Children with severe motor and communication impairments can use assistive technologies such as eye tracking, head control and other alternative access methods to enable independent use of a tablet, computer or AAC system. However most of these access methods require considerable training and practice to master.

To support these children in using their access method, www.comgames.be was developed. The website contains free and engaging online games. These games can be easily integrated into AAC software such as Grid 3 and Mind Express. This allows children to continue using their own AAC system without needing to switch to another device.

A growing number of accessible games is available on this website (18 at the moment of writing). These simple yet captivating, free games are designed for effortless online play, requiring no additional installations. Several games also include extra accessibility options and difficulty levels.

ComGames is unique because of the ability to embed the games into AAC software such as Mind Express and Grid 3, that have an integrated web browser. The child can easily and independently switch from communicating with the AAC-system to playing the games, without having to change between devices, software or access method. Other, similar games, can require an expensive personal license and often the child’s device is technically not capable of running the software (e.g., Windows vs Android vs iOS). Other free, mainstream, online games can be too hard to play, contain too many adds or integration in the AAC-software may be difficult or impossible.

Technological advancements are driving a transformation in music education for the visually impaired by providing innovative solutions to longstanding challenges. The MuVie consortium is contributing to this change by developing accessible digital tools, implementing cutting-edge methodologies and creating an online repository of accessible digital Braille scores. During the forum three specific topics will be presented

• Innovations in Accessible Music Education: This topic centres on the MuVie project’s fundamental goal to promote inclusive practices within the realm of music education and training. The project specifically focuses on addressing the needs of young individuals who are visually impaired. By leveraging innovative solutions and digital tools, MuVie aims to overcome traditional barriers to music learning, making it more accessible and equitable for this target group. The core idea is to enhance educational opportunities through technology, fostering environments where visually impaired students can fully participate and thrive in music studies.
• Leveraging Digital Technologies for Inclusion: This topic highlights the specific technological innovations that MuVie employs to facilitate musical inclusion. A key component involves utilizing interactive computer systems powered by voice assistants to support visually impaired students in their music learning. Furthermore, the project is developing sophisticated interchange systems that can convert music between graphical formats and Braille music notation, enabling bidirectional translation. These conversion capabilities are planned for integration into tools like the BME2024 Reader.
• The development of an accessible Music Library as a key component of this effort. The library will offer a multilingual, searchable digital library of Braille music scores aimed at facilitating inclusive music education. The platform will provide students, educators and professionals with access to over 5,000 pages of digitised, accessible music scores. Additionally, the service will integrate AI-powered tools that improve user access to the library by offering search, conversion, and recommendation functionalities. This ensures that users can locate, interpret, and work with the material in formats suited to their specific needs and assistive technologies.