Wednesday, 21 February 2024
10:00 - 11:00
11:00 - 11:40
Inclusive education: How inclusive can it be?
Renowned experts in disability rights and education practitioners discuss the foundations, opportunities, and limitations of inclusive education in schools.
11:00 - 12:00
High-tech solutions expanding to global markets
This Session features smartphone aids for the blind, a global AI call-to-text app, an eye-tracking communication device, and quality 3D-printed prosthetics.
11:00 - 12:00
Philea's Disability Thematic Network: Good practices from foundations
Foundations from Philea (Philanthropy Europe Association) share good practices from their programs that promote accessible and inclusive education in various countries.
11:40 - 12:40
Presentation of the 12 Zero Project Scaling Solution-Fellows
Discover disability inclusion innovations ready to be scaled globally in three distinct Zero Project Scaling Solutions Sessions – Session 1/3.
12:00 - 13:00
Realistic representation of persons with disabilities in the arts
This Session showcases how innovative, creative, and inclusive approaches in music, dance, and visual arts can foster a more inclusive society.
12:00 - 13:20
Educational and support strategies during humanitarian crises
Encounter this year’s Zero Project Awardees that have developed strategies for early childhood intervention, inclusive care, and resilient education to support refugees and internally displaced people with hearing loss and other disabilities.
12:40 - 13:40
Forum on Artificial Intelligence and disability inclusion
In this Forum, exciting new AI-based solutions will be presented, as well as methods discussed, which seek to ensure that disability inclusion in reflected in AI development.
13:00 - 14:00
Forum of Self-Representatives of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities: Nothing about us, without us!
In this Forum Self-advocates wills share their experience with inclusive education models and suggest ways in which to focus training and teaching in such a way that it engages all from the beginning.
13:20 - 14:40
Early childhood interventions tailored for low-income and rural settings
Explore innovative early intervention strategies in low-resource areas, from an Indian startup to an app tackling malnutrition and inclusive school-readiness programmes.
13:40 - 15:00
Inclusive practices in universities and higher education institutions
Experience different strategies to enhance university inclusion in this Session, such as integrated disability education for medical students, collections of good practices for African universities, and Deaf leadership.
14:00 - 15:00
Trends and developments in TVET programs with a focus on persons with intellectual disabilities
New trends and methods on technical and vocational education and training will be presented with a special focus on persons with intellectual disabilities during this Session.
14:00 - 16:30
Let’s talk: Innovation! In cooperation with the Vienna Business Agency and co-financed by the European Union
Selected international startups take part in the Discover Vienna: Zero Barriers 2024 program – a unique opportunity to explore Vienna’s impact-driven ecosystem. In this interactive Session, you will engage in inspiring discussions with participants.
14:40 - 16:00
Focus on Subsaharan Africa: Comprehensive teaching frameworks
Experience African good practices that empower children with disabilities in remote areas, with low-cost and easy-to-adapt programme modules, and IT support.
15:00 - 15:20
Keynote Speech: Bobbi Cordano
Roberta "Bobbi" Cordano is the President of Gallaudet University.
15:00 - 16:30
Zero Project Policymaker Forum: Good Policies from Europe on inclusive education
The Zero Project Policymaker Forum will highlight exemplary public policies from Europe that have led the way in creating more more inclusive and accessible schools, as well as education systems.
16:00 - 17:00
Innovative tech solutions enhancing sign language communication
In this Session, explore a free sign language app, sign language in science, a TV sign language sports academy, and digital sign books.
16:30 - 17:30
Latin America-Forum on inclusive education (in Spanish)
In this Forum, Spanish-speaking panelists debate how to expedite inclusive education innovation in their nations and the broader LATAM region. (Spanish language, audio translation available)
16:40 - 17:00
Keynote Speech: Sanja Tarczay
Sanja Tarczay is President of the World Federation of the Deafblind.
Thursday, 22 February 2024
09:45 - 10:00
Zunami and the Special Dance Crew Performance
Zunami and the Special Dance Crew visually explain music in the context of what you hear and see. Join a Hip Hop Performance in International Sign Language.
10:00 - 11:00
Forum on Climate Change and Humanitarian Crises
Global leaders and seasoned practitioners deliberate on disability-inclusive responses to climate change ramifications and humanitarian crises such as wars and natural disasters.
10:00 - 11:00
Leveraging social media, gaming, radio, and YouTube for education, networking, and employment
Explore how to boost skills via Lego robotics, social media for parental support, IT gamification, anti-violence apps, and IT jobs for the visually impaired in this Session.
10:20 - 11:20
Zero Project Scaling Solutions Fellows Pitch
Discover disability inclusion innovations ready to be scaled globally in three distinct Zero Project Scaling Solutions Sessions – Session 2/3.
11:00 - 12:20
Universally applicable early childhood interventions
Discover inclusive early child interventions, like a video guidance, an inclusive kindergarten, customized Down syndrome support, tactile play kits, and a cross-ministry coordination policy.
12:00 - 12:40
Discovery Awards 2024: Handover Ceremony
Join us in celebrating the Discovery Awardees 2024 - grassroot innovations created by and for persons with disabilities.
12:20 - 13:20
Inclusive programs in arts, dance, and music for youth
Explore and experience inclusive arts education, sign language youth choirs, and dance for disability awareness in this transformative session.
12:20 - 13:40
Integration strategies for mainstream schools and youth services
Explore methods working on vocational inclusion, modular teacher training, integrated classroom support, after-school support, and community-driven accessibility measures.
12:40 - 14:10
Zero Project-India Forum
The Zero Project and its Indian partners showcase their work and describe opportunities for interested parties to join newly established programs.
13:20 - 14:20
A Model for Transforming Investment in Disability Inclusion
How can disability inclusive economies and industries be supported? This Session will provide answers, highlight approaches, and launch a new initiative in the disability inclusion investment world.
13:40 - 14:40
Methods for teaching sign language and fostering signing communities
Experience good practices in building up signing communities, be it family sign language training in the Amazonas, schools pioneering bilingual deaf education, or ICT innovators developing a global sign language app.
14:10 - 15:10
Educational resources for visually impaired students
In this Session, participants delve into ICT for the visually impaired: from accessible devices in low-income areas to rapid Braille conversion of textbooks.
14:20 - 15:00
Principles of Universal Design in education
Leading experts in Universal Design explore its meaningful application in teaching and training, ensuring it is truly designed for all from the outset.
14:40 - 16:00
Entrepreneurship and leadership development for young people with disabilities
Acquire new insights in this Session regarding empowerment training by youth with disabilities, leadership mentoring, youth house services, self-employment support, and student-led innovation in inclusion.
15:00 - 16:00
How the disability narrative works best on screen
Lights, Camera, Action! In this session, film industry representatives offer a beginner's guide into how to translate disability narratives into the medium of film.
15:10 - 16:30
Innovation Pitches: Promising tech-innovations and impact investors
In this fast-paced session, witness dynamic tech showcases connecting with impact investors, and then delve into the immediate feedback the investors themselves provide.
16:00 - 17:00
Zero Project Scaling Solutions Fellows Pitch
Discover disability inclusion innovations ready to be scaled globally in three distinct Zero Project Scaling Solutions Sessions – Session 3/3.
16:30 - 17:00
Research Pitches: Research projects looking for partners
Experience a new Zero Project Conference format: researchers and other organizations looking for partners pitch and present their research projects, describing the partnerships that they are offering and/or looking for.
17:00 - 18:00
Interactive and Inclusive Dance Lessons
Innovative and inclusive dance classes led by renowned teachers provide a transformative and empowering experience for all participants.
18:00 - 20:30
Friday, 23 February 2024
10:40 - 11:20
Making eGovernment work for persons with disabilities
The Governments of Azerbaijan and Ukraine offer their citizens with disabilities e-government solutions for automatic benefit receipt. This session will explore its applicability elsewhere.
11:20 - 12:20
Disseminating affordable educational programmes and technology
Discover programmes that outline how to scale the enrollment of children with disabilities, facilitate low-cost therapy and education for remote children, provide accessible learning models, and develop UNICEF-backed technology-rollouts.
12:20 - 13:40
Training in IT skills and job creation in the context of higher-income countries
Learn from good practices ranging from vocational IT training for inclusivity, digital employability for students with disabilities, and online courses for professional growth in this Session.
13:40 - 14:40
Free resources to increase web accessibility
In this Session, explore free tools supporting web accessibility, like a support feature for colorblindness and open-source solutions for cross-disability computer access.
15:00 - 15:30