AccesS

The European Union of the Deaf (EUD) is proud to announce its participation in the AccesS project, an ambitious EU-funded initiative aimed at enhancing accessibility and sustainability in smart cities and smart buildings. Launched on 1st June with a hybrid meeting held in Greece, this project is supported by the European Union’s Horizon Innovation Actions and will span three years.

AccesS seeks to transform the way accessibility and inclusivity are approached within smart urban environments through the Universal Accessibility Suite initiative. By harnessing cutting-edge technologies, the project strives to create barrier-free spaces, facilitate seamless mobility, and ensure equal access to essential services. These innovations will not only enhance the inclusivity of smart cities but also promote sustainable and adaptive building operations, tailored to the diverse needs of all users. Furthermore, AccesS will explore solutions for accessible e-mobility and micro-mobility, ensuring that transportation options in smart cities are inclusive and accessible to everyone.

The project’s key objectives include developing a user-centred design approach for social inclusion in smart cities and buildings, delivering digital innovations for accessible and sustainable built environments, and promoting adaptive mobility management within the smart city context. Additionally, AccesS aims to establish a standardized framework for inclusive and accessible built environments across the European Union, foster public awareness, and encourage industry collaboration in this crucial area.

The solutions developed within the AccesS project will be demonstrated in cultural heritage buildings, care facilities, and public service buildings across five European countries. With a consortium of 22 partners from nine European nations, this collaborative effort is set to make significant strides in improving accessibility and sustainability in our urban spaces.