Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2021
Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2021
Every year, the third Thursday in May is Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), a day to think about accessibility around the world.
Kenichiro Yoshida, Chairman, President and CEO of Sony Group Corporation delivered a message at the 2021 GAAD to launch global accessibility awareness activities by Sony Group companies.
Online Roundtable Discussions: What Sony's Accessibility means to us
Sony Group incorporates accessibility into products and services for a future where everyone shares the moment. Our style of "inclusive design*" encourages a diversity of individuals to work together. Four individuals deeply involved in Sony's creations explore what this accessibility means to them.
- *Inclusive design stresses inclusivity by embracing a diversity of product users, including those with disabilities, as shared understanding is incorporated into the design process.
Unique Initiatives by Sony Group Companies
In conjunction with GAAD, Sony Interactive Entertainment has blogged about its ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and the accessibility features of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart.
- Creating a World with No Limitations (SIE Blog)
- Inside the Accessibility Features of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (SIE Blog)
Sony Financial Holdings also posted a report on its online roundtable discussion What Sony's Accessibility means to us on its official Stories website to provide an opportunity for people to learn more about Sony Assurance's approach to Sign Language/Conversation-in-Writing Service, which was covered in the roundtable discussion.
In-house online events
Events aimed at raising employee awareness of accessibility are held annually. Continuing from 2020, Sony North America hosted a series of online events to showcase Sony's accessibility-conscious products and prototypes.
Not Impossible Labs and its subsidiary non-profit organization develop creative technological solutions to real-world problems, and Sony Interactive Entertainment also cooperated with them to host an online event for employees to discuss why accessibility issues are important in everyday life and business.
Events held at the U.S. office (distributed online）Share accessibility initiatives widely, internally and externally
Information on Sony's accessibility initiatives was communicated through Sony Group company intranets, official websites, and various social networking services. In addition to messages from Kenichiro Yoshida, Chairman, President and CEO of Sony Group Corporation and executives from Japan, Europe and the United States, a roundtable discussion was held with employees who work on accessibility on a daily basis, and Sony's new accessibility functions were shared internally and externally. The day provided Sony Group employees a new opportunity to learn and think about accessibility together with stakeholders.
