This week, we returned from a visit to Paris for the IFIP and UNESCO conference on inclusive education and policy change, held at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris. During our visit, we conducted an interactive session on the connection between inclusive education and emergency preparedness, focusing on the role of students in creating readiness and providing assistance to students and individuals with disabilities in emergencies. At the session, that was led by Shelly Rom, VP international affairs at Access Israel, participants learned about the Purple Vest initiative, explored the significance of preparedness in schools, faced challenges experienced by people with disabilities in emergencies, and were introduced to relevant technologies.
On the second day of the conference, we participated in a panel discussing the transition from the world of education to the world of employment. Michal Rimon, CEO of Access Israel, took part in this panel and spoke about the importance of training and awareness at every stage, according to the Access Israel model, and creating continuity in providing accessibility accommodations for students and employees with disabilities.
Access Israel has been awarded the Global Inclusion Award at the Global inclusion schools’ forum, held by the International Forums for Inclusion Practitioners (IFIP) and UNESCO, at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
The award was received for our Purple Vest mission, dedicated to preparing and assisting people with disabilities and the elderly during emergencies. Our commitment to making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities by enhancing their safety and independence has been recognized on a global scale, and we are deeply grateful for this acknowledgment.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our team, partners, volunteers, and everyone involved in the Purple Vest mission. A special thanks to The Nippon Foundation who helped us start it all, and the Seneca trust and Accessibility Accelerator for their support in our international mission. This achievement inspires us to continue our efforts in creating an inclusive and accessible world for all.
