Accessibility app WelcoMe by Neatebox secures a prestigious win for Scotland and the UK at UN-backed World Summit Awards 2020, snapping up the Inclusion and Empowerment Award and announced as the only UK business within the WSA Global Top 40.
The World Summit Awards select and promote digital solutions that address global issues and improve society. Backed by the UN and following a rigorous assessment programme, the final jury of 43 internationally recognised experts selected 40 solutions from 26 countries announcing the winners last month (March 2021). The winning organisations are diverse, and united by their impactful solutions for local communities, their technical finesse and strength in design and all receive the WSA globally recognised quality seal for digital innovation.
WelcoMe is a web-based service from Edinburgh based disability solutions provider Neatebox. WelcoMe helps disabled people access customer experiences in ways that meet their needs, improving communication between customer-facing staff and people with disabilities. The digital solution links venues with customers, giving real-time advice on giving the best service to individuals tailored to their disability and their reasons for visiting.
This award is important because WelcoMe’s win further cements the UK’s position as global digital front-runners and central to the digital accessibility conversation. Furthermore it highlights the need for businesses to be responsive to their customers needs, safety and comfort in the continuing public-health crisis. It helps us understand that safe, affordable solutions are available to help us all be more-disability aware.
Neatebox, Founder and CEO, Gavin Neate comments; “The entire team at Neatebox has worked tirelessly to bring WelcoMe into existence. WelcoMe is a service which will truly revolutionise the way in which society interacts with its disabled members.
To be recognised at any time is fantastic but to represent your country and win a World Summit Award for Inclusion and Empowerment at a time when disabled people are under such dreadful strain due to the effects of COVID19 is truly inspiring for us all.
We very much hope that this award will raise awareness of what is possible and lead to us working with those countries and businesses who see the provision of services for disabled and vulnerable people as a reflection of their international standing in the world.”
WSA Chairman Peter A. Bruck comments:
“The WSA Winners combine two major focus points – the commitment on the UN SDGs and solving societies issues with smart content applications. Evaluated by an international expert Jury in 2 stages – a multi-stakeholder college unique in terms of diversity and background – the 40 WSA Winners have been tried for sustainability, aim, technical and strategic finesse. This year’s challenges show more than ever how much digital means can offer progress and solutions. This year’s WSA Winners present a wonderful showcase of purpose driven innovation and entrepreneurship.“
