Maayan Ziv

Maayan Ziv is an activist, photographer, and entrepreneur. In 2015, she launched AccessNow, a mobile app, and website that collects and shares information about the accessibility status of places worldwide. What began as a response to her frustration when trying to navigate inaccessible places, AccessNow soon grew to become a mission-oriented social start-up. Within just a couple of years, AccessNow has vocalized a movement for inclusion, inviting people of all abilities to contribute to the platform. As CEO of AccessNow, Maayan has created a powerful shift in thinking about the importance of accessibility in our world, from accessible technologies to infrastructure, public policy, media, and communications. To date, AccessNow has shared accessibility information in over 35 countries. An influential public speaker who is often in the media, Maayan collaborates with private sector companies as well as government and not-for-profit organizations. She is leading a movement, challenging norms, and empowering others to make the future accessible and inclusive for all. Maayan and her work with AccessNow have received numerous awards, including Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 (2021), the Governor General’s Innovation Award (2020), WXN Top 100 Canada’s Most Powerful Women (2018), the City of Toronto Access Award (2016), David C. Onley Leadership in Accessibility Award (2016).