Platform for the promotion of universal accessibility

AccessibAll and UEFA invite football fans with disabilities to complete a survey

View of a football stadium from the goalpost, full to capacity and with players on the pitch.

AccessibAll and UEFA are inviting persons with disabilities from different European countries to participate in a research project that seeks to learn about their experiences as football fans.

They are particularly keen to know about the experiences of disabled fans with existing barriers as well as about situations that may arise in stadiums that could hinder their enjoyment of matches.

The survey language is English. However, most internet browsers will be able to translate the questions automatically into participants’ chosen language (see AccessibAll’s website). Please feel free to complete the survey in your preferred language.

The survey will be open until midnight on 31 May 2025, and a detailed report on the findings will be published later in the year.

Source: Accessiball

Deadline for submitting works to Discapnet Awards for Accessible Technologies has been extended

A person seeing the homepage of Discapnet Awards wesbite on a mobile device's display.

Fundación ONCE has extended the deadline for submitting works to Discapnet Awards for Accessible Technologies. Those interested in submitting their works can do so until May 31 by filling in the form corresponding to the category of their choosing available on the awards’ website: https://premios.discapnet.es/en/home

Discapnet Awards for Accessible Technologies recognize the best initiatives and actions in the field of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) designed to improve the lives of people with disabilities, as well as institutions and organisations that have carried out continuous work in the field of accessible technology.

The awards are divided into four categories.

Category A will recognise the best available technology-related product or service designed to improve the lives of people with disabilities.

Category B prize will be awarded to the person, company, institution or organisation with an outstanding trajectory in working to improve accessibility to technology.

Category C recognises the best business venture project with a social impact that aims to improve the lives of people with disabilities through ICTs.

Category D prize will be awarded to the most prominent media outlet in disseminating information about accessible technology-related initiatives, projects, products and services.

As in the previous edition, winners of each category will receive a cash prize.

Categories A, B, C and D winners will receive € 5.000. Category C winner will receive € 15.000, which must be fully allocated to the development of the winning business venture.

Rules for the 8th edition of Discapnet Awards can be viewed in this link https://premios.discapnet.es/en/7th-edition#anclabases

Source: Fundación ONCE

Guidelines to make cultural events inclusive

People with raised hands at a public event. Gathering in concert hall

Accessibility remains to be a pending task in the world of music and entertainment. Many persons with disabilities still encounter difficulties to fully participate and enjoy concerts, sport events as well as other cultural and recreational activities becuase of the lack of accessibility.

The European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD) has published the booklet Organising Cultural Events for all that provides practical and creative guidelines to help organisers, cultural institutions and policymakers ensure events and activities are accessible.

The booklet is part of the Revelland project, a collective initiative of artists, directors and event organizers, determined to make performing arts accessible to everyone.

The publication can be downloaded free of cost from EASPD website.

Source: EASPD

Turismo de Portugal launches an accessible tourism certification

Belem Tower in Lisbon

Turismo de Portugal has launched a certification based on the Portuguese standard ISO 21902:2022 to classify accessible tourist offerings.

This is a pioneering step at an international level that aims to consolidate Portugal as an inclusive and accessible destination.

The certification is not mandatory and will be issued by bodies accredited by the Portuguese Accreditation Institute, who will carry out an audit of the accessibility conditions of destinations.

To support tour operators in implementing the necessary improvements, Turismo de Portugal’s will finance expenses related to accessibility, making this certification a strategic opportunity for agents in the sector.

The Portuguese standard ISO 21902:2022 covers a wide range of requirements and recommendations to ensure that tourist destinations, services and infrastructure are accessible to all.

Source: Turismo de Portugal

UN Tourism, AccessibleEU and San Marino unite good practices in accessible tourism in new compendium

Tourist couple, one wearing a prosthetic leg, consult a map

Jointly commissioned by UN Tourism, San Marino and the European Accessibility Resource Centre, “Advancing Accessible Tourism for Destinations, Companies, and People” is a conpendium of 25 good practices in accessibility championed by Belgium, Czechia, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Portugal, Turkey, San Marino, South Africa, Spain, United Kingdom and Uzbekistan. It provides insights into accessibility improvements in culture- and nature-based tourism, festivals and pilgrimage routes, urban and rural experiences, sports and mega events, shopping tourism and transportation.

The report was officially launched at the 2025 FITUR international tourism trade fair, where AccessibleEU and UN Tourism held a seminar.

The text is structured in five sections: Politics and strategic leadership by public administrations and international organisms; Accessible transport as a fundamental pillar of a seamless tourist experience; Universal design and innovation for a better access to culture and tourism experiences based on nature; Inlcusion in sports, leisure and events aimed at personal fulfillment and entrepreneurship; and Tourism companies that take advantage of the economic potential of universal accessibility.

To access the report, click here

Source: Accessibilitas

8th Discapnet Awards for Accessible Technologies, now accepting submissions

A person seeing the homepage of Discapnet Awards wesbite on a mobile device's display.

The 8th edition of ONCE Foundation’s Discapnet Awards for Accessible Technologies is now accepting submissions in four categories. The Awards recognize the best ICT-based initiatives and actions aimed at improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities.

Interested individuals and organizations can participate in the following categories:

Category A – Recognizes the best-ICT based product or service designed to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities. The nominated product or service must already be available in the market to qualify for this award.

Category B – Recognizes an individual, company, entity, or organization with an outstanding work trajectory within the field of accessible technologies.

Category C – Recognizes the best business venture project with greater social impact and a focus on improving the quality of life of people with disabilities through technology.

Category D – Recognizes media outlets with an outstanding work in disseminating information on accessible ICT-related initiatives, projects, products and services.

As in previous editions, winners will receive money prizes ranging between 5.000€ and 15.000€. Submissions will be reviewed by a jury carefully selected by Fundación ONCE.

Submissions are accepted in Spanish and English. Participants should complete the form corresponding to the category in which they are competing, available at the Discapnet Awards website.

Deadline is April 30, 2025.

Awards rules Source: Accessibilitas

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