Asia-Pacific Network for Accessibility

Asia-Pacific Network for Accessibility Asia-Pacific Network for Accessibility is dedicated to advancing accessibility
across the Asia-Pacific region.

Footpaths are for people. So why are people being pushed onto the road?This *Almost Access!ble* cartoon highlights how p...
30/09/2026

Footpaths are for people. So why are people being pushed onto the road?
This *Almost Access!ble* cartoon highlights how poorly planned street furniture can turn a footpath into a barrier course.

Trees, dustbins, poles, advertising panels and uneven surfaces obstruct the walkway, forcing a wheelchair user, a person using crutches and a visually impaired pedestrian with a cane onto a busy road.

The question in the cartoon says it all: “Is this a pedestrian-friendly city?”
Inclusive streets mean safer journeys and stronger communities.
cua

Image description: A black-and-white cartoon shows a city footpath obstructed by trees, dustbins, poles, advertising panels and uneven surfaces. A wheelchair user, a person using crutches and a visually impaired pedestrian using a cane are forced onto the busy road because the footpath is inaccessible. An observer asks, “Footpaths are for people… Is this a pedestrian-friendly city?” The poster concludes with the message “Inclusive streets. Safer journeys. Stronger communities.”

ACCESSIBILITY IS ABOUT WHAT PEOPLE HEAR, SEE AND EXPERIENCE.Small actions. Better access. More inclusion.Keep background...
29/09/2026

ACCESSIBILITY IS ABOUT WHAT PEOPLE HEAR, SEE AND EXPERIENCE.

Small actions. Better access. More inclusion.

Keep background audio low enough for hard-of-hearing people to follow conversations. When someone is communicating through an interpreter, speak directly to the person not the interpreter. And keep ramps, buttons and visual pathways clear of temporary obstacles.
cua

Slide 1: Graphic showing a speaker and sound waves with separate controls for voice and music. The message encourages keeping background audio low so hard-of-hearing people can hear voices clearly.

Slide 2: Illustration of several people communicating, including a person using sign language. The message reminds viewers to look directly at the person they are speaking to rather than addressing their interpreter.

Slide 3: Illustration of an accessible built environment with ramps and buttons. Temporary objects are shown obstructing routes. The message encourages keeping ramps, buttons and visual pathways clear.

A “smart city” isn't smart if people can't safely walk through it.This *Almost Access!ble* cartoon highlights how poorly...
28/09/2026

A “smart city” isn't smart if people can't safely walk through it.
This *Almost Access!ble* cartoon highlights how poorly planned and repeatedly disrupted roadworks can create serious accessibility and safety barriers.

A blind woman navigates broken, debris-filled paths while children are exposed to deep potholes and unfinished roads. The scene asks us to look beyond the label of “smart city” and consider whether streets are actually safe and accessible.
Accessible streets are essential for independent mobility and for stronger, safer communities.
cua


Image description: A black-and-white cartoon shows a blind woman navigating a broken and debris-filled footpath beside roadworks. Heavy machinery, construction materials and deep potholes obstruct the route. Children are
shown near the hazardous unfinished road. The cartoon contrasts claims of “smart cities” with the lack of tactile paths, safe footpaths and accessible crossings. A checklist calls for tactile paths, safer road design, accessible crossings and protection for children and people with disabilities.

28/09/2026

A ramp can be the difference between access and exclusion.

Our latest Almost Access!ble story highlights practical ramp solutions and reminds us why accessible infrastructure matters.

Accessibility means creating spaces where people can enter, move and participate independently and with dignity.

Can everyone use this space? That's the question universal design asks us to consider.
cua



Video description: An animated story takes place outside a business called “All Access Solutions – Ramps for Every Need.” A wheelchair user speaks with a staff member while different ramp solutions are displayed, including portable and threshold ramps. The story highlights practical solutions for improving physical accessibility.

Keeping mobility aids working keeps people moving.What happens when a wheelchair needs a simple repair—but there is nowh...
25/09/2026

Keeping mobility aids working keeps people moving.
What happens when a wheelchair needs a simple repair—but there is nowhere to get it fixed?

This *Almost Access!ble* cartoon highlights the lack of repair and maintenance services for wheelchairs and other mobility aids. A closed repair shop leaves wheelchair users and senior citizens stranded and frustrated.
One practical solution is to train local cycle shops to provide minor repairs, basic servicing and affordable support.

Because assistive technology is only truly empowering when it remains functional and available.
cua

Image description: A black-and-white cartoon shows wheelchair users and senior citizens outside a closed repair shop marked “OUT OF SERVICE.” A damaged wheelchair is shown alongside repair tools and mobility equipment. A nearby cycle shop offers a possible solution, with a checklist suggesting training cycle
shops to provide minor repairs, basic servicing and affordable support. The message emphasises that keeping mobility aids functional is essential to independence and mobility.

INCLUSION IS ALSO ABOUT HOW WE COMMUNICATE.Listen. Communicate clearly. Don't assume.Accessibility can be as simple as u...
24/09/2026

INCLUSION IS ALSO ABOUT HOW WE COMMUNICATE.

Listen. Communicate clearly. Don't assume.

Accessibility can be as simple as using inclusive hashtags, respectful visual cues and recognising that disability is not always visible. For Deaf and hard-of-hearing people, communication should not depend on assumptions. For people with invisible disabilities, we cannot judge access needs by appearance.
cua

Slide 1: Graphic comparing two versions of the hashtag “ .” One is marked with a red X, while “ ” has a green check. The message explains that capitalising each word in hashtags helps screen readers interpret them correctly.

Slide 2: Illustration of people communicating, with one person using a hand gesture to get another person's attention. The message says not to shout and explains that a gentle shoulder tap or hand wave is the standard visual cue.

Slide 3: Illustration of a person using a laptop with accessibility-related symbols. The message states that 80% of disabilities are invisible and reminds viewers never to judge access needs by appearance.

What happens when disability inclusion is missing from the budget?This *Almost Access!ble* cartoon highlights how inadeq...
23/09/2026

What happens when disability inclusion is missing from the budget?

This *Almost Access!ble* cartoon highlights how inadequate disability-inclusive budgeting can create barriers across essential sectors—including education, health services, social protection and economic opportunities.

Inclusive policies need inclusive investment.

If we are serious about leaving no one behind, accessibility must be reflected not only in plans and policies, but also in budgets.
cua



Image description: A black-and-white cartoon shows a planning board headed “Planning for a Stronger, Inclusive Society.” It calls for accessible infrastructure, inclusive policies, accessible services and leaving no one behind. Below it
are four sectors: education, health services, social protection and economic development, each shown with a “NO BUDGET” message indicating inaccessible facilities, services or limited opportunities. People with disabilities appear in the scene, highlighting the consequences of inadequate disability-inclusive budgeting.

ACCESSIBILITY IS NOT AN EXTRA FEATURE. IT’S PART OF GOOD COMMUNICATION.Can you make your content accessible with a few s...
22/09/2026

ACCESSIBILITY IS NOT AN EXTRA FEATURE. IT’S PART OF GOOD COMMUNICATION.

Can you make your content accessible with a few simple choices?
*Almost Access!ble* highlights three practical reminders: captions, clear communication and descriptive ALT text.

Accessibility is not only about compliance. It is about making sure more people can understand, participate and engage.

Captions. Clear communication. Descriptive ALT text.

Swipe through and make your content more inclusive.
cua

Slide 1: Illustration of a person watching content on a laptop with a muted speaker symbol and a “CC” captions button. Text states that over 80% of video viewers watch without sound and that captions benefit everyone.

Slide 2: Illustration of two people communicating face-to-face. Text explains that lip-reading is only about 30% accurate and encourages people to face the person and speak clearly.

Slide 3: Illustration of two smartphones, with one showing a question mark and the other displaying a message about descriptive ALT text. Text explains that screen readers rely on ALT text to describe images for blind and low-vision users.

Accessible travel is more than a policy on paper.This Almost Access!ble cartoon takes us to an airport, where global acc...
21/09/2026

Accessible travel is more than a policy on paper.

This Almost Access!ble cartoon takes us to an airport, where global accessibility standards and real-world implementation tell two very different stories.

A wheelchair user is ready to board, but the assistance vehicle is unavailable. The result is a simple but powerful question: what happens when accessibility standards exist, but the systems needed to deliver them do not?

Accessible, dignified and inclusive air travel requires more than standards. It requires implementation, accountability and reliable assistance.
cua


Image description: An airport cartoon shows a wheelchair user waiting to board an aircraft. Airport staff explain that the lifting vehicle needed for boarding is unavailable. Other passengers wait nearby. A panel displays global accessibility standards, including equal access, assistance through the journey, accessible aircraft, transit facilities and non-discrimination. The contrast highlights the gap between accessibility standards and their implementation in reality. The APNA logo reinforces the call for accessible, dignified and inclusive air travel.

Accessibility is fundamental to human rights, dignity and sustainable development.We are honoured to share this recognit...
21/09/2026

Accessibility is fundamental to human rights, dignity and sustainable development.

We are honoured to share this recognition from Akiko Ito, Executive Director, UNITAR CIFAL Japan.

Almost Access!ble highlights the importance of lived experience, creativity and the leadership of women with disabilities in advancing accessibility and inclusion.
Those closest to the barriers should have a voice in shaping the solutions.
cua



Image description: A white graphic features a portrait of Akiko Ito, Executive Director of UNITAR CIFAL Japan, beside the Almost Access!ble logo. Her quotation describes accessibility as fundamental to human rights, dignity and sustainable development and highlights the leadership and lived experiences of women with disabilities.

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