The Global Network of Young Persons with Disabilities (GNYPWD) recognizes the power of technology and the potential of accessible platforms. Our journey towards creating inclusive and impactful campaigns revealed several challenges – from inaccessible learning platforms and complex content, to discussion groups not catering to a cross-disability global audience. This inspired the development of GNYPWD Accessible Connect – our technical solution that echoes our core belief: “nothing about us without us.”
GNYPWD Accessible Connect is more than just a digital platform. It’s a holistic, inclusive, and completely accessible hub, designed to empower over 93 million young people with disabilities worldwide to learn, connect, and be heard. It is a testament to our commitment towards dismantling barriers and enabling young people with disabilities to demand their rights.
Key Features
Accessibility: Engineered with utmost attention to inclusivity, the platform is designed to be WCAG 2.0 AAA compliant, offering full accessibility to a diverse range of disabilities. It is not just accessible; it’s optimized for accessibility needs, changing the narrative from acceptance of inaccessibility to the celebration of inclusivity.
Community: Creating a sense of belonging, the platform encourages ‘groups’ and ‘projects’ for members to organize and engage in meaningful discussions. This feature brings together a global network of young disability advocates, fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and a stronger community bond.
Networking: A chance to connect with like-minded individuals, our platform facilitates discovering members with shared interests or from similar geographical locations. This encourages peer-learning and exchange of innovative ideas.
UN Connect: In partnership with our UN collaborators, we offer a bidirectional exchange of information, perspectives, and opportunities. This is a critical step towards aligning our collective advocacy efforts with larger international goals.
Multilingual: Language should never be a barrier. Hence, our platform supports real-time translation across 100+ languages, ensuring our resources are accessible and understandable for all.
Discoverability: Powered by advanced generative AI, we are working to deploy and aggregate an array of resources from esteemed organizations such as the UN, World Bank, and numerous disabled people’s organizations (DPOs). An easy-to-use natural language search and AI-powered technology helps convert all resources into accessible formats, making it simple for young people to find and learn from content that matters to them.
Cross-platform: As we strive for universal accessibility, we’re working on introducing SMS/IVR and WhatsApp functionalities. This ensures even those in our community with limited internet access have equal opportunities to learn, participate, and voice their concerns.
GNYPWD Accessible Connect is an enabler, aiding our community members in building their capacities and executing impactful projects. This technical solution, combined with our decentralized community structure – led by regional and country representatives who support local initiatives – has empowered various endeavors.
In essence, GNYPWD Accessible Connect is more than just a platform; it is our commitment to making a difference. By championing accessibility and inclusivity, we strive to ensure that young persons with disabilities are not just heard, but also empowered to lead and effect change.