Monaco marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by hosting the inaugural Handipact Day, an event highlighting technological advancements and initiatives aimed at supporting people with disabilities.
Held on 3rd December under the theme ‘Innovation in the service of disability’ and attended by Prince Albert II, the event was organised by the Department of Social Affairs and Health to reaffirm Monaco’s commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible society.
Minister Christophe Robino described the event as a reflection of Monaco’s collective effort to build a model society where inclusion is a lived reality, not just a goal. The day featured moving testimonials, engaging demonstrations of cutting-edge technology, and a panel discussion with prominent figures such as Marco Landi, former president of Apple Computer; Arthur Alba, founder of the mobility app ‘Street Co’; and entrepreneurs Virginie Dubost and Julien-Paul Vedani.
One of the event’s highlights was the presentation of the Handipact Trophies, created by Monegasque artist Caroline Bergonzi. Among those honoured were Lieutenant-Colonel Maxime Yvrad, recognised for implementing accessibility solutions for hearing-impaired individuals in Monaco’s fire service; Virginie Dubost, a Paralympic torchbearer and advocate for accessibility; and Julien-Paul Vedani and Laure Gabin, co-founders of We Are Handi, acknowledged for their achievements in disability advocacy and innovation, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with an exoskeleton. Additionally, local merchants Laetitia Politi, Carole Bloom, and Clément Ferry were commended for adopting measures to make their businesses more accessible as part of the government’s Handipact strategy.
Visitors to Handipact Day were invited to explore and test groundbreaking technologies, including an exoskeleton demonstrated by Julien-Paul Vedani, the ‘Street Co’ app designed to assist individuals with reduced mobility, a digital tool capable of interpreting sign language, and a real-time voice transcription solution for the hearing-impaired. Attendees also participated in interactive experiences, such as the Accéder Côte d’Azur wheelchair course, and engaged with Monaco-based associations dedicated to supporting individuals with both visible and invisible disabilities.
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Photo credit: Philippe Fitte, Government Communication Department.