GAATES Honoured with UN Habitat - Dubai International Award for Best Practices to Improve the Living Environment

The publication, "International Best Practices in Universal Design: A Global Review" has been named as one of the world's 100 "Best Practices" for 2008 by United Nations - Habitat - Dubai International Award for Best Practices.

The Global Alliance on Accessible Technologies and Environments (GAATES) is extremely pleased and excited to announce that this illustrious publication, that has been distributed to over 5000 people worldwide, compares accessibility codes and standards from around the world and is available in English, French, Arabic, Spanish, Serbian and the alternate DAISY format.

The purpose of the Dubai Award is to recognize and enhance awareness of outstanding and sustainable achievements in improving the living environment. The Dubai Award was established under the directives of late Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, during the United Nations International Conference that convened in Dubai in November 1995.

In selecting GAATES as a recipient of one of the 100 Best Practices in urban environment, the Dubai Award recognizes the important significance of Universal Design and Accessibility in the lives of people worldwide.

The criteria for best practices are selected by an independent International Jury that consists of Experts and Specialists who considered the positive impact in improving the living environment of people, including: social inclusion, sustainability and continuity in effecting changes in legislation, social policies, leadership and community empowerment, gender equality, innovation and transferability.

For further information on the Dubai Award, see http://www.dubaiaward.ae.

For information on the GAATES submission, see http://www.unhabitat.org/bestpractices/2008/mainview.asp?BPID=2254

To learn more about the prize-winning publication, visit the website of GAATES.