Asia Pacific Accessibility

This image is a logo of apna - Asia pacific network for accessibility, which written in a white font over a purple background.

ESCAP Working Group

The Asia-Pacific Network for Accessibility (APNA) is a cross-disability, women-led initiative dedicated to advancing universal accessibility and disability-inclusive development across the Asia-Pacific region.

 

Born from the vision of the Jakarta Declaration (2023–2032), APNA seeks to remove barriers—both physical and digital—that prevent persons with disabilities from fully participating in education, employment, public life, and social engagement. Our work is guided by the belief that true inclusion can only be achieved when everyone, regardless of gender, disability, or location, has equitable access to opportunities and resources.

 

APNA brings together a diverse collective of women with disabilities, their allies, and technical experts who leverage lived experiences and professional expertise to drive systemic change. We advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities, promote women’s leadership, and work in partnership with governments, United Nations entities, civil society, and the private sector to make the right to accessibility real.

Mission

To achieve universal accessibility and disability-inclusive and gender-equal development across the Asian and Pacific region.

Vision

To create an inclusive Asia-Pacific region where universal accessibility is embedded in every aspect of society—physical, digital, social, and economic—ensuring that all persons with disabilities, particularly women and girls, can thrive and lead.

Our Focus

  • Enhancing physical and digital accessibility in infrastructure, public spaces, and online environments.
  • Promoting gender-responsive, life-cycle approaches in disability policies and programs.
  • Fostering women-led leadership within the disability rights movement.
  • Creating equitable opportunities for education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and decision-making at all levels.

Our Reach

APNA operates across the Asia-Pacific region, amplifying voices and building solutions that reflect diverse cultural, social, and economic contexts. We believe in the power of collaboration and strive to work hand-in-hand with partners to build accessible, inclusive societies where no one is left behind.

APNA Logo Signify

This image is a logo of apna - Asia pacific network for accessibility, which written in a white font over a purple background.
  • The logo symbolizes strength, symmetry, and the vision of Access for All, with bold purple denoting dignity and empowerment. Its interlocking design reflects equality and inclusion, while the continuous loop represents collaboration and solidarity. Strong lines evoke women’s leadership in technical and design spaces. The open form signifies universal accessibility across all environments.

    APNA logo aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 5, 11, and 17.

Our Core Values

Inclusion

We believe that everyone, regardless of disability, gender, or socio-economic status, deserves equal opportunities and participation.

Leadership by Women with Disabilities

We champion women-led development and encourage women’s leadership in the disability rights space.

Equity and Accessibility

We work to remove barriers and ensure that accessibility is a right, not a privilege.

Collaboration

We build strong partnerships with governments, UN agencies, civil society, and the private sector to achieve lasting change.

Dignity and Respect

We value lived experiences and uphold the dignity, autonomy, and rights of all persons with disabilities.

Intersectionality

We address overlapping social, cultural, and economic factors that shape the experiences of people with disabilities.