Accessibility Is Freedom

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  • Thailand Approves Baku Declaration to Advance Disability Employment

    Thailand Approves Baku Declaration to Advance Disability Employment

    Thailand’s cabinet approved the Baku Declaration on Human Development on April 21, preparing to sign at the 82nd ESCAP session on April 24. The pledge is not legally binding, but it commits to “leave no one behind” across all ages, including people with disabilities. It emphasizes quality employment, digital skills, and regional cooperation. Prime Minister Anutin stressed “people-centered development.” Still, only 6.8% of working-age Thais with disabilities have jobs. The one-per-100 hiring quota has been law since 2007, yet enforcement remains weak. Many organizations choose to pay into a fund rather than hire. Concrete national policy has yet to follow.…

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  • Sri Lanka Rolls Out Accessible Buses – A Big Win for Inclusion!

    Sri Lanka Rolls Out Accessible Buses – A Big Win for Inclusion!

    Sri Lanka launched 10 low-floor accessible buses yesterday, operating from Makumbura Transport Centre on routes linking to the National Hospital. The 28 drivers have completed training in sign language and passenger assistance. The fleet is set to expand to 100 buses by August. Congratulations to our friends in Sri Lanka. Accessible public transport is a major step forward for any nation’s development. Help us spread the word. ❤ Source: Daily Mirror Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Ministry of Transport

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  • 82nd UN ESCAP Session in Bangkok – Driving a Society That Leaves No One Behind

    82nd UN ESCAP Session in Bangkok – Driving a Society That Leaves No One Behind

    The 82nd UN ESCAP session was held April 20-24, 2026, at the UN Conference Center in Bangkok. With over 477 participants from 58 member countries, the meeting was held under the theme “Leaving No One Behind: An Age-Inclusive Society.” Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delivered the opening address. The session endorsed the Baku-Bangkok Declaration. As host for the 75th anniversary, Thailand promotes regional cooperation across Asia-Pacific — a region with over 700 million people with disabilities. The Jakarta Declaration and Incheon Strategy serve as key policy frameworks. This agreement aims to advance rights and sustainable development. Thailand ratified the UN Convention…

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  • “Monitoring Global Enforcement of New Website and App Accessibility Standards Around the World”

    “Monitoring Global Enforcement of New Website and App Accessibility Standards Around the World”

    Imagine waking up tomorrow without sight. You would begin to understand how dramatically the digital world around us would change. The WCAG 2.1 Level AA standard requires websites and apps to be readable, audible, and usable for everyone — and the world is now enforcing it in full force. 🇪🇺 Europe: In effect since last year 🇺🇸 United States: Extended compliance deadline by 2 years 🇯🇵 Japan: JIS X 8341-3 standard already in place 🇸🇬 Singapore: Government agencies must comply within 4 years 🇹🇭Thailand is making progress — NECTEC released NTS 80002-2568 based on the newer WCAG 2.2, DGA now…

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