Accessibility is the Foundation. Inclusion is the Result.

The Association for Accessibility and Inclusion (API) was founded in 2024 with a singular, powerful conviction: inclusion cannot happen without accessibility as a prerequisite. Based in Skopje, North Macedonia, we are the only organization in the country dedicated exclusively to the intersection of physical, digital, and societal accessibility.

Our Vision

The Association for Accessibility and Inclusion strives for a society in which all people, regardless of their physical, sensory, or mental abilities, have equal opportunities for access to education, technology, public services, and spaces. Our vision is the creation of an inclusive society where accessibility is a fundamental human right, fully integrated into every aspect of public and private life, according to the highest international standards.

Our Mission

The mission of the Association for Accessibility and Inclusion is to promote and enable physical, digital, and social (societal) accessibility in all spheres of life through education, advocacy, and cooperation. We work on raising awareness of the importance of accessibility, support the development of inclusive technologies, lobby for the adoption of legal regulations and standards, and provide training and consultations for professionals, institutions, and citizens. Through this, our mission is to create an environment where persons with disabilities are active participants in society, without barriers and limitations.

Core Objectives

Our work is guided by the specific goals outlined in our founding statute:

  • Awareness & Education: Organizing campaigns, webinars, and conferences to promote accessibility as a right guaranteed by the CRPD.
  • Non-formal Training: Offering specialized training for professionals in technology, architecture, and health, as well as policy-makers.
  • Policy Advocacy: Lobbying for national standards and legislation in construction, education, and digital services.
  • Technology Support: Promoting and developing new accessible technologies to facilitate the independent functioning of persons with disabilities.
  • Professional Networking: Creating a network of specialists across various fields to exchange knowledge and trends.
  • Monitoring & Analysis: Conducting audits and publishing reports on the state of accessibility in public and private sectors.

Professional Excellence & Certification

At API, we believe in the highest standards of professional rigor. We are proud to state that half of our core team is internationally certified in accessibility by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP).Holding the Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) credential, our experts possess a globally recognized level of technical knowledge. This unique combination of professional certification and authentic “expert-user” lived experience ensures that our solutions are both technically sound and practically effective.

Meet Our Team

Kristijan Lazarev

Founder & Executive Director

Kristijan is an IAAP Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) and a Professor of Macedonian Language at the State School for the Blind “Dimitar Vlahov.” With an MA in Project Management (in progress), he serves as an appointed member of the National Body for the Implementation of the UN CRPD and the Presidential Youth Council. Kristijan leads API’s strategic vision, drawing on over 15 years of advocacy and project coordination experience.

Vanesa Lazareva

Vice-President & Assistive Technology Specialist

Vanesa is an IAAP Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) and a Professor of Informatics and Mathematics at the State School for the Blind “Dimitar Vlahov.” Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Assistive Technologies, she specializes in the technical development of inclusive tools, including child-focused text-to-speech voices. Vanesa leads our technical training initiatives and Erasmus+ educational partnerships.

Blazhe Zafirov

Blazhe is a Software Engineering student at the Technical University in Graz, Austria. As a fully blind professional living and studying independently in Western Europe, he brings a vital international perspective to our digital accessibility projects. Blazhe specializes in screen reader optimization, software localization, and mobile accessibility testing.

Mila Jovanovikj

Head of Physical Accessibility (National)

Mila is an Architect currently completing her Master’s degree in Skopje. She is dedicated to the principles of Universal Design, focusing on how the built environment can be adapted to serve everyone. Mila leads technical audits of public spaces and educational facilities, ensuring infrastructure meets international standards.

Elena Zarevska

Head of Physical Accessibility (International)

Elena is an Architect pursuing her Master’s degree in Italy. Her international academic background allows her to bring cutting-edge European architectural standards to our local projects. Elena focuses on urban accessibility and inclusive design, ensuring modern architecture reflects the rights of the disability community.