The Zero Project is a globally recognised initiative dedicated to advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities. It identifies, researches and shares innovative practices and policies from around the world that demonstrate innovation and impact in disability inclusion.  

Each year, the Zero Project invites changemakers from civil society, the public sector, academia and business to nominate solutions that break down barriers and advance inclusion across society. Winners are celebrated at the annual ZeroCon conference hosted at the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) from 18–20 February 2026, where Awardees will present their solutions to an international audience. 

Zero Project Awards 2026: Themes and winners 

The 2026 Zero Project Awards focused on three key thematic areas: 

•  Accessibility, understood as the removal of physical, digital and social barriers that prevent equal access to buildings, services and information. 

• Information and Communication Technology (ICT), which plays an increasingly crucial role in promoting autonomy and expanding access to education, employment and services 

• Crisis response. This theme highlights disability-inclusive approaches in humanitarian emergencies, natural disasters and other crisis situations. 

EASPD members recognised as Zero Project Awardees 

We are proud to share that a number of our members have been recognised among the 2026 Zero Project Awardees, reflecting their outstanding contributions to inclusive practice and community empowerment: 

• The Cross-sector partnerships for healthcare access for patients with intellectual disabilities initiative, involving EEA Margarita (Greece) as part of the consortium, has been honoured for advancing equitable access to healthcare services for people with intellectual disabilities, a critical and often overlooked aspect of health and social inclusion.  

• Fundación SIFU, led by Christian Rovira, is recognised in collaboration with the European Confederation of Inclusive Enterprises (EUCIE), an EASPD member organisation. Their work contributes to inclusive enterprise models that expand opportunities for persons with disabilities in the labour market.  

• Fundación Personas has been selected for its innovative contributions to disability inclusion at community and social levels.  

• Fundación ONCE, a long-standing pillar in disability advocacy, continues to secure international recognition for its impactful inclusive initiatives.  

• CBM International: although CBM Italia is a member of our network, the award this year has been attributed at the international level to CBM International, recognising their global reach and inclusive solutions in disability and health.  

• Beit Issie Shapiro is celebrated for its programmes and interventions that enhance inclusion and quality of life for persons with disabilities.  

• Horizons has been recognised for forward-looking inclusive practices and community engagement.  

• Türkiye Down Syndrome Association has been honoured for its impactful work supporting individuals with Down syndrome and promoting inclusion.  

Find out more here: https://zeroproject.org/research/zero-project-call-for-nominations-2026