Disablility organisation Kanchi has teamed up with Telefónica to bring the Ability Awards to five new countries.

The Spanish telecoms giant announced the global franchise arrangement this week as Spain held its inaugural Ability Awards – which recognise companies that are inclusive to people with disabilities. Telefónica O2 Ireland has been involved with Kanchi since the awards programme was established in 2005.

Caroline Casey, the founder of Kanchi and the Ability Awards, will co-chair an international advisory group with Luis Abril, secretary general of Telefónica.

Telefónica chairman César Alierta said the Ability Awards are unique because they “put people with disabilities at the centre of the value chain” in an initiative the goes beyond philanthropy.