Zero Project

Zero Project Awardee 2026

A large e-commerce platform supporting retailers with disabilities

Taobao’s 10,000 Merchants Programme helps entrepreneurs with disabilities sell online. Launched in 2023 with Alibaba Foundation support, it offers free e-commerce training, digital tools, accessibility features and community support.

Zero Project Awardee 2026

A portable and affordable reading device for persons with visual disabilities

Audivision provides a low-cost portable reading stand and an offline AI smartphone app that converts printed and digital documents to speech. It enables independent access for blind and low-vision users; by 2025 over 6,300 users and 140,000 documents

Zero Project Awardee 2026

A platform for understanding and co-developing all standards related to accessibility

Accessibility Standards Canada's Centre of Expertise is a barrier-free web platform that includes people with disabilities in developing accessibility standards. It offers 40+ standards and 100+ research projects in accessible formats, virtual meetings

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Cash terminals enabling persons with visual disabilities to make payments independently

Adyen’s Accessible Payment Terminal Audio Solution lets visually impaired shoppers make independent, secure payments on PIN-on-glass and physical pinpad devices. It provides real-time text-to-speech in 25+ languages, can be triggered by headphone, button

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Complete refurbishment as an opportunity for an inclusive Parliament building

The Inclusive Parliament refurbished Austria’s 19th-century Parliament for equitable access: enlarged visitor centre, lifts, accessible toilets, tactile guidance, Braille, induction loops, plain- and sign-language and tactile tours, and accessible online

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Digital tool assessing accessibility of urban infrastructure

AURA is a digital tool that turns subjective accessibility checks into objective maps and scores using 3D scans and automated analysis. Since 2022 it audited 300+ buildings (1.5M m²), guided €12M in upgrades and earned €110k in 2024.

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Automated conversion of text into inclusive Braille within in the same document

Boltay Huroof developed software that prints ink and Braille together and converts Arabic, English, Urdu and other texts into Braille. It halves Braille production time. Since 2022 it made 300,000 documents, reached 500 users, worked with 10 schools

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Sound-based system for orientation of persons with visual disabilities

Kroki na Guki is a sound-based navigation system for blind and visually impaired people. Informer devices connect via Bluetooth to the BuzzPoint app to provide real-time transport info, route guidance, entrance location, green-light requests and

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Accessible micro-learning platform transforming training of frontline workers

Musa is a WhatsApp-based micro-learning platform that delivers accessible, app-free training for frontline workers with intellectual or hearing disabilities. It uses plain language and short modules, reached 450,000+ learners with 90% completion

Zero Project Awardee 2026

An accessibility framework for a global enterprise in healthcare and agriculture

Bayer’s ENABLE framework, 'Enabling All, Excluding None', was co-developed with 70 country BRG leads and people with disabilities. Funded centrally with local rollouts, it added QR codes to ~30 products (2M users), improved 250+ brand websites and upgrade

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Community kitchen run by Deaf persons in the Gaza Strip

Atfaluna’s Inclusive Community Kitchen in Deir al-Balah employs 20 Deaf cooks and prepares 250 family meals daily (≈1.5 kg), feeding over 1,700 people across Gaza. It offers accessible shelter, WASH, psychosocial support and inclusive training.

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Dental care model adapted to the needs of patients with intellectual disabilities

Beit Issie Shapiro's person-centered dental model prepares people with intellectual disabilities using visual schedules, social stories and caregiver training, cutting general anaesthesia from 45% to 5%. The Ra'anana clinic treated 1,750 patients in 2024

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Quality devices for the rehabilitation of children with disabilities and war-injuries

Brave in Spirit supplies specialized rehabilitation equipment to children with disabilities and war injuries in Kyiv, Sumy and Dnipro. In 2024 it delivered 150 devices to 10 centres, upgraded therapy rooms and trained staff. Funded by corporate donors

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Accessible mobile cash transfer ensures humanitarian aid for persons with disabilities

CBM's 2020 inclusive mobile cash programme used bKash after Cyclone Amphan to reach 3,198 households, including 1,120 with disabilities. 78% accessed formal financial services for the first time. Households received disability top-ups; average cost €60;

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Co-designed accessible disaster database for households with disabilities in rural areas

Pilot in My Duc (2024) built an accessible digital spatial database mapping 536 households and 58 facilities to record disability types and accessibility. 23 trainees collected 594 data points. Data was integrated into VNDMS for real-time use.

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Smartphone app offering AI-powered services to its users with visual disabilities

EMVI is an AI smartphone app for people with visual impairments. It combines scene and object recognition, real-time text, colour and emotion detection, QR/barcode scanning, navigation and voice Q&A. By mid-2025 it had 7,000 users in 45 countries and is

Zero Project Awardee 2026

A national accessibility map co-created by users, NGOs, and local governments

A nationwide, user-created accessibility database and maps for Slovenian public spaces. It standardises and updates accessibility data. The project combines open data with user feedback and on-site checks. Outputs include online maps, obstacle catalogues

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Children-led accessibility audits identifying barriers and renovation needs in schools

Children lead accessibility audits in schools and co-design renovations with professionals, adding ramps, handrails, accessible toilets and signage. From 2022 to mid‑2025, 22 public primary schools were upgraded.

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Making the national emergency telephone line useable for non-verbal communication

TapSOS is the UK’s first accredited non‑verbal 999 app enabling Deaf, speech‑impaired, neurodivergent users and people at risk to contact emergency services. It sends multilingual, GPS‑tagged alerts, shares profiles securely with responders,

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Leading football club delivering accessibility and joy for all fans

Atletico Madrid's A stadium for all makes the Metropolitano accessible for fans with disabilities. The club uses tactile tables, audio description, sign language, 500 dedicated seats, accessible ticketing and trained staff. Programs and partnerships

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Locally produced, certified prosthetics and rehab solutions for underserved communities

Prosthetics without borders (Cure Bionics) makes CE-certified bionic hands and 3D-printed adjustable sockets locally in decentralized hubs. They train clinicians, use the MyoLink rehab app, and have fitted 50+ users, trained 150+ professionals and

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Affordable prosthetics with 3D scanning and printing and AI-powered myoelectric control

LAT Bionics (a PUCP spin‑off) makes affordable AI myoelectric, 3D‑printed upper‑limb prostheses at about 10% of imported cost (~$2,500). Smartphone 3D scanning and local printing cut delivery to 2–3 weeks. Funded by grants and sponsorships;

Zero Project Awardee 2026

AI glasses for persons with visual impairments developed by technology leaders

Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses are hands-free, voice-controlled smart glasses that provide visual assistance via built-in AI and the Be My Eyes volunteer network. They help with wayfinding, object and label recognition, work without a phone, cost $299 and saw

Zero Project Awardee 2026

An AI-powered app enabling people living with ALS communicate in their own voice

Talk to Me, Goose! is an AI app that helps people with ALS communicate in their own voice. It uses ElevenLabs and Anthropic AI, offers a Story Builder and personalized prediction, and is cheaper than typical AAC devices. Launched March 2025;

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Sign language as the main language for TV, media, and educational content

Dramaski produces TV and educational content in Swedish Sign Language (SSL) with a Deaf-led team. It uses native signers, translates public information, and trains and hires Deaf freelancers and students. SSL-first productions grew from 2 to 6 major shows

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Large digital job platform linking hiring with accessibility assessment in workspaces

Job Map and Architectural Accessibility (Egalite) audits workplaces to identify and remove physical and job-access barriers. Launched in 2021, it assesses 400+ roles, maps readiness, has been used by 30+ companies and increased hiring of persons with

Zero Project Awardee 2026

A global model supporting individuals with autism to start golfing and other sports

Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Sports helps people with autism start golf and other sports worldwide. The Els for Autism Foundation provides free or low‑cost online coach training and curricula to Official Programme Providers. By mid‑2025 it had 102 golf,

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Cross-sector partnerships for healthcare access of patients with intellectual disabilities

Equal Treatment improves access to secondary and tertiary healthcare for people with intellectual disabilities. Networks, hospitals and a multi-country advisory board co-developed policy recommendations, e-learning and in-person training.

Zero Project Awardee 2026

A comprehensive app supporting persons with autism in all situations

AutistApp is a free Spanish mobile app created by Melissa Muñoz‑Flández to support autistic adolescents and adults. It offers nine modules (pictograms, self‑regulation, education, situational mutism cards, job board), works offline and has 85,000+

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Communication guide with pictograms for emergency situations faced by Guardia Civil

The Communication Guide with Pictograms helps Guardia Civil officers communicate with people who have disabilities or language barriers in emergencies. The 46-page guide uses over 100 pictograms across 11 scenarios, is on devices of 82,000 officers, and

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Inclusive savings model strengthens crisis readiness and rapid relief funding

IMPACT-BF builds inclusive Village Savings and Loan Associations in Centre-East Burkina Faso to boost resilience of IDPs, host communities, women and people with disabilities. VSLAs provide rapid cash in crises, trainings, livelihood support and

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Adaptive AI-powered technology to optimize visual experience for people with low vision

ReBokeh is an adaptive AI smartphone app that improves the visual experience for people with low vision. Users adjust camera filters for contrast, lighting and clarity. The app adds scene analysis, descriptions and translation.

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Inclusion of persons with intellectual disabilities in public hospitals

Programa ASI, by Fundación Personas with the Regional Government of Castilla y León, adapts hospitals and day centres for people with intellectual disabilities and autism. It uses ASI cards, IT alerts, QR protocols, easy‑language materials and nurse case

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Hands-free computer and gaming access via head tracking and facial gesture and speech

SensePilot is hands‑free software that uses a standard webcam and AI to track head movements and facial gestures for computer and gaming access. Co-designed with people with disabilities, it launched in May 2025, offers low-cost or free licenses

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Translating eye movements into music and integrating robotic arms to play instruments

EyeHarp turns eye and head movements into music and connects to robotic arms so people with severe physical disabilities can play real instruments. It is used in therapy and inclusive education, trains professionals, and scales via licences and

Zero Project Awardee 2026

An accessible playground featuring four multisensory zones

Adventures Park for All is a 5,000 m² inclusive playground with four multisensory zones. Co-designed with accessibility experts and people with disabilities, it has adaptive swings, tactile guides, audio navigation and wheelchair-accessible treehouses.

Zero Project Awardee 2026

A Local Network Redefining Everyday Inclusion Through Sport

Goals UAE Network, founded by a parent in 2014, trains coaches in Universal Design so people with and without disabilities can play together. It runs weekly mixed-ability sessions across Abu Dhabi, is free to families, and delivered 1,740 training hours

Zero Project Awardee 2026

AI-driven photorealistic sign language translation for public communication

Signapse offers AI photorealistic sign-language translation via SignSpaces, SignStudio and SignStream. Live in 2,579 UK stations (100M passengers) and three US airports. SaaS subscription; reduces costs >70% and speeds delivery 10x. 30% of team are Deaf.

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Free speech therapy tool for children using games and music

Sofi Sova is a free, ad-free offline speech therapy app for children aged 3–9. It uses gamified, music-based exercises and modules (SOFILAND for early reading, LOGOLAND for articulation). Launched in 2024, 13,000 children used it in the first six months.

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Sensory and calming school architecture improving well-being for students and staff

Heerup School was rebuilt 2021–2024 as a sensory‑adapted, inclusive school (1,610 m² building, 4,100 m² outdoor). Calming materials, simplified layouts and new furniture cut physical disputes and staff sick days by 50% and student isolation by 30%.

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Hand-operated sewing machine for wheelchair users in the garment industry

The HOKO industrial sewing machine replaces the foot pedal with hand controls and adds height adjustability and ergonomic features. Co-designed with people with disabilities and assembled in Addis Ababa, it costs ~10–15% less. Pilots trained 156+ people;

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Quality assistive devices locally produced and delivered in East Africa

Kyaro Assistive Tech makes affordable, customizable assistive devices in East Africa and delivers WHO‑standard services. By 2025 it offered 26 device types; deliveries rose from 52 (2021) to 663 (2024). Over 40 professionals were trained.

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Women-led company producing and selling affordable, assistive devices

Lord Rehabilitation Equipment, based in Tehran, is a women-led company that designs and produces affordable assistive devices (40+ products). Over 37,000 people have used its products. More than 70% of the staff are women or people with disabilities.

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Electric handbike production supporting communities, mobility, and jobs

MATT Mobility makes an electric handbike attachment for manual wheelchairs, assembled locally from bicycle parts. It increases independence, maps accessible places via Club2G, creates jobs and tours, and has grown across Colombia with international pilots

Zero Project Awardee 2026

A rural butchery that caters to all customers as part of the business model

Breaking Down Barriers at Morgans Butchery (2023) is a rural inclusion model. Measures: Makaton staff training, Braille prices, PECS symbols, deaf-awareness course, accessibility guide and accessible catering. Impact: +45% disabled customers;

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Disaster risk reduction models for cities that are centred on persons with disabilities

The Disability Inclusive Resilient Cities Model helps cities include people with disabilities in disaster planning. ONG Inclusiva trains municipal staff and responders, runs inclusive drills, co-designs emergency kits and policies, and has trained over

Zero Project Awardee 2026

A replicable model for accessible programmes in libraries and other public spaces

Punggol Regional Library's Accessible Programmes let persons with disabilities design, lead and sell work through inclusive library activities. Participation rose from 118 to 5,557 after the 2023 launch. Open-source tools, honoraria and staff training

Zero Project Awardee 2026

AI-powered and free audio descriptions making movies available for blind audiences

Nobaflix is a streaming service that uses AI to create audio descriptions for blind and visually impaired viewers. It combines sponsorships and low subscriptions, leverages legal copyright exceptions, partners with NGOs and tech firms, and has expanded

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Decentralized hearing care for rural areas using a tele-audiology model

Oír para Crecer delivers tele-audiology to rural Peru. Families use smartphones and Bluetooth hearing aids to connect with remote specialists for testing, fitting and follow-up. 2016–2024: 95,000+ screened, 2,500+ aids delivered, 13 local staff trained;

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Multinational company embedding people with disabilities into product development

Panasonic’s Inclusive Design Framework embeds people with disabilities into product development. Design teams work with lead users and DPOs, co-create solutions (e.g. 3D-printed attachments) and run user tests.

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Comprehensive city navigation app for users with physical and visual impairments

Accessible Map Ecosystem is a city navigation app for wheelchair users and people with visual impairments. It offers accessible route planning, real-time guidance, crowdsourced and institutional accessibility data, photos and haptic/audio feedback.

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Inclusive and AI-powered chatbot supporting female victims of gender-based violence

NOOR AI Equal Access is a non-profit, multilingual AI chatbot that helps women and girls with disabilities access confidential information on disability rights, gender-based violence and referrals to verified legal and psychosocial services.

Zero Project Awardee 2026

A structured, evidence-based manual for opening nature to all visitors

Parks Victoria Accessibility Evaluation Manual is an evidence-based guide for non-experts to assess and improve access in national parks. It provides checklists, illustrations and plain-language guidance, and is used by rangers and shared internationally.

Zero Project Awardee 2026

An off-road, ergonomic, and foldable wheelchair that grows with the child

The Cub Pediatric Wheelchair is an all-terrain, foldable, adjustable EU-certified medical chair that grows with the child. Priced $400–$454 with tiered discounts for low-income countries. Over 3,000 children in 40+ countries use it;

Zero Project Awardee 2026

A clinically validated app empowering non-specialist users for eye care services

Peek is a clinically validated software and data platform for eye health. It enables trained non-specialists to screen people, manage secure referrals and follow-up, and gives programme managers actionable analytics. Used in low-resource settings,

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Emergency preparedness curriculum led by persons with psychosocial disabilities

Led by people with psychosocial disabilities, Porque ran 30+ workshops (2023–mid-2025) training 2,000 people (1,600 with disabilities). It created a 21-step Inclusive Preparedness Checklist, 1,000+ downloads, and guidance used in three municipal manuals.

Zero Project Awardee 2026

An app supporting Deaf persons with vibration alerts and text-based communication

Taptic is a smartphone app that helps deaf users by detecting and classifying key sounds (alarms, crying babies, doorbells, sirens) with on‑device AI and alerting via vibration, flashlight and visual notifications. It also offers a premium text

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Sign language-based learning tools built for children in underserved African countries

The Kalimani App is an AI-powered learning app in Tanzanian Sign Language for Deaf children and their teachers. It offers animated sign videos, interactive exercises, voice-to-sign conversion and offline access. Since 2022 it reached 5,600+ learners and

Zero Project Awardee 2026

A global reuse network for affordable prosthetics

Penta Medical Recycling runs a global network that collects, refurbishes and ships surplus prosthetic parts to accredited clinics. From 2018–2025 over 13,000 parts reached 29 countries. Upcycling costs about $50 per part, cutting waste and restoring

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Affordable AI wearable transforms reading and independence for visually impaired

Jyoti AI Pro is an affordable, wearable reader. It uses offline AI to read text and identify 300+ objects, colours and currency in 80+ languages. Priced at ~₹25,000 (€250). It was co‑created with persons with disabilities and has 23,500+ active users.

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Global retail chain offering adaptive and affordable clothing for all

Primark Adaptive is a co-designed, affordable adaptive clothing range sold in Primark stores across 12 markets. Launched in 2024 and expanded in 2025 to 49 pieces from £8. Features include magnetic closures and wheelchair-friendly adjustments.

Zero Project Awardee 2026

A one-stop shop offering audits, training, and resources to improve digital inclusion

Théseus offers audits, training and practical resources to improve digital inclusion. A team of certified accessibility experts with disabilities leads the services. Since 2022 it delivered 250+ audits, trained 4,000+ people and published 122 learning

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Open-source creation and exchange of assistive devices and educational videos

Real Problems, Real Solutions (Todos Podemos Ayudar) creates and shares open-source, low-cost assistive devices and educational videos. They provide DIY tutorials, affordable products, workshops and consulting, reaching thousands online and in person.

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Education centres in containers delivering immediate support after disasters

After the 2023 earthquakes, Geleceğe+1 Academy deployed modular, accessible container centres that deliver inclusive education, therapy and psychosocial support. Teams reached 1,045 people with disabilities, 356 professionals and 550 families.

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Disability-led global disaster response in real-time, accessible, and AI-powered

GADRA is a disability-led alliance that uses an accessible digital V-EOC and an AI tool (AIME) to coordinate real-time, inclusive disaster response. Since 2020 it supported 53 DLOs in 28 disasters and evacuated over 1,100 people.

Zero Project Awardee 2026

An app improving service delivery for children with disabilities in rural areas

World Vision’s Disability Case Management app helps community workers identify and track children with disabilities, generate tailored action plans from 136 possible actions, and monitor services. It is low-cost ($2–$3/user/month), free-to-use and openly

Zero Project Awardee 2026

A rugby league to create inclusive teams and leadership

Trust Rugby International’s Unified Rugby uses mixed-ability rugby to include people with learning disabilities. Local, community-led hubs teach skills, teamwork and leadership, train coaches and share a free blueprint for replication.

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Menstrual health support for women and girls with intellectual disabilities

Veivanua campaign improves menstrual health for women and girls with intellectual disabilities in Vanuatu. World Vision and partners provide reusable period packs and practice dolls. The approach uses adapted storytelling, proved resilient in cyclones

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Strengthening local resilience with inclusive innovation and collective action

IDEAKSI is an inclusive innovation programme launched in 2021 by YAKKUM Emergency Unit. It helps people with disabilities and marginalized groups lead local disaster-preparedness solutions. It supported 26 innovations reaching 29,000 people

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Multinational company applying accessible QR codes on the packages of its products

Unilever’s Accessible QR (AQR) adds scannable codes to product packs. The codes provide audio, large text and screen‑reader content with product name, ingredients, instructions and warnings. Built with Zappar and RNIB, the system reached 25 markets and

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Streamlining parking permit access for persons with disabilities in the UAE

The UAE Digital Parking Permit provides a single online gateway for people with disabilities to apply, renew and manage permits across all seven emirates. It cut approvals from weeks to minutes, issued over 13,800 permits since 2023, has >92% satisfaction

Zero Project Awardee 2026

AI-trained robotic hand enabling real-time sign language translation for STEM subjects

Zerobionic builds an AI-trained, 3D-printed robotic hand that signs STEM content in real time for Deaf students. It translates in under 2 seconds with ≥92% accuracy, works offline, adapts to local sign dialects, costs about $350 in Kenya and is scaled

Zero Project Awardee 2026

An immersive test centre to provide independent mobility for people with disabilities

The Wayfinding Centre is an indoor test hall that simulates airports, buses, trams, stations and street crossings. It helps people with disabilities practice independent travel. Training is co-delivered by Access Ambassadors.

Zero Project Awardee 2026

A social insurance institution making itself digitally accessibility for all citizens

ZUS Without Barriers is a public policy launched in 2019 to make Poland's Social Insurance Institution accessible to over 28 million people across 400 facilities. It upgraded buildings and digital services (WCAG, sign-language e-visits), removed 64% of

Zero Project Awardee 2026

A museum´s multisensory approach to its exhibitions

Wien Museum’s redevelopment integrated accessibility from the start through a four-year co-creation with disability organisations. It features 50+ tactile and interactive stations, Austria’s first Changing Place toilet, free inclusive programmes and

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Metro stations showcasing artists through fully accessible exhibitions

Centenários Project transforms São Paulo’s Yellow Line stations into fully accessible art exhibitions. Co‑curated with people with disabilities and Escola de Gente, it offers Braille, tactile signs, Libras, audio description and free access;

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Inclusive arts platform empowers artists with intellectual disabilities

Arts Access ID (Suisha Inclusive Arts) grows inclusive arts for artists with intellectual disabilities via accessible classes, performances, co-designed programmes, residencies and capacity-building. Over 10,000 people have joined since 2014; partnerships

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Multisensory music festivals making live performances enjoyable for the Deaf

Sencity is a multisensory music festival designed from Deaf perspectives. It co-creates with artists with hearing disabilities and uses sign language, lights, vibrations, scents and taste so everyone can share the live experience.

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Inclusive circus setting new standards for accessible on-stage entertainment

Omnium Circus tours inclusive shows where people with and without disabilities perform and lead. Over 40% of the team have disabilities. “I’m Possible” includes ASL, captioning, audio description and sensory-friendly adjustments. Reach: 140,000+ people.

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Making festivals and cultural events inclusive by and for neurodivergent persons

Antilén’s model helps neurodivergent people attend festivals and cultural events. It offers easy-read guides, preparatory resources, on-site support circles led by neurodivergent professionals, and sensory tools. Since 2023 it reached 6,000+ people,

Zero Project Awardee 2026

Transforming performing arts through leadership of artists with disabilities

Europe Beyond Access (EBA) transforms European performing arts by placing Deaf and disabled artists in leadership, curation and governance. With a €4 million budget co‑funded by Creative Europe, EBA supported 650+ artists in 110 activities and 40+ works.