Imagine a world where everyone can access the spaces and resources they need to thrive, regardless of their condition. As Rare Disease Day approaches, join us on 18 September at 2 pm (CEST, UTC+2) for our webinar, “Enhancing Accessibility in Physical and Digital Spaces.”
We’ll explore the challenges people with rare diseases face and ask key questions like: How can we make public spaces more inclusive? What steps can we take to ensure digital platforms are accessible to all?
Our panel brings together experts in accessibility, technology innovators, and advocates from the rare disease community. You’ll hear firsthand stories from individuals who have overcome these barriers and are working to improve accessibility for others.
Meet the speakers:
- Adéla Odrihocká is an award-winning advocate for rare diseases. She co-chairs a patient organisation for individuals with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes in the Czech Republic and serves on the board of Rare Diseases Czech Republic (ČAVO). Adéla is a frequent speaker at European rare disease conferences and focuses on gender bias in healthcare, workplace inclusion, accessibility, and the social impacts of rare diseases. She also works as a consulting specialist for the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic, contributing to projects for comprehensive health and social care for rare disease patients.
- André Felix is the Communications Manager at the European Disability Forum. Since joining in 2018, André has coordinated communications and media relations. With a background in EU-related communications, he previously worked with the European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities and the European Commission. He holds an MA in European Business Studies, specialising in Marketing.
- James Buller is an accessibility consultant and civil servant in the United Kingdom. For the past 8 years, he has advised on the development of online public services, ensuring they are accessible to people with disabilities. Previously, James worked for 10 years in the digital media team of a funding organisation, communicating about grants for non-profit projects. He transitioned into user experience roles from a coding background and has continually volunteered in charities at both frontline and trustee levels. He leads the Aniridia Network, a support group for people with the rare genetic visual impairment aniridia, and actively promotes Rare Disease Day through the network’s communication channels.
Whether you’re a person with a rare disease, a caregiver, a healthcare professional, or someone who believes in a more inclusive world, this webinar is an opportunity to engage in important conversations. Mark your calendar, spread the word, and join us as we work towards a more accessible future.