Deadline: 02-Jul-2023
The Zero Project is inviting nominations from all sectors of society – policy makers, startups, academia, civil society, businesses – and especially, those relating to multiple or severe disabilities, humanitarian action, gender equality, the arts, sexual orientation, psychosocial disabilities, or other multiple disadvantaged groups.
The Zero Project has identified seven subtopics within Education (Formal Education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Pre-School and Early Childhood Intervention, Non-Formal Education, Digital Learning, Lifelong Learning, and Education in Emergencies) and twelve within ICT (Gaming Solutions, Translation/Conversation Tools, Orientation Systems, Community and Knowledge Platform, Digital Library, Computer Steering Technologies, Mobile Services and Smartphone Apps, Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning / Big Data Solutions, Social Media, Internet of Things, 3D Printing and Robotics and Automated Machinery).
Topics and Subtopics
- The Zero Project Call for Nomination is based on a research-driven approach that aims to identify, curate, and share inclusive solutions, as intended and encouraged by Article 32 of the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). In order to achieve this objective, the Zero Project engages with a worldwide cross-sectoral network of innovators, decision-makers, and disability experts. Both the research and selection processes involve and rely on the expertise of people with lived experience of disabilities.
- The #ZeroCall24 topic of Inclusive Education, and ICT relate to a range of UN CRPD articles, which will be referenced in each of the individual sections for your reference.
Inclusive Education – what solutions is the Zero Project looking for?
- Article 24 – Education of the UN CRPD emphasises that persons with disabilities have the right to education and lifelong learning, without discrimination and on the basis of equal opportunity. The right to education as stated in Article 24 ensures:
- The full development of human potential and sense of dignity and self-worth, and the strengthening of respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and human diversity;
- The development by persons with disabilities of their personality, talents and creativity, as well as their mental and physical abilities, to their fullest potential;
- Enabling persons with disabilities to participate effectively in a free society.
- Information & Communication Technology has become very important for persons with disabilities. They have therefore decided to include this topic in each Call for Nominations.
What solutions are they looking for?
- Inclusive Education solutions that allow persons with disabilities to access education opportunities across education levels: early childhood intervention, formal and non-formal education, vocational training, and education in emergency and disaster situations.
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT) covers a range of solutions including accessible web solutions, inclusive software, hardware, devices, and applications.
- They also encourage nominations from women with disabilities and related to arts and culture.
Why become a Zero Project Awardee?
- Becoming a Zero Project Awardee opens doors, opportunities, and promotion channels to impactful, innovative, and inclusive disability inclusion stakeholders around the world. Each Awardee is invited to showcase solutions at the annual Zero Project Conference, hosted on the grounds at the United Nations Office at Vienna – a three-day Conference boasting 1000+ participants from 80+ countries. During the Conference, Awardees present solutions to a broad international audience, forge connections with entrepreneurs, innovators, and organizations, and tap into new global opportunities.
- Beyond the Conference, Awardees receive access to the Zero Project Network, which includes leading organizations, such as the United Nations, international organizations, governments, multinational corporations, international funding agencies, foundations, and globally active non-government organizations. Each Awardee is incorporated into the Zero Project database and the Zero Project publication line, which consists of respective annual reports, sector reports, and the Zero Project Almanac. The Impact Transfer Program and the Zero Project Technology Forum are accelerator programs and B2B channels setup specifically to support the rapid scaling of proven disability innovation solutions.
- The Zero Project is a platform and stage, which is provided to all free of charge, towards a world with zero barriers.
Why nominate your solution?
- From hundreds of nominations, a panel of experts and peer-reviewers will evaluate, scrutinize, provide feedback, and finally, select the most outstanding practices and policies as the Zero Project Awardees 2024.
- Awardees are invited to the annual Zero Project Conference at the United Nations in Vienna to present solutions to an international network of policymakers, game-changers, innovators, foundations, and organizations.
- Through the Zero Project Conference and Network, Awardees will have the chance to make connections, create partnerships, and scale their innovations globally, towards zero barriers for all.
Eligibility Criteria
- It calls on inclusive, innovative, and scalable solutions from around the world to submit their nominations, which will be evaluated in a multi-step process that includes peer-review and voting.
- A select number of solutions will receive a Zero Project Award and support through the Zero Project Network.
For more information, visit Zero Project.