A Conversation with Mohammed Ali Loutfy – Resources

Guest: Dr. Mohammed Ali Loutfy, Director for Advocacy and Capacity Building, Global Initiative for Inclusive Information and Communication Technologies (G3ict)
Host: Jonathan Martinis, Esq., J.D., Senior Director for Law, and Policy with the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University.
Recording Date: September 12, 2022
Archive: A conversation with Mohammed Ali Loutfy

Contents

About the 504@50 Podcast Series

504@50 is a special interview series created in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. In the series, we speak with leaders of the disability rights movement who advance the cause of equal rights through their tireless work.

The 504@50 Series is produced by the Southeast ADA Center, the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University and in collaboration with the Disability Inclusive Employment Policy Rehabilitation Research and Training Center. Check out the Section 504@50 website at section504at50.org

About This Episode

In this episode of “504 at 50,” Dr. Mohammed Ali Loutfy, director of advocacy and capacity building at Global Initiative for Inclusive Innovation and Communication Technologies (G3ICT) and former executive director of Disabled People’s International, speaks to Jonathan Martinis about his experiences of becoming disabled and becoming a global disability activist. He shares his experiences of being denied admission to law school, advocating for the civil rights of people with disabilities in both his home country of Lebanon and the United States, and learning about how different countries view disability. Though the American approach to disability is often criticized, it is a vast improvement over Lebanon.

Dr. Loutfy also discusses the lessons he has learned as a blind person throughout his career, including his time at the World Bank and as Executive Director of Disabled People’s International (DPI). He emphasizes that the number of people with disabilities is increasing, and we must overhaul the current welfare systems. He describes the importance, particularly in developing countries, of disabled people having opportunities to engage in the various aspects of community development.

Learn about Dr. Mohammed Ali Loutfy

Projects of the Global Initiative for Inclusive Information and Communication Technologies (G3ict)

  • NeuroAbilities
    This program explores the current state of assistive solutions based on advanced neurotechnologies, Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), enabling persons with disabilities and older adults to better interact with their environment.
    Link: neuroabilities.org
  • Digital Accessibility Rights Evaluation Index (DARE Index)
    In its second edition, DARE Index 2020 is a benchmarking tool, developed by G3ict, for disability advocates, governments, civil society, international organizations and policy makers to trace country progress in making Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) accessible for all, in compliance with Article 9 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
    Link: g3ict.org/digital-accessibility-rights-evaluation-index
  • DARE Academy
    Learn how to create global digital accessibility with advocates and for advocates. Resources include an Academy Scholarship Fund, Webinar Series, and more.
    Link: g3ict.org/dare_academy
  • Global Network of Digital Accessibility Champions
    Link: g3ict.org/dare_academy/global-network-of-digital-accessibility-champions
  • International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP)
    Link: accessibilityassociation.org/s

Disability Rights in Lebanon

Disability Rights Around the World

Global Web Accessibility

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Visit the Section 504@50 website at: section504at50.org
The 504@50 Series is produced by the Southeast ADA Center, the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University, and in collaboration with the Disability Inclusive Employment Policy Rehabilitation Research and Training Center.