The Veles e Vents building in Valencia has been the epicenter of the 1st Accessibility and Employment Meeting, an innovative event organized by the València Activa Foundation, where experts and professionals from the sector have come together to address job and entrepreneurship opportunities in accessibility. Over the course of December 10 and 11, attendees have witnessed a wide range of activities including exhibitions, round tables, workshops, and interviews, all with the aim of exploring the role of accessibility as a driver of social and economic change.
This important congress has been supported by the Foundation for Accessibility and Social Responsibility (FARS) and the AIS accessibility certification, highlighting the need to position accessibility as a fundamental pillar for job creation and cooperation with public administrations. Discussions have taken place on how these factors impact the economy and social well-being.
The meeting, with a view to continuity, seeks to establish itself as a periodic reference point, to continue promoting accessibility as a flourishing field within the job market and entrepreneurship. The València Activa Foundation aims to consolidate Valencia as a model of innovation and social justice, with aspirations to project the city as one of the most accessible in Europe.
One of the key moments of the congress has been the reflection on how accessibility has emerged as a market niche that generates employment in various disciplines, from architecture to informatics. Cases of companies that have integrated accessibility into their business model have been presented, illustrating how this decision has favored the creation of new jobs and promoted the inclusion of people with disabilities in their teams.
The event has also provided a platform for discussing entrepreneurship opportunities within the sector, presenting pioneering Valencian companies offering innovative technological solutions. In addition, the role of responsible funds and social investors has been analyzed, perceiving accessibility not only as a necessity, but as a valuable strategic opportunity to develop projects with positive social impact.
One of the crucial topics addressed during the meeting has been the advancement in integrating accessibility into infrastructures and services, emphasizing the importance of adapting urban spaces to be inclusive. Collaboration between the public and private sectors has been another essential aspect discussed, determining strategies to ensure that accessibility is integrated into public tenders and contracts, thus facing a global challenge for the future of cities.
In summary, the congress has underscored the intrinsic relationship between accessibility and social well-being, highlighting that the elimination of barriers is essential for full citizen participation. There has been recognition of the growing demand for professionals specialized in accessibility, pointing out that their training is critical for the sector’s advancement. This meeting also aligns with the commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, strengthening the importance of promoting informative and formative actions related to diversity and inclusion.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
