The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in sign language translation is often framed as a breakthrough in accessibility. However, the top-down approach in AI-driven sign language technologies largely positions Deaf individuals as passive stakeholders rather than active decision-makers. This leads to the proliferation of projects such as signing gloves and avatars, often developed without meaningful Deaf involvement. While international regulatory frameworks, including the European AI Act 2024/1689 and the 2023 U.S. President’s Executive Order on AI, attempt to address AI ethics, they fail to consider the specific challenges of AI-driven sign language translation and its broader implications for Deaf empowerment. Furthermore, discussions around AI and Deaf communities remain narrowly focused on sign language translation, overlooking AI’s potential to support Deaf education, language acquisition, and broader accessibility. This presentation critiques these gaps, drawing on literature and qualitative data from social media discussions and questionnaires, and introduces a Deaf-led approach to AI governance. The #DeafSafeAI initiative, developed by the Coalition on Sign Language Equity in Technology (Co-SET), is presented as a framework for ensuring ethical AI development that centers Deaf perspectives, advocating for a shift from technological solutionism to true inclusivity.

Context. Twenty-seven percent of Canadians (aged 15 and older) live with a disability, which may limit their participation in outdoor leisure physical activities (OLPAs) and lead to social isolation. [Blinded for review], in collaboration with researchers from [blinded for review], has developed a digital platform (Tandem Actif) that connects people with disabilities (PWDs) who want to participate in OLPAs and trained volunteers who are available to provide support. This paper presents our study methodology to evaluate the acceptance of the pairing platform among PWDs and volunteers.

Methods. This multiple case study will be conducted over three months and follows a mixed-methods research design. Twenty participants will be recruited (ten PWDs and ten volunteers). Three sessions and an online logbook will assess the acceptance of an online pairing tool, with a concluding focus group exploring factors influencing its use.

Conclusions. This study will provide insights into the acceptance of a digital pairing tool for adapted OLPAs. Preliminary results will provide valuable insights into users' experience with the pairing process and guide platform improvements to minimize dropouts and promote sustainable use.

A critical barrier for widespread adoption of assistive technologies (ATs) in the care practice is a lack of knowledge. Especially people with chronical diseases like epilepsy are highly interested in ATs to improve their health and quality of life. Despite this interest the actual use of these devices is extremely low. In order to address this gap, we are currently conducting the TXT project which has the aim to develop a database which contains information about ATs in epilepsy and a web-based platform to gather patients’ and caregivers’ ratings of ATs. TXT is thought to be a knowledge and feedback management system serving patients with epilepsy as well as their caregivers. TXT will be developed in four phases, with iterative usability testing planned with the target groups throughout the process. Three of the four phases are expected to be completed at the time of the conference, at which results can be presented. The aim of the present contribution is to describe the overall rationale for the development, evaluation and implementation of TXT in the context of a tertiary-care epilepsy center.

AppLOAD is an innovative solution proposed by a community organization to address the problems of finding accessible housing and aims at the self-determination of their members. No studies exist measuring residential autonomy for individuals with physical disabilities. Objectives were to 1-document the usability of the integrated web platform, i.e. effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction of the platform), and 2- to explore the impact of the use of the integrated web platform on the self-determination of people with disabilities in relation to residential autonomy. A mixed methodology based on a non-experimental cross-sectional design was adopted. Three questionnaires were developped to capture usability and self-determination. Two participants were recruited. Effectiveness was poor (6/12, 6/15). Self-determination was moderate (10/15, 8/20) as satisfaction (3.5 /5, 3.4/5).

The aim was to review the outcome measures used to evaluate the impact of Environmental Control Systems (ECSs) to inform future studies. A systematic literature review was undertaken, initially 158 records were retrieved but this was reduced to five articles applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The outcome measures used in the studies were reviewed and summarised. Two articles were companion pieces using the same data set and methodology. All participants in the studies had spinal cord injuries.

A range of outcome measures were found, including unstructured and structured interviews, focus groups and questionnaires. Themes were extracted using various techniques. Only one study used an established outcome measurement tool (SCI-QOL). None undertook pre intervention baseline measures.

There is a paucity of research in this area with no established or widely used outcomes measures (evaluation methodology). Further work is needed in exploring outcome measures and establishing an evidence base for the commissioning and improvement of ECS and services.

Access to appropriate mobility aids is crucial for individuals with locomotor impairments, yet many in India lack access to well-fitted assistive devices. This study evaluates the long-term impact of customized wheelchairs on mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. A longitudinal study was conducted with 43 participants, assessing outcomes three months and two years after receiving customized wheelchairs. Data were collected using the WHOQOL, FEW, and PIADS scales, with paired t-tests performed to determine statistical significance. Results indicate sustained improvements in mobility, psychosocial well-being, and daily functioning, with a 12.5% increase in FEW scores and notable gains in quality of life and independence. Despite these benefits, challenges such as accessibility to repairs and affordability persist. The findings highlight the need for better support structures, including repair services, peer mentorship programs, and policy initiatives to enhance affordability. Addressing these barriers could ensure that individuals with disabilities experience long-term benefits from customized mobility solutions, ultimately fostering greater independence and inclusion