What does real accessibility look like when it’s built from the ground up—not by governments or corporations, but by communities, innovators, and people with lived experience?
In this episode, Michael Fembek explores the stories and insights behind the Zero Project’s 2026 Call for Nominations, which received a record 586 innovations from 93 countries. From AI-powered navigation tools and inclusive health care models to tactile learning kits made with local materials, these initiatives show how accessibility is being redefined—decentralized, community-driven, and deeply human.
Drawing from thinkers like Amartya Sen, John Rawls, and Elinor Ostrom, Michael reflects on what these innovations reveal about progress, justice, and the power of self-organizing ecosystems.
Tune in to hear how people across the globe are building accessibility!
Note: This audio version is offered to support accessibility and is not intended as a full podcast production.
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Human + AI Collaboration Breakdown
Writing, editing, fact-checking, and all editorial decisions done by Michael Fembek (the human).
Data analysis used during the creation of this blog post was powered by Zero Project Responsible AI.
Proofreading was supported by ChatGPT.
Audio versions of this post were generated using Eleven Labs, with an AI voice model of Michael.
The visual uses an original photo from the Zero Project Conference, with image editing by Alessandro Gobello.
For more than a decade at the Zero Project, Michael Fembek has collaborated with entrepreneurs, academics, practitioners, policymakers, and experts around the world to identify, understand, and replicate innovations that advance disability inclusion.
This new podcast goes beyond storytelling — combining data, analysis, and thoughtful commentary to uncover what truly drives progress in accessibility and inclusion.
In this short teaser episode, Michael introduces the vision behind the series and what listeners can expect in the episodes to come.