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Honoring best practices for the inclusion of people with disabilities
4 MINUTE READ
February 27, 2023

The three keynote speaker at the Amerika Haus
Martin Essl, Founder of Zero Project and Chairman of the Board, Ambassador Kennedy and Robin Tim Weis, Zero Project Director, International Affairs (from left to right)
Ambassador Kennedy at the lectern of the Amerika Haus
Ambassador Kennedy delivers her welcome address, which is simultaneously rendered in sign language by an interpreter and the text of the speech is projected on the screen.

Ambassador Victoria Reggie Kennedy during a reception at Amerika Haus on February 22 honored U.S. and Austrian participants of the Zero Project Conference.  The Zero Project is a Vienna-based NGO that works toward “a world with zero barriers” by facilitating the international exchange of best practices for the inclusion of people with disabilities.  Each year, Zero Project hosts a large international conference in Vienna to bring together innovators and key decision makers from all sectors. The conference also includes an award ceremony that recognizes leaders and innovators in the accessibility field, honoring them with a “Zero Project Award.” In 2023, among the 71 awardees from 42 countries were eight awardees from the United States and four awardees from Austria.

 

Visit our photo album from the event at Amerika Haus

 

 


“As U.S. Ambassador, I’m committed to DEIA* principles.  And I’m proud of the shared values and common interests that connect Austrians and Americans.  Our mutual commitment to inclusivity and accessibility – for the full participation of every individual in all society has to offer – is one of those important linkages.”

Ambassador Victoria Kennedy

*Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

Conference participants chat with Embassy staff and translaters
Participants of the Zero Project conference at the Amerika Haus