Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)

GAAD celebrates and encourages discussions around digital access and inclusion for people with disabilities. GAAD raises awareness in the hopes that people with and without disabilities will be able to have the same web-based service, content and digital product experiences.

Who celebrates?

Everyone – it’s an international awareness day!

How do people celebrate?

• People and organisations celebrate by raising awareness about digital exclusion and highlight how people are affected around the world
• People promote awareness through social media and educational events – it is important to make it known what adjustments can be made for those with different disabilities.

What should I know?

• The date changes each year as it is celebrated on the third Thursday of May
• Roughly one billion people (15%) around the world have a disability.

How can I support others?

• Use the additional resources to understand more about disability adjustments for digital technologies
• Have open discussions with your team about the accessibility of the work you do and discuss if there is room for improvements to be more inclusive
• Talk to your team about the disabled representation among your volunteer, employee and service user population and what you’re doing to do to ensure trans inclusion.

GAAD: https://globalaccessibilityawarenessday.org

World Bank Group: Bridging the disability divide: https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/123481461249337484-0050022016/original/WDR16BPBridgingtheDisabilityDividethroughDigitalTechnologyRAJA.pdf