PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
Voting
You can vote until Nov. 25, 2024
Warsaw University: the Office for Persons with Disabilities
Poland, Warsaw
The latest product of our office’s adaptation department is a model of the Polish Tatra Mountains made using 3D printing technology. The model, measuring 125 cm x 75 cm, presents the area of the Tatra Mountains on a scale of about 1 : 20 thousand (1 cm is about 200 m). The model presents an area with a width from Zakopane and the border of the Tatra National Park to the Rysy peak and the southern border of Poland (about 15 km), and with a length from the Grześ peak to Lysa Polana (about 25 km). The plan is oriented in the “south” direction, allowing you to get to know the layout of the peaks and trails looking from the entrance to the valleys. The plan marks roads, the Tatra National Park border, the Polish border, the cable car to Kasprowy Wierch, and the 10 most popular trails with information on their color and the names of the valleys through which they run. In addition, 17 of the highest peaks, 5 mountain lakes and 8 hostels are marked. All the markings are both tactile and in color, and the information and captions are given in Braille and normal print. This makes it possible for blind and sighted people to view the model simultaneously and for them to interact with each other. The variation of the terrain has been enhanced with colors corresponding roughly to the floors of mountain vegetation in the Tatra Mountains (light beige color below 1000 m, light green about 1000-1300 m, dark green about 1300-1800 m, gray above 1800 m). Those aided by their eyesight can, among other things, observe the ranges formed by mountain ridges - for example, the Polish border in the Tatra Mountains, marked by touch, runs along the main ridge of the so-called Tatra Mountains. The model, made using 3D printing technology, is made up of 24 parts, connected by catches and glued together permanently. The model uses a series of pins made of materials with different elasticity and different tactile sensations. The bottom row of the model is occupied by a legend of markings (in Braille and normal print), a map scale and a pattern of directions. The whole thing was secured with several layers of resins and varnishes to protect the model from the weather. The model was made for the House of Creative Work and Recreation “Wrzos” in Kościelisko, which is located opposite the entrance to the Kościeliska Valley. The “Wrzos” House is adapted to the needs of people with disabilities by offering accommodation with breakfasts and equipment to facilitate movement along the valley trails (tandem bicycles, two-person electric scooter, etc.). People with disabilities can take advantage of additional discounts. The model will be displayed in free access from mid-November this year, on a table with a canopy specially prepared for it.
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The City Council in Opole
Poland
Assistive dog in the buildings of the Opole City Hall and municipal organizational units (task leading to increasing accessibility and educational and promotional activity in the field of sensitizing the local community). Guided by good practice, i.e. a model of conduct that is not required by law, but is recommended for everyone, the Office for Accessibility of the Opole City Hall has developed guidelines entitled Assistive dog in the buildings of the Opole City Hall and municipal organizational units. This document is a compendium of knowledge, i.e. a collection of the most important basic information on visits by assistive dogs in public buildings, the addressees of which are employees of the office and employees of municipal organizational units, in particular the so-called first-contact employees. The guidelines should be treated as a practical guide for employees, indicating the legal basis and introducing issues related to the broadly understood definition of an assistive dog. Publishing the aforementioned study and then familiarizing employees with its provisions leads to increased employee competences in the field of accessibility and promotes the creation of friendly spaces on the map of the region.
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Avocado Creative Workshop
Poland
The Wooden World Map of Mountains and Oceans is a unique product that combines the natural beauty of wood with cartographic precision. Made of high-quality wood, it depicts detailed, three-dimensional contours of mountains, mountain ranges, highlands and ocean depths. Each element of the map is carefully cut to reflect realistic differences in elevation and depth, creating not only a visually appealing but also tactile image of the world. Such a design enables users to more accurately understand the Earth's topography, from the highest peaks to the deepest oceans. The innovation of this map is the combination of classic craftsmanship and modern laser cutting technology, which ensures excellent precision in the reproduction of shapes. The use of natural materials, such as wood, adds warmth and elegance to the map, making it an ideal decorative and educational piece. The uniqueness of the product lies in its multidimensional nature - it's not just a map to look at, but also to explore by touch. This makes it a great educational tool for both geography enthusiasts and visually impaired people, for whom it allows them to learn about the lay of the Earth's surface through touch.
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Educational Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Łódź
Poland
One of the many activities is consultative and expert action on assistive technologies for the daily functioning of people with disabilities. Importantly, the Center for Support and Testing undertakes activities outside of its location: it travels to beneficiaries to their place of residence and provides support in branches of the Polish Association of the Blind, e.g. Sieradz, Tomaszow Mazowiecki and Łódź.
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Picture Books Plus
The Netherlands
Picture Books Plus designs tactile books. Books with tactile illustrations. They are printed with a flatbed printer and this ensures that the dots, textures and lines are very clear. The colours have a lot of contrast and are very bright, which is great for the visually impaired. The pages are made of PVC. Most of our books are about 0.30 x 0.30 cm in size. The advantage of this is that illustrations can be larger and there is space for Braille, large print and the QR code for audio. The books are durable. You can use the books many times and the quality remains the same as when the book was just printed. Even if a cup of coffee is accidentally spilt on it. The pages are printed double-sided and are bound with plastic spiral. Would you like to feel our books? Milena Rot has the tactile picture book 'A child in de manger'.
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Altix
Poland
Multisensory terminal A touch-and-sound information terminal with an integrated hearing loop and the YourWay navigation system assists users with disabilities in navigating public spaces. The terminal includes an NFC tag and QR code, allowing users to access audio messages through a loudspeaker, earpiece, or hearing loop. The terminal features raised, high-contrast graphics with Braille notation. Using a dedicated app, users can hear a description of the specific area their finger is touching.
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Foundation TRUE Center for Theater and Dance
Poland
IDIOSENSORY MACHINE an innovative, world's first creative and multi-level device - built by Dr. Jerzy . Grzegorek (2023/ with testing and research in action in 2024) enabling a blind dancer to do methodical and creative work independently in the field of dance, to practice and develop dance techniques, to realize scenicx art, to practice spatial orientation, to undertake broadly defined rehab, therapy and sports activities. At the International Conference REHA FOR THE BLIND IN POLAND 2024 was presented the world's first-premiere 80-minute Monodrama in the field of dance theater with a blind dancer and a coupled disability (childhood cerebral palsy) Kacper Kozlowski using the Idiosensory Machine entitled “Scenario for a blind but possible idiosensory dancer”” by Dr. Jerzy N. Grzegorek on the life of a blind person eliciting a standing ovation. The Idiosensory Machine has been positively received by the specialist in the community. It has now moved on to the training phase for a cadre of specialists from the Polish Association of the Blind working to exploit its creative, therapeutic, rehabilitation and sports potentials.
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Powszechny Theatre in Łódź
Poland
At the Powszechny Theater in Lodz, for the past 19 years, visually impaired people have been attending performances in the “Theater for the Blind and Visually Impaired” series. It was created in 2005 by Ewa Pilawska (director of the Theater), who directs all premieres as part of the series. - Our motto is “Theater close to the people.” We are open to all audiences, so at some point the idea and need to create a theater for the blind and visually impaired was born naturally. He met with the openness of the late Teresa Wrzesinska - an extraordinary person, then president of the Lodz branch of the Polish Association of the Blind, who said: “Let's give it a try!” She was the good spirit of this project,” stresses Ewa Pilawska, director of the Powszechny Theater in Lodz. The series is the only project in Poland and unique in Europe prepared specifically for the blind and visually impaired. Its comprehensive nature is based on the creation of theatrical performances, fully taking into account the cognitive capabilities, needs and expectations of visually impaired people. The performances use symbolic decoration and costumes, and the emphasis is primarily on audio details (as well as sensory and olfactory impressions). An additional character of a didaskalius is introduced, who reads descriptions of the appearance of characters, interior layout or stage action. The presentations are accompanied by theater programs - including programs in Braille. Each premiere is a staging of a new text, not yet performed on the stage of the Popular Theater. Blind people each time are spectators of a performance created especially for them. So far, 74 premieres have been staged at the Powszechny Theater in Lodz as part of the series. Partners of the Theater for the Blind and Visually Impaired include the Polish Association of the Blind and the Lodz School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Thanks to cooperation with Radio Lodz, the premieres of “Theater for the Blind and Visually Impaired” are broadcast live on Radio Lodz's airwaves, so that their audience can also include people who cannot get to the Theater due to their health condition. For the “Theater for the Blind and Visually Impaired” project, Ewa Pilawska has received many awards and decorations, including the award of the President of the European Blind Union, Lord Colin Low, the Golden Badgę of Honor of the Polish Association of the Blind, the “Friend of the Blind” decoration and the title “Idol of the community.” The Powszechny Theater was chosen by the community of the blind and visually impaired as the “Cultural Institution of the Lodz Voivodeship.
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biped.ai
Europe and USA
NOA stands for Navigation, Obstacle and AI. It's a vest, worn on the shoulders, that guides the user with audio feedback. The device can give GPS instructions, e.g. "Turn right at 2 o'clock", detect obstacles with "beeps", and provide accurate descriptions of the surroundings using AI, e.g. "You are in a hallway, there is a door to your right at about 2 meters". NOA was developed with over 250 beta-testers and the support of many orientation and mobility trainers to complement white canes and guide dogs.
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Nautil Sp z o.o.
Poland
We have developed an app that makes the coffee maker fully accessible to the blind and visually impaired. The coffee maker received a 3D-printed overlay with Braille lettering and grids to create buttons on the smooth glass. In addition, we made a flap to prevent water from spilling out of the tray during replacement. A stick-on marker will allow the application to find the machine and properly read what is written on the screen. This is how a standard espresso machine without buttons was made accessible to our blind tester.
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Index Braille AB
Sweden
Index FanFold-D+ V5 Braille Embosser. Fast and quiet large scale production embosser with a capacity of 450 cps (characters per second). Easily operated with the included web interface.
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Sensetec sp. z o.o.
Poland
The product that sets Sensetec apart in the industry is a series of inclusive information terminals adapted to the needs of people with disabilities. These interactive devices are designed to maximize access to information in public spaces such as schools, offices, museums and universities. Our terminals called “info kiosks” are technologically advanced tools that combine various forms of communication, such as tactile, audio, visual and language interfaces, providing each user with a convenient and intuitive way to obtain information. Product innovation and uniqueness: 1. Integration with audio technology: our info kiosks are equipped with voice support, enabling blind and visually impaired people to use the device without barriers. 2. Adaptation to different needs: The product is flexible and can be customized to meet the specific requirements of users, including those with sensory, motor and cognitive difficulties. Our info kiosks support multiple languages, allowing them to be widely used in international environments. 3 Modularity and ease of upgrade: Our devices are built in a modular fashion, which allows for easy updating of features and introduction of new technologies, such as integration with city information systems or mobile applications. 5 Unique design: Sensetec not only offers advanced technology, but also pays attention to aesthetics. Our info kiosks are characterized by a modern, ergonomic design that harmoniously fits into the architecture of public spaces, while taking care of the convenience of users. The inclusive infokiosk is a unique product on the market, as it combines a variety of accessibility features with modern design, contributing to the creation of spaces that are accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical or sensory limitations.”
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“KołoBajki” Foundation
Poland
To date, unique tactile books/guides have been created during workshops or on individual orders. We are currently working on a tactile book for the Wawel Castle and the Garden of the Righteous Foundation.
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Dolphin Computer Access
UK
About GuideConnect Designed for people with visual impairments, GuideConnect helps people who are losing their sight stay independent for longer. It connects you to friends and family, and provides easy access to a range of entertainment. Available on computer, laptop or TV Quick to learn with simple menus Customise the icons and text size Type or dictate text Voices guide you through menus Reliable support and training
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MIRAcle Robert Biegański Małgorzata Bauer Sp.J
Poland
Exigo 3 dual-screen magnifier - for close and distant look simultaneously. Two screens with MIRAPro application are: work here and now, simply - like everyone else, extensive OCR with the function: drawing, writing, conversion to text, reading with synthetic voice, saving in folders in the device memory, sharing, color recognition - color tester, wireless connection to the multimedia whiteboard and computer, false colors in soft and high contrast version, taking pictures with the possibility of cataloging, reading black and white with voiceover, automatic language recognition, translator - 59 languages.
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