A PARTNER OF CHOICE



A PARTNER OF CHOICE Partnership is at the heart of everything the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT) does. Our substantial expertise, both intellectual acumen and practical experience, cuts across diverse development issues and settings. These valuable assets combined with our long legacy of trust have made us a global partner of choice. RASIT’s remarkable partnership with the United Nations agencies, Departments, Member States, intergovernmental organizations, private sector, civil society, and individuals have been its signature since 1968.



Government Partnerships



Building on RASIT’s partnerships with more than 95 governments, the Science in Braille Global Initiative coordinates directly with national, regional, and local authorities to support country-led priorities in inclusion and accessibility across education, science, research, and employment, aligning its work with RASIT’s strategic plan and United Nations agendas, resolutions, and declarations. The Initiative provides technical assistance, policy advice, capacity building, and programmatic support tailored to national contexts, and works on-the-ground with authorities to implement accessibility measures across public services, transport, retail, and community life. RASIT and the Science in Braille Global Initiative value the trust placed in them by governmental partners and remain committed to advancing systemic, sustainable reforms that ensure equitable access to science and opportunity for all.



UNITED NATIONS SYSTEM



The Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT), holding consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council and association with the Department of Global Communications, leverages decades of collaboration with the UN and its agencies to advance coherent, effective support for countries and multi-stakeholder partners pursuing sustainable development. Since 1968 RASIT has worked closely with UNESCO, DESA, DGC, FAO, ILO, WHO, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, UN Women, UNDP, UNEP, and Regional Economic Commissions to align policy, capacity-building, and programmatic efforts.

The Science in Braille Global Initiative will draw on this institutional presence within the UN system and the broader international community to elevate professionals and experts with disabilities as active agents of socio-economic development, integrating their expertise into decision-making, policy development, and diplomatic forums, and driving the implementation of accessibility and inclusion across UN agencies and national programmes.



PRIVATE SECTOR Partnerships



The RASIT Science in Braille Global Initiative forges targeted partnerships with international financial institutions and private-sector entities to transform corporate resources and financing into accessible science, technology, and research opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Collaborating with financial institutions, corporate research and development units, assistive technology companies, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) and impact investment teams, the Initiative co-designs pilot projects that incorporate sensory and inclusive modalities—such as sonification, tactile displays, accessible laboratory tools, and inclusive STEM curricula—into product development and service delivery. Science in Braille offers technical support to assist partners in developing and implementing corporate accessibility policies, inclusive procurement practices, workplace accommodation frameworks, and measurable hiring pipelines for professionals with disabilities. Additionally, it facilitates and mobilizes blended finance along with in-kind contributions for large-scale deployments. The Initiative includes monitoring indicators and capacity-building components, ensuring that private investments significantly enhance the participation, employment, and leadership of experts with disabilities in science, research, and various other fields.



GOODWILL AMBASSADORS, SPOKESPERSONS AND ADVOCATES



RASIT Science in Braille appoints Goodwill Ambassadors, Spokespersons, and Advocates — distinguished public figures and experts who volunteer their influence to elevate accessibility, inclusion, and the participation of professionals with disabilities in science and research. These individuals bring public visibility to the Initiative’s goals, champion policy reform, mobilize resources, and amplify evidence‑based advocacy across diplomatic, academic, philanthropic, and private‑sector forums. Rooted in RASIT’s long tradition of enlisting prominent supporters, each Ambassador and Advocate commits to promoting inclusive STEM education, accessible research infrastructure, and employment pathways for experts with disabilities, while acting as trusted spokespeople in national and international dialogues to ensure that accessibility and universal design are integral to sustainable development outcomes.



CIVIL SOCIETY, FOUNDATIONS & Academic Institutions



The Science in Braille Global Initiative cultivates strategic partnerships with foundations, civil society organizations, and academic institutions to convert specialist knowledge into accessible, community‑led solutions that advance inclusion across education, health, governance, water, agriculture, and livelihoods. At the community level, the Initiative collaborates with local civil society partners to implement project‑based interventions and advocacy efforts, while working with foundations to mobilize funding, technical assistance, and scaled piloting of accessible technologies and practices. Concurrently, Science in Braille engages universities and research centres to co‑design inclusive methodologies, accessible curricula, and robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks that generate evidence for policy change. These multi‑sector alliances ensure accessibility is integrated into programme design and delivery, build local capacity for sustainable inclusive practice, and elevate the participation of people with disabilities in scientific research, policy dialogues, and development outcomes. RASIT is proud of its partnership with Perkins School for the Blind.



Global Initiative of the Royal Academy of Science International Trust



Dag Hammarskjöld-Box 20160, New York, NY 10017, USA