IAAP - International Association of Accessibility Professionals

IKEA Expands Commitment to Digital Accessibility Learn more: https://lnkd.in/d8w6jmSb IKEA is strengthening its commitment to digital inclusion with new accessibility initiatives across online and in-store experiences. Sign language technology, live navigation tools, and an automated accessibility crawler are just a few ways the company is removing barriers. As Parag Parekh, CDO at IKEA Retail (Ingka Group), states: "Accessibility isn’t just about standards – it’s about making everyone feel welcome. As IKEA advances digitally, it embraces the responsibility to create seamless, inclusive experiences for many." Shoutout to FunkaFoundation, which will lead the training to ensure accessibility is embedded across teams. #DigitalAccessibility #InclusiveRetail

Warner Bros. Entertainment Conjures Up Accessible Hogwarts Tour Warner Bros Studio Tour in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, partnered with Guide Dogs to create a new accessible experience where visitors can touch props, costumes and "magical" creatures. The Hogwarts castle model has also been transformed into a raised, tactile floor plan so visitors can feel their way through the location using their fingertips. Learn more: https://shorturl.at/bnIau #A11Y #WarnerBros

Supporting Every Child’s Potential Kids Who Count provides early intervention services that empower families and help children thrive. From speech and occupational therapy to ABA support, early access to resources makes a lasting impact. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eDxdwvbF #InclusiveCommunities

We’re heading to CSUN ATC 2025 next week! If you’re attending, drop by TT7 (tabletop 7). Our dedicated team will be there, ready to connect with you. Whether you have questions about membership benefits, certification paths, or just want to say hello and network! G3ict - The Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs &IAAP Team: Christopher Michael Lee: G3ict President Axel Leblois - Founder and President Emeritus at G3ict? Francesca Cesa Bianchi - Vice President, Institutional Relations and Advocacy Rachel Paul - Membership and Outreach Director Samantha Evans, ICE-CCP, CAE, MBA Evans - Certification Director? Samantha S.- Operations Director For more details visit: https://shorturl.at/XCun1 Let's unite, learn, collaborate, and pave the way for an inclusive future together! See you at CSUN 2025 - drop by TT7 (table top 7)! #CSUNATC25 #A11y #Accessibility #AssistiveTech

Professional Certification Update Please note that the updated English WAS Body of Knowledge (BoK) will be the base for a new English WAS exam starting in the March-April exam session. This updated WAS BoK v2.3 was published in January 2025. Applications for this session open on March 5 and close March 26 at 5:00 pm. Learn more about WAS: https://lnkd.in/e2nb-SSw #ProfessionalCertification #IAAP

Tech from London is Helping People with Disabilities Use DC Public Transit Learn More: https://shorturl.at/qwJdv Following a multi-year pilot program at select Metro stations, the London-headquartered accessibility tech company Waymap will now see its AI-driven navigation tool used across Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) network. That includes 98 rail stations and 325 bus routes, plus the respective bus stations. Waymap gives hands-free audio instructions to visually impaired riders, without the need for GPS or an internet connection. #Waymap #A11Y

Soft Robotic Armband Gives Prosthetic Hand Users Natural Control Learn More: https://shorturl.at/k4W3F Researchers at Florida Atlantic University College of Engineering and Computer Science, in collaboration with the FAU Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, conducted an innovative study that combined haptic feedback, electromyogram (EMG) control, and a wearable soft robotic armband. This innovation not only addresses existing limitations but also paves the way for future developments in assistive technologies. #AssistiveTech #A11Y

UAE Launches Landmark US $60 Million Initiative to Expand Accessible Education for Visually Impaired Students in Ethiopia Learn More: https://shorturl.at/0SAmi Under the directives of UAE President His Highness HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE announced a new US$60 million (AED220 million) initiative from the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation for the development of schools to support the educational needs of visually impaired students across Ethiopia. The UAE's dedication to enhancing Ethiopia's educational infrastructure guarantees that all visually impaired children, no matter their socioeconomic status, have the opportunity to flourish in a supportive learning environment. #IAAP #VisuallyImpared

Thank you Mark Carty for sharing your journey and the impact of certification on your work at The Learning Rooms, Ireland. Your commitment to accessibility strengthens not only your team but also the broader community striving for digital inclusion. We’re proud to support professionals like you who turn expertise into meaningful change. #AccessibilityMatters #ProfessionalEducation #WAS

Join the IAAP team at The Zero Project Conference 2025! Stop by our booth on the ground level to connect, get insights on IAAP membership and certifications. ?? Check out our team in action! We’re here in Vienna, ready to advance accessibility with you. IAAP EU IAAP Nordic IAAP D-A-CH IAAP UK Chapter IAAP India Chapter IAAP MEXICO CHAPTER G3ict - The Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs IAAP - International Association of Accessibility Professionals #AccessibilityMatters #UnitedInAccessibility