This study explores the experiences of co-designers participating in a co-design program, a collaborative initiative between an Irish university and a service organization that supports individuals with intellectual disabilities. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted with 10 co-designers with intellectual disabilities and 20 undergraduate students to understand their perceptions and experiences co-design. We conducted a reflexive semantic thematic analysis of focus groups which yielded key themes around positive experiences, emphasizing shared understanding and reciprocal learning. In addition to presenting the findings from this study we reflect on the importance of careful consideration of accessible protocols from data collection to data analysis to ensure an inclusive approach. This study provides valuable insights for researchers, co-designers, and developers, contributing to sustainable and accessible co-design tools.

This study introduces an AI-driven methodology designed to streamline the process of alternative text (alt-text) generation for accessible eBooks, a task that has traditionally been both challenging and costly. This research seeks to fulfill a critical need within the publishing industry by offering an AI-based solution that harmonizes streamlined publishing processes with the requirements of digital accessibility standards and regulations.

The research work follows a practical and results-oriented approach, and the study is structured around three main steps. The initial stage entails an examination of multiple GAI systems for alt-text production, alongside with the establishment of a metric for the evaluation of alt-text quality. In the second phase, an automated system is developed to extract images and related content from EPUB files; this system interfaces with the selected GAI tools and is tested on real-world cases. The third phase comprises the evaluation of the generated alt-texts, providing insights into the performance of the different tools tested.

The proposed methodology advocates for a semi-automated approach to alt-text production. Although GAI technology facilitates efficiency and decreased production costs, the editorial knowledge is vital for the ultimate assessment of alt-text, guaranteeing that the results are of high quality and comply with accessibility requirements.

The paper presents the results of a pilot survey of the experiences of blind, partially sighted and autistic people of using and being involved in the design of recommender systems, an area on which there is minimal research despite the increasing importance of recommender systems. A relatively small proportion of the participants were using recommender systems for a variety of common applications. They were particularly interested in information about robustness and reliability and noise/quietnes in operation and on standby for products and busyness, toilets, including accessible and all gender for services, noise/quietness. Small percentages had had some involvement in the design of new products, programs and systems. They highlighted the importance of involving them in the design from the start and the need for multiple ways to get involved, including the full diversity of the autistic community and learning how a blind person would use the software.

This study examines the development of a user-centred interactive tool designed to enable individuals with visual disabilities to actively contribute to the creation of synthesised audio descriptions (ADs). A pilot study revealed that a substantial number of existing synthesised ADs were rated as unsatisfactory by blind and partially blind users. Subsequent analysis identified pitch, speech rate, pauses, and volume as key areas requiring improvement. Based on these findings, prototype software was developed, enabling users to adjust accent, pitch, and pause length using their own voices. User feedback indicated that the tool has the potential to enhance the audibility of synthesised speech and expand users' expressive capabilities. The study sought to advance assistive technology by directly involving individuals with visual disabilities in the creation of ADs. This collaborative approach deepens understanding of effective speech expression, promotes user-centred design principles, and contributes to a more inclusive and equitable media landscape for all.