Asia-Pacific Network for Accessibility

28/05/2026

From tactile paving for the visually impaired to wheelchair-friendly buses and ramps, inclusive infrastructure ensures everyone can navigate our cities with independence. Let's make every street an accessible street! 🏙️♿🦮



Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability Samarthyam Centre for Universal Accessibility Accessible India Campaign United Nations ESCAP Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, MSJE World Health Organization South-East Asia Region - WHO SEARO Raahgiri Foundation

27/05/2026

Sports for all

26/05/2026

True innovation happens when every voice has a seat at the table, and when that table is built for everyone to access.

Inclusion isn’t a checklist or a policy; it’s an active choice to recognize talent, remove barriers, and foster a culture of respect. When we create spaces where disabled and non-disabled individuals lead, collaborate, and thrive together, we build a future that is genuinely stronger.

Equal talent deserves an equal future. Let’s move beyond tokenism and build environments rooted in authentic sugamyta (accessibility) and leadership.



Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability Samarthyam Centre for Universal Accessibility Accessible India Campaign United Nations ESCAP Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, MSJE UN Women India

24/05/2026

Transport systems across Asia-Pacific are at a turning point—where connectivity, safety, and performance must go hand in hand with inclusion.

At the ADB Transport Forum 2026,Venie Mateo, APNA’s Country Member from the Philippines, brought a powerful message to the table: accessibility cannot be an afterthought.

“As developing member countries enter the early implementation phase of the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035), we persons with disabilities must
become co-creators—and mandate accessibility for all.”

From priorities to action, the path forward is clear: accessible public transport is not optional—it is essential.

Alt-text:
Poster for the Asia-Pacific Transport Forum 2026 (19–22 May, ADB Headquarters,
Manila, Philippines) themed “From Priorities to Action.” The design features blue and orange
transport illustrations (airplanes, buses, trains, ships, and cityscapes). Photos show Venie
Mateo, an APNA Country Member from the Philippines, including one where she stands with a colleague and another portrait where she wears a conference badge and uses crutches.

Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability Samarthyam Centre for Universal Accessibility Accessible India Campaign United Nations ESCAP Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, MSJE UN Women UN Women India Anjlee Agarwal Veneranda Mateo

21/05/2026

A wonderful message from our Founder, Dr. Anjlee Agarwal, on the occasion of Global Accessibility Awareness Day!



Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability Samarthyam Centre for Universal Accessibility Accessible India Campaign United Nations ESCAP Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, MSJE UN Women India UNESCO New Delhi Office Anjlee Agarwal

21/05/2026

Something meaningful is on its way this Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD).

The Asia-Pacific Network for Accessibility (APNA), in collaboration with Samarthyam, is preparing a new publication highlighting the everyday lives of persons with disabilities across the ESCAP region. For 40+ years, we have tried conventional ways of raising awareness and technical understanding to remove access barriers they continue to face in physical spaces, digital environments, transport, communication, and daily interactions.

To mark Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2026 with its theme of Design, Develop, Deliver, let us embark on a fresh chapter of our collective journey for accessibility in the ESCAP region.

Through lived experiences, reflection, and relatable storytelling, this upcoming initiative aims to spark conversations among communities, professionals, students, institutions, and decision-makers, reminding us that accessibility is a right.
Almost ready for launch. Stay tuned.

Des: A 3D-rendered book standing upright with a grayscale illustrated cover showing diverse persons with disabilities navigating a city street together, including wheelchair users, a person using crutches, and a person with a guide dog. A bold purple title banner reads “Almost ACCESS!BLE.” The book is wrapped with a bright red ribbon and bow, with a hanging tag that says “Ready for Launch!” Logos of Samarthyam, APNA (Asia-Pacific Network for Accessibility), and the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities appear at the bottom of the cover.



Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability Samarthyam Centre for Universal Accessibility Accessible India Campaign United Nations ESCAP Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, MSJE UN Women CREA Raahgiri Foundation Anjlee Agarwal

21/05/2026

GBV has to be looked from both micro and macro level. It requires whole of society approach
United Nations ESCAP UN Women Asia and the Pacific United Nations India

From deepfakes to digital abuse, technology is transforming how women are targeted - and how truth is challenged.

At Women Holding the Line: Storytelling & Safety in an Age of AI - a side event convened in partnership with BBC Media Action and Peace Pays at UN’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), we saw around 60 leaders from across the globe, journalists, activists, technologists, policymakers, and funders, gathered to examine how emerging technologies are reshaping both risk and resilience for women in public life.

Read reflections of women journalists on the new frontline here: https://bbc.in/4vidrO3

21/05/2026

Our partners Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability organized a wonderful session at Bangkok

20/05/2026

Need similar mandates for Asia-Pacific region

A rare bit of good news to start your Wednesday.

After a seven-year campaign, the Government has finally agreed to raise the accessibility standard for all new homes being built in England.

Currently, the standard is just 'visitable' – basically, can a wheelchair user get through the front door? The new rules will make homes genuinely 'accessible' and 'adaptable'. This means things like wider doorways, ground-floor toilets, and reinforced bathroom walls for future grab rails.

This is a massive win for the disability rights movement. 7 years of campaigning for a basic right – a home you can actually live in.

This, along with the £723 million Disabled Facilities Grant announced for home adaptations, shows that things can change when we push hard enough.

20/05/2026

Something exciting is coming this GAAD!
A powerful story, a meaningful message, and a surprise we can’t wait to share with you tomorrow. 👀💜



ID: A purple-themed teaser poster by APNA (Asia-Pacific Network for Accessibility) featuring a mysterious black comic book with a glowing purple question mark on the cover. The poster includes phrases like “Stay Tuned,” “Excitement Loading,” and “Big Reveal Soon,” creating anticipation for a special announcement on Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD).

Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability Samarthyam Centre for Universal Accessibility Accessible India Campaign United Nations ESCAP UN Women India Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, MSJE Handicap International - Humanity & Inclusion Anjlee Agarwal