Skip to main content

IDB and the International Paralympic Committee Promote the Accessibility of the Parapan American Games

The initiative is part of IDB's support for Paralympic sports through the "On your marks, ready, inclusion" project, implemented in partnership with the International Paralympic Committee.

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) will finance and lead, in collaboration with the Parapan American Games, the implementation of Navilens technology in the Athletes' Village at the 2023 Santiago Parapan American Games in Chile.

Navilens provides accessibility for individuals with visual impairments, enabling the navigation of indoor and outdoor spaces. This technology, which will also be available in certain competition venues at the 2023 Santiago Games, will serve as a navigation and communication tool, disseminating relevant information about the competitions.

This technology will benefit individuals with and without disabilities, as it is available in 34 languages, offers nearly instant detection while the user is in motion, requires no costly infrastructure, and supports real-time information updates.

Navilens has proven its effectiveness in places like the Jay Street subway station in New York, the Barcelona Metropolitan Transportation System, and the Murcia Tram in Spain. The IDB is also supporting its implementation in Guadalajara, Mexico, and other cities in Latin America as part of a project to promote accessibility in public infrastructure.

In Latin America and the Caribbean approximately 88 million people were living with some form of disability in 2020, and disparities in well-being and inclusion persist between people with and without disabilities. Sports are an instrument to promote inclusion. Therefore, the IDB, in partnership with national Paralympic committees, is supporting the expansion of Paralympic sports in 11 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, including Chile, in approximately 41 communities with high poverty rates and a significant percentage of people with disabilities.

Florencia Attademo-Hirt, the IDB's representative in Chile, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that: "The implementation of innovative accessibility tools in the Paralympic Village is necessary to ensure greater inclusion through the use of technology."

"At the IDB, we support sports as a powerful tool for social transformation, promoting autonomy, discipline, and commitment among young people in the region," explains Attademo-Hirt. "Paralympic sports also have the capacity to challenge and change perceptions about people with disabilities."

About the IDB 

The Inter-American Development Bank is devoted to improving lives. Established in 1959, the IDB is a leading source of long-term financing for economic, social, and institutional development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The IDB also conducts cutting-edge research and provides policy advice, technical assistance, and training to public- and private-sector clients throughout the region. Take our virtual tour. 

Contacts

Planes,Maria Soledad

Planes,Maria Soledad
You may also like

Four keys to promote accessibility in Latin America and the Caribbean

Accessibility is a fundamental right for all people, not only for people with disabilities. Currently, a broad legislative framework recognizes the importance of ensuring accessibility in different areas such as transportation, education, health, culture, technology, justice and employment. However, there are still many gaps in implementing, enforcing and monitoring these laws. There is still a long way to go to ensure that accessibility is a respected right in every sector.

Read more
Jump back to top