Assistive products such as wheelchairs, glasses, hearing aids, artificial limbs and digital devices enable people to live independent lives – to work, study and enjoy the everyday moments that many of us take for granted.Yet, for many millions of people living in low- and middle-income countries, assistive technology is not available, accessible or affordable. To continue reading this article, please click here > > > > > > >

Travel isn’t just a luxury; it’s a vital aspect of well-being, especially for older adults. Travel provides cognitive, social, and physical health benefits to older adults—a group that is more prone to developing difficulties in these areas. But for anyone who relies on mobility aids like wheelchairs, walkers, and canes, the idea of travel can seem daunting. To continue reading this article, please click here > > > > > > >

These checklists can be used by UNICEF staff members and partners, in combination with Section F of this toolkit, to guide accessibility assessments of program related buildings or UNICEF’s facilities. If you have to plan an accessibility assessment (of an existing building or of the design of a new one), please refer to SECTION F for recommendations on the overall methodology, and then use the checklists which are more relevant for your situation. To continue reading this article, please click here > > > > > > >

Several basic principles can be followed to select venues with the appropriate accessibility features. Requirements include, at a minimum, an accessible entrance and reception area, corridors, a main meeting room and bathrooms. To continue reading this article, please click here > > > > > >

Accessibility assessments are an essential step to monitor the effective implementation of accessibility principles at various stages of a project, for existing buildings (physical assessment) and for new constructions (assessment based on architectural designs). Assessments should be as participatory as possible, to make sure that persons with disabilities are sensitized and involved in the process, and to collect their precious contributions and suggestions. To continue reading this article, please click here > > > > > >

To achieve disability inclusion in UNICEF’s work, it is important to consider both operations and programmes. The understanding of accessibility as a concept often stems from ensuring our premises are accessible for all and we are “walking the talk”. To continue reading this article, please click here > > > > > > >

Persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected by war, natural disasters and other crises, during which they are likely to experience discrimination and exclusion, despite the increasing efforts of humanitarian actors to adopt inclusive approaches. To continue reading this article, please click here > > > > > > >

SECTION B of this toolkit aims to support UNICEF staff and partners in their efforts to ensure accessibility in all construction projects across all programme areas, including education, child protection, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). To continue reading this article, please click here > > > > > >

UNICEF is in a strategic position to influence how accessibility is taken into account in development and emergency projects. In fact, as UNICEF collaborates with diverse stakeholders – including governments, United Nations agencies, donors, civil society, non-governmental organizations, and academia – UNICEF staff members are well placed to advocate for the accessibility of programmes and premises to promote the inclusion and participation of children and adults with disabilities. To continue reading this article, please click here > > > > > > >