World Blind Union

On International Human Rights Day, the World Blind Union celebrates the principles of dignity, freedom, and equality for all. As advocates for the rights of blind and partially sighted individuals, we understand that accessibility and inclusion are essential to achieving true equality. Whether it’s through accessible technology, inclusive urban planning, or equal opportunities in education and employment, we are dedicated to building a world where no one is left behind. Join us in championing human rights and amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities. Together, we can create a future where everyone can thrive. #HumanRightsDay #DisabilityRights #InclusiveFuture #Accessibility -- En cette Journée internationale des droits de la personne, l’Union mondiale des aveugles célèbre les principes de dignité, de liberté et d’égalité pour tous. En tant que défenseurs des droits des personnes aveugles et malvoyantes, nous comprenons que l’accessibilité et l’inclusion sont essentielles pour atteindre une véritable égalité. Que ce soit grâce à la technologie accessible, à l’urbanisme inclusif ou à des opportunités équitables en éducation et en emploi, nous sommes déterminés à bâtir un monde où personne n’est laissé pour compte. Joignez-vous à nous pour défendre les droits de la personne et amplifier les voix des personnes en situation de handicap. Ensemble, nous pouvons créer un avenir où tout le monde peut s’épanouir. #JournéeDesDroitsDeLaPersonne #DroitsDesPersonnesHandicapées #FuturInclusif #Accessibilité -- En el Día Internacional de los Derechos Humanos, la Unión Mundial de Ciegos celebra los principios de dignidad, libertad e igualdad para todos. Como defensores de los derechos de las personas ciegas y con baja visión, entendemos que la accesibilidad y la inclusión son esenciales para lograr una verdadera igualdad. Ya sea a través de la tecnología accesible, la planificación urbana inclusiva o las oportunidades equitativas en educación y empleo, estamos comprometidos en construir un mundo donde nadie quede atrás. Únete a nosotros para defender los derechos humanos y amplificar las voces de las personas con discapacidad. Juntos, podemos crear un futuro donde todos puedan prosperar. #DíaDeLosDerechosHumanos #DerechosDeLasPersonasConDiscapacidad #FuturoInclusivo #Accesibilidad

Congratulations to Gerbera Ediciones and the Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities, recipients of the 2024 ABC International Excellence Award for Accessible Publishing: https://lnkd.in/gtpAQQXe. Gerbera Ediciones from Argentina won in the “Publisher” category for their commitment to inclusivity, particularly for children and young readers. Their works available in braille, dyslexia-friendly formats, and audio are distributed to public libraries and educational institutions, significantly enhancing access to literature for children with print disabilities. Australia’s and New Zealand’s Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities won the Award in the “Initiative” category for their significant contributions to accessibility. Their work spans education, government, and business, driving impactful change across multiple sectors. The ABC International Excellence Awards celebrate publishers and initiatives that advance the accessibility of reading materials for everyone. WIPO Deputy Director General, Copyright and Creative Industries Sector, Sylvie Forbin, announced the winners at a ceremony held at the International Publishers Association Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico. Photos: Gerbera Ediciones; Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities #WIPO #Accessibility #Publishing #Publishers #Copyright #PublishingIndustry

"Nothing About Us Without Us." This year’s #IDPD #DisabilityDay theme, "Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future", highlights the pivotal role of persons with disabilities in shaping a more accessible and inclusive world. As Hannes Juhlin Lagrelius, Programme Specialist for Inclusive & Accessible Urban Development at the World Blind Union, explains, the participation of persons with disabilities in urban governance and development is essential to breaking misconceptions and ensuring no one is left behind. Today, we honor the leadership of persons with disabilities in advancing rights, fostering inclusion, and building a sustainable future for all. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/dsjgTkhy #ItAllStartsTogether United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs

Today, on International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), the World Blind Union celebrates the leadership of persons with disabilities and their role in creating a more inclusive and sustainable future. This year’s theme, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future,” reminds us that progress is only possible when everyone has a voice at the table. Blind and partially sighted people bring unique insights, innovation, and resilience, yet barriers like inaccessible technology and inequitable opportunities still persist. Let’s commit to: ✅ Building accessible and inclusive workplaces. ✅ Promoting universal design and digital accessibility. ✅ Creating policies that empower persons with disabilities to lead. Together, we can break down barriers and amplify their voices. #IDPD2024 #DisabilityLeadership #InclusionForAll -- Aujourd’hui, à l’occasion de la Journée internationale des personnes handicapées (JIPH), l’Union mondiale des aveugles célèbre le leadership des personnes handicapées et leur rôle dans la création d’un avenir inclusif et durable. Le thème de cette année, « Amplifier le leadership des personnes handicapées pour un avenir inclusif et durable », nous rappelle que le progrès n’est possible que si chacun a une voix à la table. Les personnes aveugles et malvoyantes apportent des perspectives uniques, de l’innovation et de la résilience, mais elles font encore face à des obstacles comme l’inaccessibilité technologique et des opportunités inéquitables. Engageons-nous à : ✅ Créer des milieux de travail accessibles et inclusifs. ✅ Promouvoir la conception universelle et l’accessibilité numérique. ✅ Élaborer des politiques qui permettent aux personnes handicapées d’assumer des rôles de leadership. Ensemble, nous pouvons briser les barrières et amplifier leurs voix. #JIPH2024 #LeadershipHandicap #InclusionPourTous -- Hoy, en el Día Internacional de las Personas con Discapacidad (IDPD), la Unión Mundial de Ciegos celebra el liderazgo de las personas con discapacidad y su papel en la creación de un futuro inclusivo y sostenible. El tema de este año, « Amplificar el liderazgo de las personas con discapacidad para un futuro inclusivo y sostenible », nos recuerda que el progreso solo es posible cuando todos tienen una voz en la mesa. Las personas ciegas y con baja visión aportan perspectivas únicas, innovación y resiliencia, pero todavía enfrentan barreras como la tecnología inaccesible y oportunidades desiguales. Comprometámonos a: ✅ Construir lugares de trabajo accesibles e inclusivos. ✅ Promover el diseño universal y la accesibilidad digital. ✅ Crear políticas que empoderen a las personas con discapacidad para liderar. Juntos podemos derribar barreras y amplificar sus voces. #IDPD2024 #LiderazgoDiscapacidad #InclusiónParaTodos

Since 2023, UN-Habitat's Quality of Life Initiative has reimagined urban development by focusing on what truly matters to people. At the first global #QualityOfLife Conference held in Cairo 2-3 November, leaders, experts, and changemakers explored: ✅ A new framework measuring #wellbeing – both objective and subjective. ✅ How cities can address challenges like #inequality and climate change. ✅ The power of #data to enhance equitable and resilient urban living. 💡 Key takeaway: Quality of life isn't just a goal – it's a lens to build better cities for all. Our Quality of Life Conference opened with a powerful poem by Sarah Syed reminding us of the profound connections between #humanity, our shared #environment, and the aspirations that drive us toward #equity, #sustainability, and improved quality of life. Opening remarks from Anacláudia Rossbach, Khalid Albaker, Rania Hedeya set the tone for an inspiring conference working together. We had an amazing cast of speakers and leaders sharing insights and city stories including: the Governor of Cairo, Ibrahim Saber Khalil, Sahar Attia, Mohamed El Zarkani, Anna König Jerlmyr, Mayor Jon Raven, Robert Ndugwa, Martine Abel Williamson, Aileen Dalisay, Sarah Sabry, PhD, Takehiko Nagumo, Sukaina Al-Nasrawi, Zeina ElZein, Abdulrahman Ibrahim among many others. UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) was well represented with our ED, DED Michal Mlynár, Chief of Staff erfan ali, Raf Tuts, as well as the Quality of Life Initiative team Dr. Ayman Elhefnawi, Raphaëlle VIGNOL, Marija de Wijn, Dr. Kyle Farrell, Agata Krause, Andrew Schmidt, Basma Meski, Yasmeen Alawamleh, Abdul. M, and Grayson Bass. A virtual keynote from Richard Florida as well as insightful discussions and questions from city representatives made the conference meaningful and inspiring. We were so happy to bring together great minds to catalyze local action to improve quality of life globally. Watch the ✨ highlights from the Quality of Life Conference | Cairo, 2-3 Nov 2024 and learn more about our event: https://lnkd.in/gPfqAPhj

As we observe the #WorldSustainableTransportDay, it is important remember: transportation systems must be both sustainable and accessible for everyone. Cleaner options like #ElectricVehicles are a step forward, but they also pose accessibility challenges. For example, silent vehicles are harder to detect for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. So, what can be done? With its unique commitment mechanism, the GDS provides a platform for stakeholders to make actionable pledges toward creating accessible and inclusive transportation systems. Governments play a key role, but other stakeholders like municipalities, private sector players, transport planners, manufacturers, and #transport authorities can also drive transformative change. We met Marc Workman, CEO of the World Blind Union, during the World Urban Forum 12 Egypt and asked him about: - The type of commitments governments can pledge at the #GDS2025 to make urban development and transportation inclusive. - The challenges silent vehicles pose for visually impaired and solutions to address them. - How #AutonomousVehicles and self-driving vehicles could be gamechangers for the blind! Watch this video to know more! The World Blind Union, a member of the International Disability Alliance (GDS's permanent co-host), has been at the forefront of advocating for accessible urban development and transportation worldwide. 📢 Who do you think is the most important stakeholder? Tag transport authorities or policymakers in your country and let them know why accessibility matters. 💭 Want to know more on making impactful commitments? Read our guidance document here: https://lnkd.in/gDnhJ5mW 💬 If you are inspired and want to encourage your local government and other stakeholders to make commitments, you can use key messages and advocacy letter templates from our Advocacy toolkit: https://lnkd.in/g_YV7zh8

🌍🚦 On World Sustainable Transport Day, we’re thinking about how transportation connects us—not just physically, but to opportunities, independence, and community. For blind and partially sighted people, sustainable transport must also mean accessible transport. Public transit and infrastructure should work for everyone, ensuring no one is excluded from work, education, or social life. At the World Blind Union, we’re committed to making this a reality. Join us in advocating for transportation systems that truly leave no one behind. #WorldSustainableTransportDay #AccessibleTransport #UniversalDesign -- 🌍🚦 À l’occasion de la Journée mondiale des transports durables, nous réfléchissons à l’impact des transports – pas seulement pour se déplacer, mais pour se connecter à des opportunités, à l’indépendance et à la communauté. Pour les personnes aveugles et malvoyantes, un transport durable doit aussi signifier un transport accessible. Les infrastructures et les transports publics doivent répondre aux besoins de tous, afin que personne ne soit exclu du travail, de l’éducation ou de la vie sociale. À l’Union Mondiale des Aveugles, nous nous engageons à rendre cela possible. Joignez-vous à nous pour promouvoir des systèmes de transport qui ne laissent personne de côté. #JournéeMondialeDesTransportsDurables #TransportsAccessibles #ConceptionUniverselle -- 🌍🚦 En el Día Mundial del Transporte Sostenible, reflexionamos sobre cómo el transporte nos conecta, no solo físicamente, sino también con oportunidades, independencia y comunidad. Para las personas ciegas y con baja visión, el transporte sostenible también debe significar transporte accesible. El transporte público y la infraestructura deben funcionar con eficacia para todos, asegurando que nadie quede excluido del trabajo, la educación o la vida social. En la Unión Mundial de Ciegos, estamos comprometidos a hacer de esto una realidad. Únete a nosotros en la defensa por sistemas de transporte que realmente no dejen a nadie atrás. #DíaMundialDelTransporteSostenible #TransporteAccesible #DiseñoUniversal

As we close out Day 5 and the final day of #WUF12, WBU extends its deepest gratitude to our sponsors and partners. Your commitment has helped make this forum a powerful platform for advancing accessibility and inclusion in urban development. This week, WBU participated in insightful panels, workshops, and collaborations aimed at creating cities that welcome and empower everyone. Thank you for being part of this journey with us—together, we’re making strides toward a more inclusive world. #WorldUrbanForum #Inclusion #Accessibility2030 #ThankYou — Alors que nous clôturons la cinquième et dernière journée du #WUF12, la WBU tient à exprimer sa profonde gratitude envers ses commanditaires et partenaires. Votre engagement a permis de faire de ce forum une plateforme puissante pour promouvoir l’accessibilité et l’inclusion dans le développement urbain. Cette semaine, la WBU a participé à des tables rondes, ateliers et collaborations inspirants visant à créer des villes accueillantes et inclusives. Merci d’avoir fait partie de cette aventure avec nous—ensemble, nous faisons des progrès vers un monde plus inclusif. #ForumUrbainMondial #Inclusion #Accessibilité2030 #Merci

WBU is thrilled to wrap up an engaging and productive Day 4 at #WUF12! Today’s highlights included six standout events: • A collaboration workshop with CBM Christian Blind Mission titled “Inclusion Starts at Home,” featuring insights from WBU’s Ben Dard and CBM’s Kathy El’Jubeh. • The “Sensing the City” session with Kevin and Chantal from Vision Ireland, exploring sensory experiences in urban spaces. • Our very own Hannes Lagrelius represented WBU at the SAGE event, contributing valuable perspectives on accessibility. • “Empathy in Motion Special” featured Vision Ireland’s Kevin Kelly, adding depth to discussions on empathy in urban planning. • Hannes Lagrelius shared his expertise again in “Delivering Inclusive Cities Through Practical Action.” • Finally, at the Accessibility 2030 booth, we hosted an Expo Session with esteemed WBU members, including Thomas Bryan, Martine Abel-Williamson, Jorge Morales, Nina Okoroafor, and Pawan Ghimire. Thank you to all who attended and participated in making today impactful! #Inclusion #Accessibility2030 — L’UMA est ravie de conclure une quatrième journée captivante et productive au #WUF12! Les moments forts d’aujourd’hui ont inclus six événements marquants : • Un atelier collaboratif avec CBM intitulé « L’inclusion commence à la maison », avec la participation de Ben Dard de la WBU et de Kathy El’Jubeh de CBM. • La session « Sensing the City » avec Kevin et Chantal de Vision Ireland, explorant les expériences sensorielles dans les espaces urbains. • Notre propre Hannes Lagrelius a représenté la WBU à l’événement SAGE, partageant des perspectives précieuses sur l’accessibilité. • « Empathy in Motion Special » a présenté Kevin Kelly de Vision Ireland, enrichissant les discussions sur l’empathie dans la planification urbaine. • Hannes Lagrelius a également partagé son expertise dans la session « Réaliser des villes inclusives par des actions concrètes ». • Enfin, au kiosque Accessibilité 2030, nous avons organisé une session d’exposition avec des membres distingués de la WBU, dont Thomas Bryan, Martine Abel-Williamson, Jorge Morales, Nina Okoroafor et Pawan Ghimire. Merci à toutes celles et ceux qui ont assisté et contribué à rendre cette journée si impactante! #Inclusion #Accessibilité2030