Category: User empowerment

Aging, Bank of innovations, Disability, New service, New technological tool, Personalization of the service, User empowerment

Banc d’innovacions

Rehab-Lab.Cat network launches to boost autonomy for people with disabilities through 3D printing

The Rehab-Lab.Cat network expands with 10 new organizations across Catalonia, establishing itself as a leader in the production of customized functional aids using 3D printing

VinculApp, mobile application to facilitate leisure for people with disabilities

PrevenSI, prevention of child sexual abuse

Prevention of Sexual Child Abuse

Innobreak: Noves mirades en la prevenció i intervenció de la Violència sexual infantil

New Perspectives on the Prevention and Intervention of Child Sexual Violence

PrevenSI (Intress) and Barnahus (Save the Children). Tuesday, February 11, 2025. Registration Open

Acctua, a technological solution promoting digital accessibility on the Internet

Acctua is a technological service that promotes digitial accessibility and digital inclusion.

Entrevista a Josep Maria Solé - Per innovar, cal atrevir-s'hi

Josep Maria Solé: “To innovate, you need to dare, and daring must embrace the risk of making mistakes.”

Josep Maria Solé is a lawyer and the director of the Support-Girona Foundation. He also serves as a trustee and president of the Social Council of the Guttmann Institute Foundation, vice president of the DRISSA Foundation, and a member of the board of the European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD), among other roles. Since 2024, he has been president of the iSocial Foundation, succeeding Montse Cervera. We spoke with him to share his vision for the foundation and the need for innovation in the social sector

Acctua, a technological solution promoting digital accessibility on the Internet

Ferran Benito on 23 January 2025

An initiative that facilitates Internet access and digital inclusion

In Spain, more than one million people face digital accessibility issues when accessing the Internet. This number rises to 16 million when considering difficulties stemming from physical or age-related limitations. The Acctua project is an innovative initiative aimed at facilitating access to web content and services for all users, regardless of their age and abilities.

Acctua offers an accessible and adaptable solution thanks to its intelligent interface, which allows web navigation through various modalities such as keyboard, voice commands, or other alternative mechanisms, ensuring an inclusive experience.

Moreover, the service does not require the installation of additional software or hardware by the user, as it is directly integrated into the visited web pages. The system is compatible with the most popular platforms and browsers, and operates through the cloud, allowing access from any computer. Through different navigation modes, such as sound modulation or switches, Acctua ensures that people with visual and mobility impairments or cognitive limitations can easily access digital content.

Características de la innovación

Location

Spain

Partners / Funders

Acctua – Inclusive Access Award is supported by Distrito Digital Comunitat Valenciana, XarxaTec, the Diversity Charter of the Diversity Foundation, and the Avalem Joves 2023 program of the Generalitat Valenciana.

Genesis

The initiative, created in 2021, aims to be a tool that facilitates the accessibility and inclusivity of the digital space.

Implementation Level

The various companies and institutions that use Acctua – such as Campofrío, the Government of Andorra, or the City Council of Valladolid – rate the web accessibility of the initiative at 9.61 out of 10.

Más información

Bank of innovations, Link with the community, New service, User empowerment

Banc d’innovacions

VinculApp, mobile application to facilitate leisure for people with disabilities

PrevenSI, prevention of child sexual abuse

Prevention of Sexual Child Abuse

Acctua, a technological solution promoting digital accessibility on the Internet

Acctua is a technological service that promotes digitial accessibility and digital inclusion.

Soy yo literal, a Digital Platform for Youth Mental Health

Soy yo literal is a digital platform promoting mental health among young people

FOKUS PI, an application that facilitates digital social planning

FOKUS PI is a a decision-making support tool for professionals in the social, healthcare, and educational sectors

BCI, a device that restores communication in patients with neurodegenerative diseases

The BCI is a technological innovation that restores communication in patients with neurodegenerative diseases

Soy yo literal, a Digital Platform for Youth Mental Health

Ferran Benito on 30 October 2024

A digital platform promoting mental health among young people

Soy yo literal is a digital platform focused on mental health content for young people, designed to provide information, support, and guidance.

The project is active on Instagram, TikTok, and Telegram, offering informative posts on topics like toxic relationships, bullying, addiction, and feelings of emptiness. The content is crafted from a perspective that is uncensored, non-judgmental, responsible, and respectful. Additionally, Soy yo literal provides information and advice for those supporting others through difficult situations.

The platform also offers assistance to those in need of help, including two free sessions, available either online or in person, with a professional prevention team, as well as comprehensive psychological services.

Characteristics of innovation

Location

Catalonia

Partners / Funders

Genesis

Soy yo literal was created by the Joia Foundation, a member organization of iSocial, with over 40 years of experience in the field of mental health. The foundation runs programs and services that support social inclusion, leisure, and training for individuals at risk of social exclusion due to mental health challenges.

Implementation Level

On October 21, 2023, the first Soy yo literal Fest was held under the theme “Mental Health Without Censorship.” The event took place at Nau Bostik in Barcelona and featured performances by Catalan rapper Santa Salut and a live recording of the podcast Gent de Merda, among other activities.

According to the latest annual data, Joia Foundation has served 2,794 people through its services.

Més informació

New technological tool, Disability, User empowerment

Banc d’innovacions

VinculApp, mobile application to facilitate leisure for people with disabilities

PrevenSI, prevention of child sexual abuse

Prevention of Sexual Child Abuse

Acctua, a technological solution promoting digital accessibility on the Internet

Acctua is a technological service that promotes digitial accessibility and digital inclusion.

Soy yo literal, a Digital Platform for Youth Mental Health

Soy yo literal is a digital platform promoting mental health among young people

FOKUS PI, an application that facilitates digital social planning

FOKUS PI is a a decision-making support tool for professionals in the social, healthcare, and educational sectors

BCI, a device that restores communication in patients with neurodegenerative diseases

The BCI is a technological innovation that restores communication in patients with neurodegenerative diseases

BCI, a device that restores communication in patients with neurodegenerative diseases

Laura Hurtado on 25 September 2024

Technological innovation that restores communication in patients with neurodegenerative diseases

The brain-computer device, known as BCI (Brain-Computer Interface), is a technological innovation designed to restore communication in patients with neurodegenerative diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

This system translates brain signals into audible words, providing a solution for those who have lost the ability to speak due to muscle paralysis. Through sensors implanted in the brain, the device can decode the patient’s speech intentions and convert them into artificial voice.

BCI technology allows patients to regain their ability to communicate with family and friends, even in spontaneous conversation settings, by detecting and interpreting brain signals. The use of neural networks and advanced algorithms enables the device to offer high accuracy in word translation, surpassing other voice recognition technologies.

This advancement represents hope not only for ALS patients but also for people with other communication-impairing conditions, such as strokes or spinal cord injuries.

Characteristics of innovation

Localization

United States

Partners / Funders

Brown University, Emory University, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Stanford University, UC Davis, US Department of Veterans Affairs

Genesis

The first clinical trial was conducted with a 45-year-old ALS patient who regained the ability to communicate with 97.5% accuracy. The man underwent surgical implantation of four microelectrodes that recorded his brain activity. Speech attempts were decoded through a screen, and voice software vocalized the words, mimicking his pre-illness voice.

Level of implementation

On the first day of use (25 days post-surgery), the neuroprosthesis achieved 99.6% accuracy with a 50-word vocabulary. The system was calibrated in 30 minutes as the man attempted to speak. By the second day, after 1.4 additional hours of training, the accuracy was 90.2% with a 125,000-word vocabulary. After more training, the neuroprosthesis maintained 97.5% accuracy over 8.4 months, and the man used it to communicate in conversations at a rate of about 32 words per minute, for over 248 accumulated hours.

Publications, Aging, Disability, New technological tool, Process simplification, Self-management and participation, User empowerment

Banc d’innovacions

VinculApp, mobile application to facilitate leisure for people with disabilities

PrevenSI, prevention of child sexual abuse

Prevention of Sexual Child Abuse

Acctua, a technological solution promoting digital accessibility on the Internet

Acctua is a technological service that promotes digitial accessibility and digital inclusion.

Soy yo literal, a Digital Platform for Youth Mental Health

Soy yo literal is a digital platform promoting mental health among young people

FOKUS PI, an application that facilitates digital social planning

FOKUS PI is a a decision-making support tool for professionals in the social, healthcare, and educational sectors

BCI, a device that restores communication in patients with neurodegenerative diseases

The BCI is a technological innovation that restores communication in patients with neurodegenerative diseases

ATENEA, device adapted to combat the digital divide

Laura Hurtado on 10 September 2024

An adapted device that contributes to the digital and technological transformation of social services, focusing on the most vulnerable citizens

The ATENEA system uses a buttonless mobile phone with a highly simplified user interface that enables vulnerable groups, such as the elderly or people with disabilities, to manage their basic needs and request social services digitally. The device only requires voice use and operates through a voicebot that combines natural language processing and artificial intelligence to engage in smooth and agile conversations with users.

The main goal is to reduce the digital gap and ensure everyone has access to the necessary technology to improve their quality of life. Additionally, ATENEA seeks to mitigate unwanted loneliness through easy communication with their immediate environment and increase personal safety by requesting assistance in emergencies.

Furthermore, the tool facilitates access to basic goods such as food through online shopping, helps people orient themselves in space and time, and simplifies interaction with social services by scheduling appointments and enabling direct communication with social workers.

Characteristics of innovation

Localization

Catalonia

Partners / Funders

Momentum Analytics, Samsung, Microsoft, Verbio, Raona, Secretariat of Digital Policies of the Government of Catalonia, Catalonia Cybersecurity Agency, University of Barcelona, Next Generation EU Funds through the Department of Social Rights

Genesis

ATENEA was introduced on October 17, 2023, at the Smart City Expo Congress during the event on “Innovative Solutions for Social Inclusion,” organized by Momentum Analytics and the ABD group. The pilot test involved five municipalities (Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Mollet del Vallès, Premià de Mar, Manlleu, and Vall d’Aran) and 500 users.

Level of implementation

Over the past year, the ABD Group has supported 160,805 people, including 1,675 elderly people in home care services, nursing homes, and housing with support services, and 330 people with intellectual disabilities.

User empowerment, Families and upbringing, Link with the community, New model of intervention, Self-management and participation

Banc d’innovacions

VinculApp, mobile application to facilitate leisure for people with disabilities

PrevenSI, prevention of child sexual abuse

Prevention of Sexual Child Abuse

Acctua, a technological solution promoting digital accessibility on the Internet

Acctua is a technological service that promotes digitial accessibility and digital inclusion.

Soy yo literal, a Digital Platform for Youth Mental Health

Soy yo literal is a digital platform promoting mental health among young people

FOKUS PI, an application that facilitates digital social planning

FOKUS PI is a a decision-making support tool for professionals in the social, healthcare, and educational sectors

BCI, a device that restores communication in patients with neurodegenerative diseases

The BCI is a technological innovation that restores communication in patients with neurodegenerative diseases

IWI Project, a support program for families seeking to improve their well-being

Laura Hurtado on 4 September 2024

A program that provides support to families with minors in their care who detect difficulties within their own homes and wish to address them in a community-based manner

The IWI Project (community in Maori) is a pioneering service in Catalonia that offers support to families with underage children to improve their well-being, using the Family Group Conference restorative justice methodology, originally from New Zealand. This methodology is based on dialogue and trust in the abilities of families to find solutions to their problems through the active involvement of their community and support network.

The project is aimed at families who detect difficulties in their family dynamics and wish to address them. IWI offers a safe space where family members can express their needs and, together with the reference people they select, find community solutions to their problems. This process includes individual meetings with family members, the creation of a support community, and a final meeting where actions to be taken are discussed and agreed upon.

After the family meeting, IWI conducts follow-ups to assess progress and strengthen community ties. This follow-up is an opportunity to acknowledge the community’s effort and recognize the positive changes that have taken place. Thus, IWI not only works to resolve immediate issues but also seeks to strengthen family and community relationships in the long term. Additionally, there are plans to establish physical offices in all four provinces to provide a point of reference for families.

Characteristics of innovation

Localization

Catalonia

Partners / Funders

Plataforma Educativa, Taula d’Entitats del Tercer Sector Social de Catalunya, and the Department of Childhood and Adolescence of the Generalitat of Catalonia.

Genesis

The IWI project development began in 2023, and its public inauguration took place on June 20, 2024, in Barcelona. The Fundació Acció Social Infància (FASI), founded in 2010, is an entity that promotes innovative projects in child welfare at risk in Catalonia through family intervention. Moreover, since 2021, the organization has been part of RN7U, a group of social initiative entities that work to improve the quality of life of people at risk of social exclusion and defend their rights.

Level of implementation

According to the latest annual data, FASI has served 160 children and young people in children’s homes, more than 20,000 young people have been part of the Service for Adolescents and Families (SAIF), and 117 families have received support within the Extended Family Intervention Service (SIFE).

New technological tool, Disability, Independent living, Link with the community, Personalization of the service, Self-management and participation, User empowerment

Banc d’innovacions

VinculApp, mobile application to facilitate leisure for people with disabilities

PrevenSI, prevention of child sexual abuse

Prevention of Sexual Child Abuse

Acctua, a technological solution promoting digital accessibility on the Internet

Acctua is a technological service that promotes digitial accessibility and digital inclusion.

Soy yo literal, a Digital Platform for Youth Mental Health

Soy yo literal is a digital platform promoting mental health among young people

FOKUS PI, an application that facilitates digital social planning

FOKUS PI is a a decision-making support tool for professionals in the social, healthcare, and educational sectors

BCI, a device that restores communication in patients with neurodegenerative diseases

The BCI is a technological innovation that restores communication in patients with neurodegenerative diseases

Virtual Metaverse to Improve Daily Skills of People with Intellectual Disabilities

Laura Hurtado on 31 July 2024

Avatar that enables learning daily skills to enhance the autonomy of people with intellectual disabilities

Plena Inclusión Aragón and Cooperativa Kairós have developed a “metaverse” that allows practicing and learning daily skills through an avatar, aiming for people with intellectual disabilities to improve their autonomy and social participation.

The metaverse includes eight dimensions, in the form of virtual doors, symbolizing the central areas of a quality life: emotional well-being, interpersonal relationships, material well-being, personal development, physical well-being, self-determination, social inclusion, and rights. Some of the virtual activities that can be performed through the avatar include exercising, meeting friends, or participating in community activities. The application presents challenges in different areas and offers virtual rewards, such as avatar customization, thereby using gamification to encourage a healthy and fulfilling life.

The tool not only benefits people with disabilities in making decisions, but also allows professionals working with them to better understand their feelings and personal needs, expressed through the avatars. The creation of the metaverse is part of the project “Mi Casa: una vida en comunidad”, a model of deinstitutionalized long-term care for people with intellectual disabilities.

Characteristics of innovation

Localization

Aragón

Partners / Funders

Imascono, Department of Citizenship and Social Rights of the Government of Aragón, Next Generation EU Funds

Genesis

This metaverse was designed by the cooperative Kairós and the regional federations of Plena Inclusión, together with the augmented reality and metaverse studio Imascono, and was presented on February 19, 2024, in Zaragoza.

Initially, it was tested with six people living in the apartments that are part of “Mi Casa: una vida en comunida”, a program launched in 2022 that promotes the autonomy of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through an alternative model of long-term residential care.

Level of implementation

According to Amor Numancia, the coordinator of the disability area of Cooperativa Kairós, the metaverse is an innovative solution that advances the quality of life of people and involves them in their life plans.

Moreover, according to June 2024 data from Plena Inclusión Aragón, the “Mi Casa: una vida en comunidad” program has shown significant improvements in the autonomy and quality of life of its users. It has also had a positive impact on families and the community.

User empowerment, Addictions, Information and planning, Innovative organization, Link with the community, Proximity care

Banc d’innovacions

VinculApp, mobile application to facilitate leisure for people with disabilities

PrevenSI, prevention of child sexual abuse

Prevention of Sexual Child Abuse

Acctua, a technological solution promoting digital accessibility on the Internet

Acctua is a technological service that promotes digitial accessibility and digital inclusion.

Soy yo literal, a Digital Platform for Youth Mental Health

Soy yo literal is a digital platform promoting mental health among young people

FOKUS PI, an application that facilitates digital social planning

FOKUS PI is a a decision-making support tool for professionals in the social, healthcare, and educational sectors

BCI, a device that restores communication in patients with neurodegenerative diseases

The BCI is a technological innovation that restores communication in patients with neurodegenerative diseases

Energy Control, a drug analysis service to reduce risks

Laura Hurtado on 24 July 2024

Drug analysis program that promotes responsible consumption

Energy Control is a project of the Association for Welfare and Development (ABD) that, among other services, sets up information points in drug consumption spaces, such as music festivals and nightclubs, to promote responsible and informed use and to offer a substance analysis service that ensures the safety of people who consume them in case of adulterated products.

The analysis results are obtained in less than five minutes. This allows for immediate advice on the actual composition of the substances. Moreover, the technique used is non-destructive and does not use reagents, which better reaches the population more reluctant to leave the substance at an analysis point.

The data obtained is inserted into the Energy Control database. Thus, practically all substances circulating at any given time can be identified, including adulterated or especially dangerous ones, and consumers can be alerted through their channels. The devices used in the analysis process are portable and can be easily moved to any space, so interventions can be carried out in usual consumption places.

The main objectives of this service are to contact drug users, inform about the composition of the substances the person wants to consume, advise on how to consume with less risk, monitor the market, detect trends, and alert interested parties in case adulterated products especially dangerous to health are circulating.

Characteristics of innovation

Localization

Catalunya

Partners / Funders

Genesis

Energy Control is a pioneering program that was born in Barcelona in 1997 and currently operates nationwide, with delegations in Andalusia, Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and Madrid.

Level of implementation

Since its creation, Energy Control has received various recognitions for its work in the field of drugs. Among them, the Award for Innovation Projects in Participation and Promotion of Associations from the Barcelona City Council (2004), the European Drug Prevention Prize (2010), the Reina Sofia Award (2014), and the Olivera Award from the Balearic Islands Government Regional Volunteer Awards (2022).

New technological tool, Aging, Disability, Link with the community, Mental health, Personalization of the service, Prediction and prevention, Proximity care, Right of choice of the user, Speed up response times, User empowerment

Banc d’innovacions

VinculApp, mobile application to facilitate leisure for people with disabilities

PrevenSI, prevention of child sexual abuse

Prevention of Sexual Child Abuse

Acctua, a technological solution promoting digital accessibility on the Internet

Acctua is a technological service that promotes digitial accessibility and digital inclusion.

Soy yo literal, a Digital Platform for Youth Mental Health

Soy yo literal is a digital platform promoting mental health among young people

FOKUS PI, an application that facilitates digital social planning

FOKUS PI is a a decision-making support tool for professionals in the social, healthcare, and educational sectors

BCI, a device that restores communication in patients with neurodegenerative diseases

The BCI is a technological innovation that restores communication in patients with neurodegenerative diseases

Predictive Telecare Service in Home Care

Laura Hurtado on 17 July 2024

Predictive telecare that allows for preventive and personalized action

The Adinberri Foundation has launched a telecare service that enables anticipation and action through a personalized intervention plan based on the 4P model: prediction, prevention, personalization, and participation. The initiative aims to address social issues such as loneliness, home safety, abuse, cognitive decline, and lack of socio-family support.

The predictive model operates through technological solutions such as speech processing, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, Big Data, IoT (Internet of Things), and technologies that facilitate interoperability and standardization, such as open platforms.

The system will be integrated into the Public Telecare Service of Euskadi (betiON), a service that allows users to communicate with specialized professionals in emergency or risk situations. BetiON can be used by people over 75 years old who live alone, people over 65 years old in situations or at risk of dependency, people with various types of disabilities or mental illnesses, and people in situations of social isolation.

Characteristics of innovation

Localization

Euskadi

Partners / Funders

Tunstall Televida, Igualatori Mèdic Quirúrgic (IMQ) i Gestió de Serveis Residencials (GSR)

Genesis

In 2008, the Social Services Law attributed the provision of telecare to the Basque Government. Later, in 2011, BetiON was created, a service promoted by the Department of Employment and Social Policies, with sociosanitary coordination as the central axis.

In 2023, the Adinberri Foundation met with the Oarsoaldea municipalities to present, together with the Basque Government, the predictive telecare project. This project lasts for 18 months and is being carried out in 100 homes of current BetiON users. The project uses innovative technological tools such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, advanced analytics, speech processing, and IoT (Internet of Things).

Level of implementation

The latest available data from the BetiON service, from 2022, shows more than 63,000 users. This represents an annual increase of 0.7% compared to 2021. Additionally, in 2022, 373,776 calls were received through telecare terminals and the button. Furthermore, according to BetiON, the general user satisfaction index in 2022 is 4.5 out of 5.

New technological tool, Disability, Innovative organization, Personalization of the service, User empowerment

Banc d’innovacions

VinculApp, mobile application to facilitate leisure for people with disabilities

PrevenSI, prevention of child sexual abuse

Prevention of Sexual Child Abuse

Acctua, a technological solution promoting digital accessibility on the Internet

Acctua is a technological service that promotes digitial accessibility and digital inclusion.

Soy yo literal, a Digital Platform for Youth Mental Health

Soy yo literal is a digital platform promoting mental health among young people

FOKUS PI, an application that facilitates digital social planning

FOKUS PI is a a decision-making support tool for professionals in the social, healthcare, and educational sectors

BCI, a device that restores communication in patients with neurodegenerative diseases

The BCI is a technological innovation that restores communication in patients with neurodegenerative diseases

From your eyes, AI technological tools for visually impaired people

Laura Hurtado on 10 July 2024

AI-based solutions to improve the daily lives of visually impaired people

From Your Eyes (FYE) is a company specializing in computer vision that develops solutions based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology that mimic the visual function of the human brain to recognize, track, and categorize objects and people through camera image processing.

FYE’s AI model allows real-time processing of images and videos, includes a dataset of over 15 million data points, achieves an accuracy of 98.03%, and processes content in just 15 milliseconds. The tool is also capable of identifying 865 different colors, can operate without cloud connectivity, and incorporates strict data protection security measures.

FYE applies all this technological knowledge in two tools that improve the daily lives of visually impaired people. First, the FYE mobile application allows users to create their own AI assistants to receive descriptions of photos, videos, and visual documents, and can be integrated into various devices. Second, FYE Vehicle Vision enhances the driving experience on the road with integrated cameras to analyze the environment and provide personalized services. It also offers tools such as augmented reality navigation, virtual travel companions, gesture control, and intelligent assistance, among others.

Característiques de la innovació

Localització

Istanbul, Turkey

Col·laboradors / Finançadors

Gènesi

La creadora de From Your Eyes, Zülal Tannur, va néixer amb un 5% de visió. Des de ben petita, va aprendre sobre els objectes a través d’imatges a l’ordinador, fet que va fer que la tecnologia es convertís en una part important de la seva vida. Als 10 anys va perdre completament la visió i, des d’aquell moment, va començar a desenvolupar eines que permetessin aprendre de la mateixa manera en què ella ho havia fet fins llavors. Després de col·laborar en nombroses iniciatives per a persones amb discapacitat visual, l’any 2020 va ser nomenada Dona Líder Superadora de Barreres per Microsoft. Més tard, l’any 2023, va crear From Your Eyes.

Nivell d’implantació

From Your Eyes va guanyar el Microsoft’s Imagine Cup World Championship (2024) i la Categoria de Tecnologies per a una Vida Sense Barreres en el Programa d’Acceleració del Concurs d’Emprenedoria de TEKNOFEST (2023), entre altres reconeixements. Zülal Tannur va ser escollida l’any 2023 en el programa Google Women Techmakers de Google, que recolza a les desenvolupadores de tecnologia.