with Disabled People's Organizations (DPOs) to Create Inclusive Workspaces! Discover how innovative collaborations between employers and DPOs are driving inclusive employment worldwide: 🟢 Fundación Yo Puedo, ¿Y Vos? (Costa Rica): Through the Yo Puedo Trabajar programme, over 12 years (2012–2024), they trained 1,500 persons with disabilities, adapted 5,000 workplaces, and expanded regionally. This initiative fosters workplace diversity and inclusion by training employers and providing job placement services. 🟢 Access - Inklusion im Arbeitsleben gGmbH (Germany): A grassroots initiative turned large-scale integration agency, Access bridges education and employment. By 2024, they supported 350 job seekers annually with a robust network of 1,500 employers and 70 staff members. 🟢 Helm (Egypt): The Helm Academy offers vocational training in Arabic and English and connects employers with skilled workers. By mid-2024, 8,000 individuals were trained, with 40% finding employment within six months—showing the powerful impact of DPO partnerships on workforce engagement. 🟢 TRRAIN (TRUST FOR RETAILERS & RETAIL ASSOCIATES OF INDIA)(TRRAIN) (India): The Pankh programme trained 30,500 people with disabilities by 2024, securing 22,763 jobs in retail and allied sectors. By equipping employers with tools to build inclusive workplaces, this program is setting nationwide benchmarks. 🗓️ These inspiring innovations are among the 77 Zero Project Awardees from 45 countries that will take center stage at the Zero Project Conference 2025 (#ZeroCon25). 🔗 Find the Conference agenda at: https://lnkd.in/djJnvbvU 🔗 Discover more innovations at https://lnkd.in/dP-2QpAP #ZeroProjectAwardee2025 #InclusiveWorkplaces #DPOs #EmployersAndDPOs #BuildingDiversity

☀️ Innovative Business Strategies Empowering Persons with Disabilities in Mid-Income Countries☀️ Discover how these companies are creating inclusive employment solutions: 🟢 NeoMotion Assistive Solutions (India): Launched the Livelihood on Wheels program in 2022, empowering 300+ delivery drivers with disabilities through adapted wheelchairs. By 2024, their products have transformed the lives of 5,000 users. 🟢 Falcon Farms Inc Flores Isabelita (Colombia): Tackling labor shortages through inclusion, this flower-export giant employs 100+ workers with disabilities, including 80 with hearing impairments, ensuring equal pay and workplace equity. 🟢 Forum Komunikasi Difabel Boyolali (FKDB) (Indonesia): Promotes professional integration for persons with disabilities in the garment industry. By 2024, the Kresna Patra program trained 500+ individuals, helping 57 secure jobs or launch businesses. 🟢 MAS Holdings (Sri Lanka): A leading textile manufacturer, employing 450+ workers with disabilities via their Supported Employment Process. By 2024, 19 Supported Employment Officers were trained to foster inclusivity organization-wide. These stories highlight how strategic innovation can create sustainable employment opportunities and drive economic growth while fostering inclusion. 🗓️ The 77 Zero Project Awardees from 44 countries will be front and center at the Zero Project Conference 2025 #ZeroCon25, showcasing their work to a global audience of changemakers. Find out more at https://lnkd.in/djJnvbvU Explore these and more inspiring examples at https://lnkd.in/dP-2QpAP. #ZeroProjectAwardee2025 #InclusiveEmployment #ZeroBarriers #BusinessForGood #ZeroBarriers

🎨 Art as a Catalyst for Employment! Meet these inspiring Zero Project Awardees using the arts to remove barriers and create jobs for persons with disabilities: 🟢 Handiclapped - Culture Barrier-Free e.V. /(Germany): Supporting musicians with disabilities since 2021. Their platform now features 97 acts and attracts 25,000+ annual visitors, making inclusive concerts a reality. 🟢 Riksteatern Crea (Sweden): Scandinavia’s largest employer of deaf artists, touring sign-language performances that captivate 7,400 viewers annually. 🟢 Dialogue Japan Society (Japan): A museum with programmes employing persons with disabilities and elderly guides. Between 2020-2023, they provided opportunities to 94 individuals through creative, inclusive initiatives. 🟢 Na Laga'at Center - מרכז נא לגעת (Israel): A vibrant cultural hub where 70% of the 100+ staff have sensory disabilities. Since 2007, it has hosted over 1 million visitors through its inclusive theater, restaurant, and workshops. 🟢 Supervisuell AS (Norway): Deaf entrepreneurs producing 400+ accessible films by 2024, offering stable jobs to 7 deaf creators and temporary roles for 30 annually. At #ZeroCon25, these five remarkable innovations will discuss how art can create inclusion, empowerment. 🌍 Discover how arts are transforming lives at: https://lnkd.in/dP-2QpAP Isabella Essl #ZeroProjectAwardee2025 #ArtAsOpportunity #InclusiveArts #ZeroBarriers #EmploymentThroughArt