About GAATES
The Global Alliance on Accessible Technologies and Environments (GAATES) is the leading international organization dedicated to promoting Accessibility and Universal Design for the built environment and public spaces as per the dispositions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
GAATES was founded in 2007 by an international consortium dedicated to promoting accessibility worldwide. GAATES operates a global network of experts with an active presence in 6 regions: the Asia-Pacific, Arab, North America, South America, European and African Regions. This international perspective enables GAATES to develop collaborative partnerships with a wide range of grassroots and professional stakeholders, NGOs/DPOs civil society organizations, professional associations, private sector organizations and individuals interested in the Global Development Agenda and Universal Design.
GAATES has a long history of collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) as well as leading non-profit organizations such as the Zero Project.
GAATES programming, since April of 2019, has been transferred to G3ict, the Global Initiative for Inclusive Technologies, and is managed in close cooperation with the Smart Cities for All Initiative and the International Association of Accessibility Professionals, allowing GAATES to scale up and achieve greater global impact.
Our 10th Anniversary Booklet highlights initiatives since forming
For details on our Board, Country Representatives, and Management Team please click here
Mission
GAATES‘ mission is to lead in the promotion, understanding and implementation of accessibility of the sustainable built, social and virtual environments. This includes infrastructure design, transportation systems, urban environment, and information and communication technologies (ICT), ensuring that everyone, including people with disabilities and older persons, are able to fully participate and contribute to society.
Vision of Universal Design
Implementing Universal Design principles takes everybody into account and leads to fully inclusive and sustainable environments.
GAATES Services
GAATES Experts and Certified Consultants use a rights-based, Universal Design approach in the provision of all services for all projects and activities. GAATES Experts and Certified Consultants abide by a Code of Ethics. GAATES Experts have completed projects for leading global private sector organizations, UN Agencies and Departments, and civil society organizations, a selection of which can be viewed here.
Accessibility Audits and Assessments
Built and Landscape Environments
Accessible Website Audits and Development
Transportation – Facilities and Vehicles
Guidelines & Policy Development
Built Environment
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)
Transportation
Procurement
Training & Education
Universal Design and Accessibility
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)
Transportation
Disaster and Emergency Preparedness
Tourism
UN Convention
UN CRPD Implementation
Key Indicators of Accessibility
Reporting
Global Accessibility News Service
Global Accessibility News (GAN) is the first online international accessibility news service. This news service and monthly newsletter is a global source of information for those involved in Universal Design, assistive technologies, accessible environments, and for people with disabilities. The aim of the website is to provide comprehensive news and information on accessibility developments in technology and the built environment that will lead a positive action in society.
Subscribe to the GAN newsletter and receive a monthly summary directly to your inbox.