Romania's Artificial Intelligence drive for digital accessibility is spearheaded by ASSIST Software and University of Suceava.

Romania's Artificial Intelligence drive for digital accessibility is spearheaded by ASSIST Software and University of Suceava.

In the heart of Romania, an innovative project named A(I)BILITIES is making waves in the AI ecosystem. Supported by national funding from UEFISCDI under PNCDI-4 (project ID PN-IV-P7-7.1-PTE-2024-0434), this initiative is spearheaded by ASSIST Software and Sтеfan cel Mare University of Suceava.

The A(I)BILITIES project is a proactive response to the European Accessibility Act (EAA), aiming to embed accessibility at the core of design and development. It creates adaptive solutions that adjust to the user's needs, ensuring legal alignment and superior user experience.

The project's development team is based at the company's AI Center, one of the most modern facilities of its kind in Romania, located at the ASSIST headquarters in Suceava. ASSIST Software, a Suceava-based technology company with over 30 years of experience in developing digital solutions for global clients, is responsible for the technical implementation of the A(I)BILITIES project.

A(I)BILITIES uses advanced AI models to dynamically generate user interfaces that accommodate a variety of physical and sensory impairments. These interfaces feature gesture-based input and adaptive design components, making digital services more accessible for people with disabilities.

One of the project's notable achievements is the development of Gesture-A11Y, a design tool for users of diverse abilities. This innovative tool won the Accessibility Challenge at the Web4All 2025 conference, showcasing the project's significant contribution to digital inclusion and equal access to information and technology.

Suceava's position as an emerging hub for ethical AI and inclusive technology is strengthened through projects like A(I)BILITIES. Beyond its commercial success, ASSIST Software is deeply committed to fostering local innovation and talent.

The long-standing collaboration between ASSIST Software and Sтеfan cel Mare University of Suceava has resulted in multiple research-to-market initiatives. The MintViz Lab at USV, led by Professor Radu-Daniel Vatavu, contributes academic expertise to the project, particularly in the area of gesture accessibility.

ASSIST Software is also involved in other major European research initiatives, including Horizon Europe projects DataPACT and TwinShip. These collaborations reflect the EU's broader commitment to digital inclusion and sustainable AI pipelines.

By centering people with disabilities in the innovation process, A(I)BILITIES sets a precedent for what AI development should look like in Europe: inclusive, adaptive, and grounded in real human needs. The A(I)BILITIES project aims to transform the way digital services are developed and delivered across Romania and Europe, redefining how technology can serve all citizens equitably.

The A(I)BILITIES project, backed by artificial-intelligence and technology, is designed not only for commercial success but also for education-and-self-development, focusing on personal-growth by embedding accessibility at the core of its design and development process. This innovative initiative, which aims to transform digital services, uses AI models to create adaptive solutions that cater to a diverse range of physical and sensory impairments, thereby promoting digital inclusion and equal access to information and technology.

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