Conference Findings of the International Zero Project Report 2012 June 21, 2012 European Parliament, Brussels

A world without barriers Findings of the Zero Report 2012 – The implementation of UNCPRD Art. 9 and Good Practices in Accessibility Michael Fembek, Essl Foundation

The Founders of the Essl Foundation

The Essl Foundation Mission: oSupporting social innovation and social entrepreneurship oWorking for a world without barriers

Major projects of the Essl Foundation oEssl Social Prize: 1 Million Euro p. a. oZero Project oSupporting Venture Philanthropy in Austria with a joint group of foundations: „Sinnstifter“ oSupporting Ashoka and social entrepreneurshop in Austria and neighbouring countries

The Essl Foundation Where does the commitment come from?

The bauMax company group Key facts about bauMax: oSale of home improvement and Do- It-Yourself products oIn 9 countries: Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Rumania, Slovakia, Bulgaria,, Turkey o1,6 bn € turnover (2011), employees

The bauMax company group

Employment program at bauMax 260 persons with disabilities employed

Employment program at bauMax Partnerships to sell products of NGOs like Easter markets, Christmas markets

Employment program at bauMax Annual „Action Day“ to promote joint activities of employees with NGOs

Employment program at bauMax Promoting activities with an intranet site

Employment program at bauMax Bi-Annual award for outstanding activities Winner 2011: Basketball tournament and Breakdance in the car park of the market in Ploiesti/Romania

Employment program Key facts from Austria`s program: 158 of 4291 employees have a disability Focus on employees with mental or psychological disabilities Fostering apprenticeships and internship to find the most suited employees Cooperations with „Working Assistance“ for organisational and psychological support Fully employed Adjustments in the internal cost calculation systems Promoting mentors and partnerships Accessibility of markets

Accessibility program at bauMax

Mission of the Zero Project o“For a world without barriers” oSupporting the implementation of the UN Convention for persons with disabilities (CRPD) oImproving practices and policies oResearch, data and transparency oBuilding platforms and partnerships

The Zero Project Social IndicatorsReport Good PracticesWebsite Good PoliciesConference

Zero Project - Indicators o21 social indicators constructed and researched for the third time oExpert panel worldwide oAnswers with a traffic light system, plus explanations oAdding to leading social indicator systems like ANED

Zero Project Indicators – example

Zero Project Indicators 2013 Country Coverage (June 2013)

Zero Project – Good Practices oFinding and highlighting outstanding social innovations – “Bottom Up”- Approach oIn cooperation with Ashoka International oNominations by appx. 400 experts worldwide oSelected by expert panel

Zero Project – Good Policies oFinding and highlighting outstanding regulations and laws – “Top Down”-Approach oIn cooperation with World Future Council oNominations by appx 400 experts worldwide oSelected by Scientific Advisory Board of the Zero Project

Zero Project - Conference 2012 o240 participants from 30 countries oParliamentarians, foundations, NGOs, academics, international organisations, leading adminstration stuff etc. oDiscussing just 8 good policies from around the world (including Canada, British Columbia) oMore than a 100 contributors and partners from 35 countries

Zero Project - Conference 2012 … and how it happened …

Indicators about accesibility Accessibility of new buildings (question no. 1) o27 of 35 countries have legislation in place oAmong the “offenders”: Hungary, Sweden oConfined to “reasonability” oLaw does not mean Practice oSanctions? In Austria only “damage compensation” but nur right to accessibility

Indicators about accesibility Legal time frame for accessibility to buildings where there is public access (question no. 2) oOnly 8 countries have such legislation in place (Bulgaria, Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, United Kingdom or Turkey (deadline was 2011!) oIn most countries accessibility has only to be established during renovation (Italy) or only to some buildings or for some disabilities. oIn Austria: until end of 2015, ministries can “opt” for an extension until 2019 (for budget reasons)

Indicators about accesibility Accessibility of medical practices (question no. 13) oSeveral countries have, quite surprisingly, no rules at all (Albania, Bosnia but also France and Germany) – but of course related to general accesibility regulations oRegulation differs from practice also in the medical practice oSimilar issues exist with the accessibility of pharmacies (study of 2010)

Indicators about accesibility Education/Training of architects (study 2010) oThere seems to be not one country where there is an obligatory training/education for students in architecture when it comes to accessibility oThe same is true for engineering and planning companies, plumbers etc (not asked but always mentioned by experts).

Indicators about accesibility Accessibility of public buses (question no. 3) oOnly three countries have public buses that are accessible to all those with disabilities (Israel, Netherlands, UK) oIn the vast majority of countries some buses are accessible to some persons with disabilities. oTraining of staff is neglected in many countries, but most important to certain persons with disabilities.

Indicators about accesibility Accessibility of warning systems (question no. 3) oIn only three countries (Denmark, Netherlands, UK) are the states`early warning systems also accesible to all persons with disabilities. oIn some countries efforts are being made to deilver visual warnings for deaf people, e.g. in Belgium.

Selected Good Practices Examples regarding access to information and the internet oThe Accessibility Foundation (The Netherlands): promote the inclusive accessibility of the internet by informing, inspiring and educating. oDeaf and Hard of Hearing Clubs Association of Slovenia: A Web-TV program, compiled and comprehensive oWheelmap.org (Germany): Accessibility Information for wheelchair users in an interactive map, where everyone can contribute personal experiences in their city