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The Purple Economy: Moving Disabiity Inclusion from Access to Economic Architecture
In his blog “The Purple Economy: Moving Disability Inclusion from Access to Economic Architecture,” Neeraj Krishnan, Head – Purple Economy Movement at EnAble India, explores how disability inclusion can move beyond rights and access toward meaningful economic participation. He introduces the Purple Economy as a framework that recognises persons with disabilities as customers, workers, entrepreneurs, innovators and contributors to growth.
Drawing on the Purple Economy White Paper, Krishnan highlights how unmet disability-linked needs can become opportunities for innovation, markets and inclusive economic systems. He explores the role of digital accessibility, Digital Public Infrastructure, AI and Purple Economic Zones in building ecosystems where persons with disabilities are not only users, but active participants and decision-makers.
Read Neeraj Krishnan’s blog
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G3ict Contributes to UN Negotiations on the Rights of Older Persons
The UN Open-Ended Working Group (IGWG) has begun substantive negotiations on a legally binding convention to protect the human rights of older persons. Following its first drafting session in Geneva from 13–17 July 2026, the Working Group reviewed more than 200 submissions from civil society and institutions, including G3ict’s submission of 20 April 2026, which was published in advance of the session.
Learn more about the recent IGWG meeting and ongoing negotiations.
G3ict Highlights Disability Inclusion in Climate Resilience at HLPF 2026
G3ict participated in the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) side event “Building Equitable Pathways to 2030 and Beyond” at United Nations Headquarters in New York on 13 July 2026.
Representing the Stakeholder Group of Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Mohammed Ali Loutfy, G3ict Advocacy and Capacity Building Director, highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate and environmental risks on persons with disabilities, including barriers to essential services, emergency information, and participation in decision-making.
He emphasized that accessibility, universal design, and disability-inclusive planning must be integral to climate-resilient development and efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
The dialogue also underscored the importance of human rights-based governance, inclusive data, transparency, and meaningful participation in building equitable and climate-resilient communities.
Find out more about the HLPF side event and G3ict’s contribution.
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Advisory – Strengthening Partnerships & Services
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G3ict continues to expand its advisory services through strategic partnerships and initiatives that advance inclusive innovation, accessible smart cities, and digital inclusion globally.
G3ict Country Advisor Updates
Zain Kuwait Advances Digital Accessibility Through Strategic Audit
Zain Kuwait has launched a Digital and Policy Accessibility Audit as part of Zain Group’s WE ABLE 2030 vision, marking a significant step toward strengthening accessibility across its digital services, customer experience and workplace practices. The initiative, launched on Global Accessibility Awareness Day (21 May 2026), is described as the first strategic accessibility audit of its kind in Kuwait.
The audit, conducted by AxessAll, covers Zain Kuwait’s website, iOS and Android applications, social media, digital communications and key HR documentation. The assessment combines WCAG 2.2 testing, assistive technology validation and policy review, with particular attention to Arabic-language accessibility and right-to-left digital experiences.
Learn more about the initiative and Zain Kuwait’s announcement.
New Zealand: Momentum Builds Around Digital Accessibility
New Zealand is seeing significant momentum on digital accessibility, with the Draft Digital Accessibility Standard opening for public consultation in July 2026. The proposed standard would expand accessibility requirements beyond websites to cover a broader range of ICT products and services and align with EN 301 549.
At the same time, the Accessibility Standards Bill is progressing through the parliamentary process, seeking stronger, mandatory accessibility standards and accountability across essential services. Civil society organisations, including Access Matters Aotearoa, continue to advocate for a more consistent and enforceable accessibility framework.
The accessibility professional community is also growing, with practitioners meeting in Auckland during Global Accessibility Awareness Day to explore the creation of a national community of practice and potential IAAP chapter.
Upcoming: Digital Trust Hui Taumata (11 August) • Design Research Conference, Sydney (26 August) • Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (14–20 September) • Digital Health AI Summit (17 September)
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IAAP – Expanding the Accessibility Profession
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IAAP Highlights Digital Accessibility at AHEAD 2026
AHEAD 2026 | Higher Education
IAAP contributed to the 49th Annual Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) Conference, where accessibility professionals and leaders from higher education, government, industry, and the disability community gathered to exchange knowledge and discuss approaches to creating more inclusive learning environments.
As part of the conference programme, IAAP representatives participated in two sessions addressing key aspects of digital accessibility in higher education.
Digital Accessibility Certifications and ADA Title II Up-Skilling, presented by Samantha Evans, IAAP Certification Director, and Rachel Paul, IAAP Membership Director, explored how professional education, certification, and knowledge programmes can help institutions build digital accessibility skills and support ADA Title II readiness.
Improving Digital Accessibility by Applying the Business Accessibility Criteria to Higher Education, presented by Christopher Michael Lee, Ph.D., G3ict President and IAAP Managing Director, and Rachel Paul, examined how a maturity-based approach can help higher education institutions strengthen accessibility practices and support sustained institutional progress.
The sessions highlighted the importance of building accessibility expertise, strenghtening institutional capacity, and applying sturctured approaches to support digital accessibility acsross higher education.
Learn more about IAAP at AHEAD 2026
IAAP Expands Professional Learning with Mini-Courses
The International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) has developed a series of mini-courses to support accessibility professionals preparing for certification or looking to strengthen their knowledge while earning continuing education credits. Based on the IAAP Bodies of Knowledge, the self-paced courses feature short lessons, interactive quizzes and practical scenarios.
Mini-courses are currently available for the CPACC and WAS Bodies of Knowledge, with ADS courses coming soon.
Find out more about IAAP Mini Courses
IAAP EU 6th Anniversary WAD Event
22–23 September | Virtual
IAAP EU and the European Disability Forum (EDF) will mark the sixth anniversary of the EU Web Accessibility Directive (WAD) with a free two-day virtual event on 22–23 September.
The programme begins on 22 September with a half-day interactive workshop covering the latest European accessibility requirements. The 23 September conference will feature expert presentations, panel discussions and practical insights on advancing digital accessibility across Europe.
Registration is free and open to all.
Stay Connected
IAAP continues to expand its digital footprint through the IAAPorg Linktree, connecting members to Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, X, TikTok, Bluesky, and LinkedIn showcase pages.
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Anticipating the 2026 M‑Enabling Summit: Global Leadership and Inclusive Innovation
Taking place October 5–7, 2026, in Arlington, VA (Washington, D.C. metro area), the 2026 M‑Enabling Summit—the global conference and showcase produced by G3ict—will place global leadership and inclusive digital transformation at the center of its keynote program. Featured keynote sessions include:
- “Accessibility as a Driver of Digital Transformation” — Kinsey Fabrizio, President & CEO, Consumer Technology Association®, producer of CES®
- “Direct‑to‑Device Satellite Connectivity: A New Frontier for Inclusive Digital Access” — Mario Maniewicz, Director, ITU Radiocommunication Bureau
- “Global Standards for AI‑Driven Experiences: Designing the Next‑Generation Web” — Léonie Watson, W3C Board Chair
Together, these perspectives frame the Summit’s theme— “Accessibility at the Core of Digital Transformation”—and outline a forward‑looking agenda for innovation, governance, and inclusive design.
The plenary will also feature a high‑impact Lightning Talk by José María Viera, Executive Director of the International Disability Alliance (IDA), offering a global advocacy perspective on disability rights and the imperative of aligning emerging technologies with CRPD principles.
In addition to the keynote program, the Summit will feature a full slate of cross‑sector sessions, including hands‑on workshops, technical demonstrations, breakout discussions, innovation showcases, and sector‑specific forums on policy, procurement, inclusive UX design, and emerging technologies. These components bring together industry leaders, policymakers, disability advocates, and accessibility professionals to exchange practical strategies and accelerate implementation across organizations worldwide.
Complementing this broader program, dedicated sessions will spotlight the global impact of G3ict’s flagship initiatives: DARE Index 3.0 Global Trends, providing the latest evidence on national accessibility commitments across nearly 145 countries with a focus on the Global South; an outlook on the Inclusive Smart Cities initiative; and the IAAP State of the Union, highlighting the rapid expansion of accessibility professionals through regional chapters and membership and certification outreach in 110 countries.
Registration for the 2026 M‑Enabling Summit is now open:
Learn more and register here: m-enabling.com
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[Podcast] Designing for Real People: Accessibility with Chandra Harrison (Transcript Included): This episode of the G3ict/IAAP United in Accessibility podcast features Dr. Chandra Harrison, G3ict Country Advisor for New Zealand and Managing Director of Access Advisors. The conversation explores New Zealand’s evolving digital accessibility landscape, the importance of moving beyond compliance to understand the real experiences and needs of people with disabilities, and the role of lived experience in shaping accessibility practice. Dr. Harrison discusses the opportunities and risks of emerging technologies such as AI, the need for stronger policy and enforcement, and the importance of empowering people with disabilities to advocate for accessible products and services. She also shares her work across the health and disability sectors, including efforts to strengthen digital accessibility and access to assistive technology in New Zealand.
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Global Accessibility & Inclusion News
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