Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) helps to raise awareness for the 1.3 billion people globally living with a disability.
Taking place on the third Thursday of May, it’s a chance for individuals, organisations and communities to highlight how we can make the world more accessible and inclusive for everyone, no matter their abilities.
Accessibility means making sure people can take part fully and confidently in life. That includes how we design websites, physical spaces, products, and even the way we speak and listen to each other. It’s not just about following rules, it’s about creating a world where everyone has the chance to thrive.
GAAD takes place on Thursday 15th May 2025 and around this date you might notice businesses talking about how they’re improving, for example:
- Websites that are easier to use with screen readers
- Buildings with ramps, clear signs and textured paving
- More companies talking about how they include disabled people in their plans
The most thoughtful organisations ask the disabled community what works and what does not and they use that feedback to make real changes. As you and all of our Scheme customers know, accessibility is not something you fix once. It’s a journey, and it takes ongoing work.
In 2024, HMRC ran online events to help staff and the public understand why accessibility matters. These included training and market stalls where people could learn about digital tools that support inclusion. There are also tips on the Government website for companies looking to host accessible and inclusive online events.
This year, a tech company called Recite Me are launching a free Accessibility Starter Pack. It includes:
- A digital toolkit
- A website checklist
- A training course
- A business case template
This pack will help businesses take real steps to make their websites better for everyone.
This year marks the 14th celebration of Global Accessibility Awareness Day © Getty / Daisy-Daisy
We celebrate accessibility every day, not just on Global Accessibility Awareness Day. The Motability Scheme is already helping more than 800,000 people keep moving. There’s a wide range of adaptations available to support different needs. Many of them are included at no extra cost. You might be surprised by what’s possible.
Here are a couple of adaptations available on the Scheme that our customers find make a big difference:
-
Swivel seats: These help you get in and out of your car more easily. You turn the seat to face the door, then sit down and swivel into position. It’s especially helpful if you use a wheelchair or have limited movement.
-
Left-foot accelerators: If you find it hard to use your right foot, this adaptation lets you drive using your left instead. It means you can stay in control and keep your freedom.
Other popular options include hand controls, pedal guards, and steering aids. These features are not just helpful, they’re potentially life-changing. They give people more confidence and make everyday journeys simpler.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular, and we’re committed to making sure no one is left behind.
One of the solutions we’ve helped our customers with is a gul-e, a clever charging system for people without a driveway. It removes the risk of cables crossing pavements and makes home charging safer and simpler.
We also help customers find and use public and home charging. And we’re working with industry partners and disabled people to make EV charging more inclusive for everyone, something we’re particularly mindful of as we mark GAAD.
We’re committed to keeping our customers moving with EV charging solutions
Global Accessibility Awareness Day reminds us that inclusion matters, not just in design or technology, but in every part of life.
At the Motability Scheme, we keep accessibility at the heart of what we do. That’s why we’re always learning, listening, and improving.
Let’s celebrate the progress made so far on Global Accessibility Awareness Day but keep working together to build a world where everyone can move, connect and thrive.
Explore more accessible ways to get around with the Motability Scheme
Could the Motability Scheme help you stay mobile?
Check if you’re eligible now.
Related articles
Ways to enjoy gardening with a disability
Disability aids recommended by disabled people
If you care for someone with a disability, the Motability Scheme could help
