• For three days, participants from national and international entities will work in teams to tackle practical challenges related to the daily needs of people with disabilities.
• The competition is part of the Erasmus+ Design2Freedom project, coordinated by the Spanish Confederation of People with Disabilities (COCEMFE) with the participation of the Talonis group from CITIC.

A Coruña, December 3, 2024 .- The Center for Research in Information and Communication Technologies (CITIC) at the University of A Coruña is hosting a European hackathon from Monday to Wednesday, bringing together multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. Organized by CITIC of the University of A Coruña with the support of the Spanish Confederation of People with Physical and Organic Disabilities (COCEMFE), this event includes the participation of international entities such as Vilniaus Kolegija (Lithuania), Creative District (Belgium), and Technicka Univerzita v Kosiciach (Slovakia), as well as regional entities like the Galician Confederation of People with Disabilities (COGAMI) and the Association of Parents of People with Cerebral Palsy (ASPACE Coruña).

During three intensive days, participants will work in teams to tackle practical challenges related to the daily needs of people with disabilities. These challenges, identified by people with disabilities in collaboration with European partners and collaborating entities, include the creation of tools and devices that promote independence and inclusion, such as adaptations for wheelchair users, a multifunctional can opener that can be operated with one arm, and technological solutions that improve accessibility.

Among the most notable challenges is the design of a device that allows temperature regulation on hot days for people in wheelchairs, as well as a card reader for board games aimed at people with low vision. Additionally, proposals for software compatible with screen readers and alternatives to prevent muscle atrophy in arms and hands will be presented.

This hackathon is a unique opportunity for teams composed of diverse individuals and professionals from different disciplines to collaborate and use technology to improve the daily lives of all people. The initiative reflects a strong commitment to inclusion and person-centered design, supporting the creation of practical and accessible solutions for everyone.

Improving Accessibility Through Technology

The hackathon hosted by CITIC this week is part of the Erasmus+ Design2Freedom project, coordinated by COCEMFE, which aims to promote accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities through the use of technologies. The CITIC research group participating in this project is committed to researching and developing accessible technological solutions. In previous project activities, such as training sessions held in Madrid, the TALIONIS Group from UDC shared its experience in areas such as 3D printing, communication software, and tools for creating accessible digital content.

The initiative reflects CITIC’s strong commitment to inclusion, person-centered design, and the development of technological solutions that can have a positive impact on the daily lives of people with disabilities. Collaboration between universities, researchers, and international social entities will contribute to creating a more accessible and equitable environment for everyone.