Disability Advocate, Entrepreneur & Media Innovator Maayan Ziv on The Power of Disability at the EKO Spring Symposium 2025

February 27, 2025

Empowered Kids Ontario is delighted to welcome globally recognized thought leader Maayan Ziv to the EKO Spring Symposium 2025. Known for her pioneering work in accessibility and recently awarded the Meritorious Service Cross by the Governor General of Canada, Maayan is founder and CEO of AccessNow, a global platform that bridges the gap between disabled communities, the private sector, and governments by amplifying the diverse lived experiences of disabled people and driving actionable change through technology, education, and advocacy.

“We are delighted to welcome Maayan to the EKO Spring Symposium 2025. She is an acclaimed speaker whose message establishes the foundation for our time together at the EKO Spring Symposium 2025,” says Jennifer Churchill, EKO President & CEO. “Maayan is known for contesting norms, challenging us all to adapt a broader perspective about investing in accessibility and applying a disability lens to all aspects of our work. She promotes awareness, fosters dialogue, and actively engages stakeholders, creating a culture where accessibility and inclusivity are valued and prioritized, and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their diverse talents and perspectives.”

Disability has the power to reshape our understanding of inclusion and belonging. In the April 16th keynote presentation, Maayan will explore how the experiences and insights of disabled people can transform communities, spaces, and systems into more welcoming and inclusive environments for everyone. With thought-provoking stories and practical takeaways, this session will challenge conventional thinking and inspire novel approaches to creating spaces where all people feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive, driving progress toward a more accessible and equitable world.

Maayan brings her incredible experience to the EKO Spring Symposium. As chair of the Accessible Travel Journey Technical Committee for Accessibility Standards Canada, she plays a key role in shaping national accessibility standards on transit and travel. Maayan is also a member of the Economic Development Committee for the City of Toronto. She uses her expertise to engage with a wide range of media platforms, sharing stories that raise awareness and inspire action on accessibility, inclusive city building, and disability rights.

Among Maayan’s numerous accolades, she has been named one of MIT Tech Review's Top 35 Innovators and Canada’s Top 40 Under 40.

Register now to hear from Mayaan Ziv at the EKO Spring Symposium 2025