Maayan Ziv

Maayan Ziv is an activist, photographer and entrepreneur. From youth, she challenged norms and worked to increase awareness of disability issues and improve accessibility. Living with Muscular Dystrophy, Maayan passionately advocates for creating a more accessible world.

Founder of AccessNow, a mobile app that mobilizes communities by mapping the accessibility of places worldwide, she regularly speaks on topics such as disability, diversity and inclusion. She has received the City of Toronto Access Award, the Startup Canada National Resilient Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the David C. Onley Leadership in Accessibility Award recognizing her innovative solutions and commitment to improving the lives of people of all abilities.

Maayan advises the Clerk of the Privy Council of Canada and is a board member of the Toronto Arts Council and Toronto’s Centre for Independent Living. She earned her Bachelor’s in Radio and Television Arts and a Master’s in Digital Media at Toronto Met.