Take note! Inclusion must be lived. Internally and externally. Today, tomorrow and every other day of the year. But today, the third Thursday in May, the focus is particularly on accessibility.
This year on May 16, people around the world are celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day, or GAAD for short. Today marks the twelfth anniversary of this day, which was established to raise awareness of the importance of accessibility and to support efforts to create an inclusive society.
GAAD was first launched in 2012 and has since developed into a global movement. On this day, companies, educational institutions, governments and non-profit organizations organize events, workshops and training sessions to raise awareness and promote accessibility.
What makes accessibility so important?
Over 1 billion people worldwide have a disability and can encounter a wide variety of barriers in their everyday lives. According to the Disability Equality Act, we speak of accessibility when people with and without disabilities can use an environment designed by people equally, including the digital space.
A lot depends on it; the effective participation of people with disabilities in society stands and falls with the implementation of accessibility. And above all: everyone, without exception, demonstrably benefits from the implementation of accessibility.
This day also plays an important political role, because inclusion is an absolutely essential tool for a democratic society that is committed to equality and diversity; and that is exactly what the GAAD is all about.
How can I take part in the GAAD?
Above all, this day is an opportunity to educate yourself and the people around you about a topic that still receives far too little attention in society: Accessibility. There are various ways to get involved in the GAAD.
For example, companies can organize internal training courses on the topic of accessibility to raise their teams' awareness of the importance of implementing inclusion. Educational institutions could also organize workshops on the topic for students and employees. A generally good way to get involved in Global Accessibility Awareness Day is to attend one of the many local events taking place on this day.
The GAAD is more than just a day in the calendar. It is an expression of a global movement for inclusion and justice. Let's use this day to raise awareness of accessibility and all those who absolutely depend on it. Educate yourself on the topic and get involved in actions in your area. Together we can create a world in which all people have the same opportunities and possibilities.
Inclusion must be lived internally and externally. Without ifs and buts!
