Global perspective Human stories

Accessibility is ‘more than ramps,’ says UN special envoy

Accessibility is ‘more than ramps,’ says UN special envoy

Introduction:

Accessibility, especially in today’s urban environments, involves a lot more than installing ramps, in order to ensure that people with disabilities can enjoy the rights they are entitled to, according to Maria Soledad Cisternas Reyes, the UN’s Special Envoy on Disability and Accessibility.

Despite recent advances towards inclusive societies, an enormous gap remains between commitments and the daily experiences of persons with disabilities – requiring a concerted effort to ensure that they are not left behind, as outlined in the 2030 development agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Even without sight, Ms. Cisternas Reyes has a clear vision for persons with disabilities, especially when it comes to the fight for accessibility for all, as she told Liz Scaffidi.

 

Download

Accessibility, especially in today’s urban environments, involves a lot more than installing ramps, in order to ensure that people with disabilities can enjoy the rights they are entitled to, according to Maria Soledad Cisternas Reyes, the UN’s Special Envoy on Disability and Accessibility.

Despite recent advances towards inclusive societies, an enormous gap remains between commitments and the daily experiences of persons with disabilities – requiring a concerted effort to ensure that they are not left behind, as outlined in the 2030 development agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Ms. Cisternas Reyes spoke with UN News's Liz Scaffidi.

Audio Credit
Liz Scaffidi, UN News
Audio Duration
7'16"
Photo Credit
UN News/Elizabeth Scaffidi