MuseIT Project (Horizon Europe)’s Post

🚨Policy Brief Alert! 🚨 We are thrilled to share our first policy brief which explores EU policies on cultural accessibility for people with disabilities. While progress has been made, there are critical gaps—especially in the integration of #multisensory technologies and the inclusion of artists with disabilities. 📌 Key Highlights: - Limited multisensory integration in current policies. - Sustainability of inclusive practices needs improvement. - Enhanced support for technological innovation and data collection is crucial. We believe that cultural heritage should be accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. Let’s work together to shape a more inclusive cultural future! 🌍 👉 Read the full brief and learn more about our recommendations: https://lnkd.in/epCZD-q2 Högskolan i Borås ShareMusic & Performing Arts Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH) Actronika SAS EXUS AI LABS Catalink Ltd KNAW - Koninklijke Nederlandse Akademie van Wetenschappen Ministero della Cultura Stanford University King's College London #XSystem Michael Culture Association #Inclusion #Policy #EUPolicy #Recommendations #Codesign

If you walk into a room today filled with people who don't speak your language, or the chairs are too high or too low and the lights are either too bright or too dim, how comfortable would you feel? Uncomfortable, right? That is what it can feel like for some designers when their opinions are discarded or don't get the same opportunities because of their background or gender. We are passionate about creating digital spaces that reflect the rich tapestry of humanity, where everyone feels seen, heard, and understood. Whether it is optimizing screen readers for visually impaired users, providing language options for non-native speakers, or ensuring easy navigation for people with motor disabilities, so why not extend the same treatment to the ones creating these designs? Some members of our team, Marycel Geneblaza Neo Kay Affiong Edet Hanh Nguyen Karen Uche also shared their thoughts on inspiring inclusion, but here is the thing, we can not do it alone. We need your help. We want to hear your thoughts, your experiences, and your ideas on how we can make our digital world a more inclusive place for everyone. So, join the conversation, share your thoughts in the comments below and repost to spread the word. #inspireinclusion #womensday #iwd2024

We’re excited to announce that Utrecht University is part of the TACIT project (Technologies for Access and Social Participation), led by TU Delft. This five-year, €3.2 million research programme focuses on developing technologies to make digital services more accessible for the 1 in 4 Dutch citizens living with disabilities.   Utrecht University’s Human-Centered Computing group, led by Judith Masthoff, plays an important role in the project. With expertise in human-centered AI, Judith’s group is working on technologies that automatically adapt to users’ needs and contexts—supporting people with visual, cognitive, or developmental challenges. Masthoff explains: “People have diverse needs and abilities, and we want technology to support them optimally.”   #uuscience #research #Accessibility #Inclusion #HumanCenteredAI #UtrechtUniversity

On the third Thursday of May is the annual Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). GAAD is a crucial annual event that emphasizes the importance of ensuring digital content and services are accessible to everyone regardless of their abilities. In an increasingly digital world where the internet serves as a gateway to education, information, healthcare, employment and communication, it's essential to prioritize inclusivity. GAAD serves as a reminder that digital assets such as websites, videos, audio content, and social media platforms should be designed and developed with accessibility in mind. This means ensuring that people with vision, hearing, mobility and cognitive impairments can navigate and interact with these resources effectively. By promoting accessibility, GAAD aims to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to online opportunities and can achieve the same successful outcomes as those without impairments. I'm dedicating my quote for this initiative: "Accessibility enables everyone to access the possibilities." Let the possibilities begin! #GAAD #GlobalAccessibilityAwarenessDay #Accessibility #A11y #Inclusion #Equality #AI #DigitalAccessibility #Technology

I wrote this article for the American Alliance of Museums in summer 2020, just before starting my PhD program. My research over the past four years has borne out what I said here: "If we are to move into the future as a society, as DEAI efforts urge us to, museums must include disabled people in their hiring practices. If we do not achieve equity in our hiring practices, how can we achieve equity in our service to visitors? If we do not make accommodations for disabled employees in our workplaces and professional events, how can we make accommodations for our visitors?" https://lnkd.in/eJsEimww

Today, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we reflect on the importance of inclusion and the need to ensure that essential services are accessible to everyone. We’re proud to mark this occasion by participating in the EENA NG112 & AI Days, where we will present: "The Right to Assistance and Artificial Intelligence: Towards Universal Accessibility - Experiences and Outcomes Serving the Deaf Community." At Regola, we believe technology should connect, not divide. Through solutions like FlagMii EML and nowtice, we are working to eliminate barriers by integrating advanced features such as simultaneous translation, non-verbal communication, and precise geolocation. These tools are designed to make emergency services truly accessible for all. Together, we are moving toward a future where no one is left behind.

What is the impact of an #augmentedreality (AR) exhibit, Bugtopia, on family #learning conversations? What is Bugtopia? 🪲 Bugtopia was designed to allow visitors to interact with 3D models of animals, aiming to engage intergenerational (adult-child) groups. The study included observations and interviews with nine adult-child dyads. What did we find? 🔍 Findings suggest that AR enhances engagement and educational experiences, providing a dynamic learning environment that encourages collaboration, active participation, and addresses misconceptions. The study highlights the potential of AR in museums and science centers to support interactive and immersive learning, and suggests further exploration into gender differences in engagement and learning preferences. Read the full brief: https://lnkd.in/dKJCheBi #AR #educators #exhibit #science #education #gender #immersivelearning

With Co-PI Dr. Teddy Pozo (they/them) at Occidental College, Dr. Gass was awarded the highly competitive American Council of Learned Societies Digital Justice Seed Grant for the "Trans Games Digital Zine Project!" This project brings together the work of transgender, nonbinary, genderfluid, and gender non-conforming game developers, scholars, and gamers. Taking inspiration from queer and trans-independent zine-making cultures, this web-based publication shares interdisciplinary scholarship and public humanities work on and about the ways that trans game designers and communities of play have always shaped and continue to fundamentally shape this thriving entertainment industry. https://ow.ly/6QJX50TTB1U

Today is the 13th annual Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), a day to raise awareness of the importance and benefits of accessibility in digital products and technologies and reduce barriers in technology for people with disabilities.   To mark GAAD, Kenichiro Yoshida, Chairman and CEO, Sony Group Corporation reflects on Sony’s efforts in accessibility and inclusive design: “People are also at the center of our approach to accessibility, and by working together with individuals with diverse needs, we are implementing inclusive design features that incorporate their perspectives into our product development processes.” Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dTDTm-b6 #SonyEurope #SonyCares #GlobalAccessibilityAwarenessDay #GAAD2024 #Accessibility

My #GAAD thoughts with transcript.