Pycipedia, collaborative platform for social workers specialized in parenting with intellectual disabilities

Laura Hurtado on 9 April 2024

Publications Bank of innovations

Pycipedia, collaborative platform for social workers specialized in parenting with intellectual disabilities

Research and Development Center for Health, Care, and Social Work in Linköping (FoU)

Pycipedia

Web platform for social workers specialized in supporting parents with intellectual disabilities

Parenting processes can be especially challenging for people with intellectual disabilities. Additionally, the number of social workers specialized in this intervention area is very limited, and in the case of rural or non-urban areas, geographical distance makes it difficult for professionals to share their experiences and methods.

Pycipedia is a platform that connects social workers, regardless of where they work, through a digital network, to provide assistance and enable them to improve their support tasks. This ensures more equitable attention throughout the territory, ensuring that all professionals have access to useful resources and training.

The tool allows social workers to create, navigate, edit, and share training materials to support families with intellectual disabilities in everyday situations. Resources include texts, videos, and images. Materials are categorized, such as child health or hygiene tasks. Pycipedia also offers a forum where professionals can share best practices and provide empirical results on the different methods they use.

Characteristics of innovation

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Localization

Sweden

Collaborators / Funders

IT University of Copenhagen

Genesis

Many Swedish municipalities have a limited number of social workers trained in supporting families with intellectual disabilities. Pycipedia aimed to be a response to this situation, exploring how these professionals can co-design new and innovative ways of working and providing support to families.

Level of implementation

Pycipedia has been operational for four years and has over 100 social workers registered as users, from more than 30 municipalities, who share ideas and materials with their peers.

More information

Pycipedia

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Mentegram, therapeutic monitoring of patients in mental health treatment

Mentegram, therapeutic monitoring of patients in mental health treatment

Mentegram is a tool that allows evaluating and monitoring the daily behavior of individuals in therapeutic treatment.
Pycipedia, collaborative platform for social workers specialized in parenting with intellectual disabilities

Pycipedia, collaborative platform for social workers specialized in parenting with intellectual disabilities

Pycipedia is a web platform for social workers specialized in supporting parents with intellectual disabilities.
Mapathon UPC, a web platform that gathers geolocated points on a map

Mapathon UPC, a web platform that gathers geolocated points on a map

Mapathon UPC is an open web platform that allows for the collection of geolocated points on a map collaboratively.
AutisMIND, an application to stimulate the social cognition of children with ASD

AutisMIND, an application to stimulate the social cognition of children with ASD

AutisMIND is a mobile application that enhances the ability to empathize with others in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

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App Morada, support against gender-based violence for women with disability

Laura Hurtado on 6 March 2024

Publications Bank of innovations

App Morada, support against gender-based violence for women with disability

CIDIP

App Morada

Application that helps and guides women with disability and victims of gender-based violence

App Morada is a free platform, functioning as both an app and a website, aimed at providing support to women with disability who have experienced situations of violence.

It offers information to understand gender-based violence and tools to address this issue. Additionally, it provides contacts for institutions and civil society organizations working in this field, as well as direct access to emergency numbers. All content is accessible in braille, in easy-to-read format, and in Mexican Sign Language (LSM).

Furthermore, it allows the recognition of situations of violence through a test and offers assistance and contacts to receive support. The content is developed in collaboration with the National Association of Interpreters and women experts in gender and disability.

Characteristics of innovation

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Localization

City of Mexico, Mexico

Partners / Funders

Government of Mexico City (Women’s Secretariat), National Network of Shelters, Casa Gaviota, Casa Mandarina, Espacio Mujeres para una Vida Digna Libre de Violencia, Empoderándonos para la Igualdad y la Inclusión Social, National Association of Interpreters, Collective Luchadoras, and Accessibility Lab.

Genesis

App Morada was born in 2019, the same year in which a joint survey was conducted with the government of CDMX to gather more data on the violence experienced by women with disabilities. The results confirmed the need to create a tool that would empower women living in these situations.

Level of implementation

Of the 400 women who participated in the study, 100% claimed to have experienced some form of violence. More than 80% had not received information about gender-based violence and disability, and over 90% were unaware of their sexual and reproductive rights. In this sense, App Morada aims to address these shortcomings. Additionally, in order to increase the effectiveness of the application, a sensitization process was promoted aimed at the personnel of the institutions working in this field. 

More information

CIDIP App Morada

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Mentegram, therapeutic monitoring of patients in mental health treatment

Mentegram, therapeutic monitoring of patients in mental health treatment

Mentegram is a tool that allows evaluating and monitoring the daily behavior of individuals in therapeutic treatment.
Pycipedia, collaborative platform for social workers specialized in parenting with intellectual disabilities

Pycipedia, collaborative platform for social workers specialized in parenting with intellectual disabilities

Pycipedia is a web platform for social workers specialized in supporting parents with intellectual disabilities.
Mapathon UPC, a web platform that gathers geolocated points on a map

Mapathon UPC, a web platform that gathers geolocated points on a map

Mapathon UPC is an open web platform that allows for the collection of geolocated points on a map collaboratively.
AutisMIND, an application to stimulate the social cognition of children with ASD

AutisMIND, an application to stimulate the social cognition of children with ASD

AutisMIND is a mobile application that enhances the ability to empathize with others in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

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Access4you, accessibility certification for people with disabilities

Laura Hurtado on 14 February 2024

Publications Bank of innovations

Access4you, accessibility certification for people with disabilities

Access4You

Access4You

Innovative initiative based on a certification mark that provides reliable accessibility information of the built environment for people with disabilities

Access4you has a database and a mobile application, available for free, which indicate the degree of adaptation of spaces to the needs of people with disabilities and accessibility needs. It is based on a self-developed system of criteria based on a set of 1000 variables according to the usability aspects of 9 stakeholder groups: people with cognitive and visual disabilities; individuals with blindness, deafness, and hearing difficulties; people in wheelchairs, with baby strollers, and with assistance dogs; and the elderly.

Access4you classifies spaces using a qualification system divided into four categories according to the level of inclusivity of the location: Certified location, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Moreover, the database offers filterable and detailed data including measurements, as well as images of each location to help people with disabilities to plan their stay at an unknown location.

The certification, apart from benefiting these groups, also supports owners and businesses to obtain information about the accessibility of their buildings. In this way, organizations can commission an independent study to accredit the adaptation of their establishments, as well as acquire detailed proposal on how to improve it. Certified locations receive a designated datasheet in the Access4you database, which is available to everyone for free on the website and the application.

Thus, the initiative proposed by Access4you aims to promote the social integration of people with disabilities, improve the accessibility of the built environment, and serve as a center for the dissemination of knowledge and advice on the obstacles that these people encounter in their daily lives.

Access4you International is present in the CEE, SEE and India with the help of an expanding accredited partner network including Colliers, Bureau Veritas, TÜV, and CBRE. Both companies and individuals can join Access4you’s accreditation programme to acquire the skills and knowledge to join its mission and involve more locations to provide accessibility information.

Characteristics of the innovation

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Localization

Budapest, Hungary

Partners / Funders

Erste Foundation and Hungarian Development Bank VC Hiventures

Genesis

The initial idea was born in 2019 when its founder and CEO, Balázs Berecz, a wheelchair user for 15 years, encountered an accessibility problem when entering the accommodation he had booked in Lisbon. At that moment, he realized that “the willingness to help is not enough” and that “a common language about accessibility” is needed. The platform began its international expansion in 2022, with a network of partners in Central and Eastern Europe. Since 2023, Access4you is also present in India.

Level of implementation

Access4you International operates in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Romania, Poland, and India, with the help of a network of accredited partners such as Colliers, CBRE, Bureau Veritas, and TÜV. Today, Access4you has an impact in 23 countries, with about 1000 evaluated locations across 16 real estate sectors such as offices, shopping centers, and restaurants. The company received the Best Impact Startup Award in 2022, the Social Innovation Award 2023 from the EASPD (European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities), and in 2023 became a member of the RICS Tech Partner Programme.

More information

A4U sticker GOLD min

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Mentegram, therapeutic monitoring of patients in mental health treatment

Mentegram, therapeutic monitoring of patients in mental health treatment

Mentegram is a tool that allows evaluating and monitoring the daily behavior of individuals in therapeutic treatment.
Pycipedia, collaborative platform for social workers specialized in parenting with intellectual disabilities

Pycipedia, collaborative platform for social workers specialized in parenting with intellectual disabilities

Pycipedia is a web platform for social workers specialized in supporting parents with intellectual disabilities.
Mapathon UPC, a web platform that gathers geolocated points on a map

Mapathon UPC, a web platform that gathers geolocated points on a map

Mapathon UPC is an open web platform that allows for the collection of geolocated points on a map collaboratively.
AutisMIND, an application to stimulate the social cognition of children with ASD

AutisMIND, an application to stimulate the social cognition of children with ASD

AutisMIND is a mobile application that enhances the ability to empathize with others in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

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Audivers 360º, immersive reality speech therapy for individuals with hearing impairment

Laura Hurtado on 31 January 2024

Publications Bank of innovations

Audivers 360º, immersive reality speech therapy for individuals with hearing impairment

ACAPPS, Broomx and UAB 

Dues usuàries del servei Audivers 360º en una sala de realitat immersiva.

A pioneering project in speech therapy with immersive reality, aimed at children and adults with hearing loss

Audivers 360º seeks to apply new technologies to transform conventional speech therapy sessions into experiences that allow individuals to immerse themselves in the real sounds of an environment, making the session more natural, enriching and efficient.


In collaboration with Broomx, the technological company that owns the tool, they have created immersive scenarios adapted to the needs of people with hearing impairment. With these immersive scenarios, all the objectives set in a conventional speech therapy session are addressed, comprehensively reinforcing aspects of hearing, language and communication. They address aspects such as sound detection and discrimination, recognition, verbal expression and comprehension, as well as other aspects of language pragmatics.


Simultaneously, while these activities are carried out, they are working on other aspects such as executive functions, auditory memory, motivation towards speech therapy and emotional well-being, among others. This innovative methodology has a direct and significant impact on the social inclusion process of adults and children with hearing loss, addressing and incorporating all auditory, communicative and emotional needs to successfully carry out and optimize speech therapy sessions.

Characteristics of innovation

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Localization

Barcelona, Catalonia

Partners / Funders

Social Rights and Health Departament from Generalitat de Catalunya, Barcelona City Council and Fundació la Caixa

Genesis

A pioneering project in virtual reality speech therapy sparked the organization’s interest in the opportunities and new methodologies that technologies can bring to speech therapy sessions. Virtual reality allowed the transformation of traditional sessions by connecting the sound of an environment in a practical and intuitive way. This approach enhances the engagement and motivation of the individual receiving therapy, who observes results more rapidly. However, the association perceived shortcomings in the virtual reality’s support for the speech therapist. At that moment, they discovered the immersive reality rooms at Suara Cooperativa and saw a potential solution to the issue: applying immersive reality to speech therapy. In 2022, they began developing the idea, which eventually took shape in May 2023.

Level of implementation

Audivers 360º is still in the pilot phase. Test sessions are being conducted with 20 individuals with hearing impairment, including both children and adults. These sessions will be evaluated based on the participant’s satisfaction level and the assessment of speech therapists regarding the methodology and outcomes of the sessions, both quantitatively and qualitatively. The project was awarded the Graustic 2023 Prize for Social Integration through Digitalization, sponsored by the iSocial Foundation.

More information

Imatges Posts Web 1 min 2

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Mentegram, therapeutic monitoring of patients in mental health treatment

Mentegram, therapeutic monitoring of patients in mental health treatment

Mentegram is a tool that allows evaluating and monitoring the daily behavior of individuals in therapeutic treatment.
Pycipedia, collaborative platform for social workers specialized in parenting with intellectual disabilities

Pycipedia, collaborative platform for social workers specialized in parenting with intellectual disabilities

Pycipedia is a web platform for social workers specialized in supporting parents with intellectual disabilities.
Mapathon UPC, a web platform that gathers geolocated points on a map

Mapathon UPC, a web platform that gathers geolocated points on a map

Mapathon UPC is an open web platform that allows for the collection of geolocated points on a map collaboratively.
AutisMIND, an application to stimulate the social cognition of children with ASD

AutisMIND, an application to stimulate the social cognition of children with ASD

AutisMIND is a mobile application that enhances the ability to empathize with others in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

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E-Fabrik, innovative and solidarity solutions for people with disabilities

Ferran Benito on 24 November 2023

Projecte e-Fabrik - Joves col·laboren amb persones amb discapacitat per crear ajuts funcionals
Publications Bank of innovations

E-Fabrik, innovative and solidarity solutions for people with disabilities

Hàbitat3 

Projecte e-Fabrik - Joves col·laboren amb persones amb discapacitat per crear ajuts funcionals

An innovative initiative that brings together young people and individuals with disabilities in a creative community with the aim of jointly conceiving and manufacturing tangible solutions to address the challenges faced by people with disabilities in their daily lives.

Through the E-Fabrik program, which is free for all participants, young people and individuals with disabilities learn to use digital fabrication tools, such as 3D printers and laser cutters, and become familiar with the spaces where they can find them. The goal is for them to acquire new skills in the use of emerging digital technologies. Using the FabLab concept, pairs or teams are formed consisting of young people and individuals with disabilities who work together to find solutions to everyday problems and create practical solutions to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. Participants receive a budget of approximately €150 to develop and produce their specific solution.

The project unfolds through courses, educational programs of 20 half-days, and a 5-month vocational training course. In all of them, active solidarity among project participants is encouraged, allowing them to reclaim technology and use it for specific and meaningful purposes.

On the other hand, the program actively works to connect spaces and platforms of technological and digital creativity with structures dedicated to young people and individuals with disabilities. Thus, E-Fabrik not only offers the opportunity to create concrete solutions but also seeks to create bonds and partnerships with local structures.

Characteristics of innovation

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Localization

France

Partners / Funders

Fondation Groupe RATP, Thales Solidarity, European Union, Région Île de France, Paris Fabrik, In Seine-Saint-Denis, Fondation Singer-Polignac, Programa P’INS, Fondation AFNIC, EFJ, Grande Ecole du Numérique, Fondation Orange, Fondation de France, AG2R La Mondiale, Fondation free, Creu Roja francesa, Ville de Paris, Essone le Département

Genesis

The E-FABRIK initiative was launched by the Association Traces and emerged as a result of collaboration between two associations in Ile-de-France. It came to light in 2015 with a clear purpose: to reclaim digital tools for the creation and design of everyday objects that would be useful for people with disabilities. Since then, more than 60 projects have been created, all aimed at improving the lives and autonomy of people with disabilities through creativity, technology, and collaboration.

Level of implementation

The E-FABRIK initiative, located in Île-de-France, has 1,200 beneficiaries—individuals who have directly experienced the benefits and solutions resulting from this collaborative initiative. A total of 160 prototypes have been developed and produced, representing a range of practical and creative solutions.

The project has expanded to various other regions in France, surpassing its initial boundaries. Through this expansion, a large number of individuals have actively engaged and received training in the design and use of digital tools for creating meaningful objects. Thus, the collaborative efforts among partner associations have generated a significant impact.

More information

Logo e Fabrik
Logo e Fabrik

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Mentegram, therapeutic monitoring of patients in mental health treatment

Mentegram, therapeutic monitoring of patients in mental health treatment

Mentegram is a tool that allows evaluating and monitoring the daily behavior of individuals in therapeutic treatment.
Pycipedia, collaborative platform for social workers specialized in parenting with intellectual disabilities

Pycipedia, collaborative platform for social workers specialized in parenting with intellectual disabilities

Pycipedia is a web platform for social workers specialized in supporting parents with intellectual disabilities.
Mapathon UPC, a web platform that gathers geolocated points on a map

Mapathon UPC, a web platform that gathers geolocated points on a map

Mapathon UPC is an open web platform that allows for the collection of geolocated points on a map collaboratively.
AutisMIND, an application to stimulate the social cognition of children with ASD

AutisMIND, an application to stimulate the social cognition of children with ASD

AutisMIND is a mobile application that enhances the ability to empathize with others in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

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LifeCompanion, a customisable assistant for people who have difficulty communicating orally

Toni Codina on 11 July 2023

Publications Bank of innovations

LifeCompanion, a customisable assistant for people who have difficulty communicating orally

Centre Mutualiste de Kerpape

Assistive Technology 1

Personalised digital assistant that provides communication assistance and access to information technologies. It is free and open source and facilitates oral communication for people with difficulties.

LifeCompanion is a highly customisable and flexible assistant, so it can be used in different contexts, but it is mainly intended to facilitate computer access and communication. In fact, one of the outstanding features of LifeCompanion is its integrated speech synthesis, which allows users to communicate using speech. LifeCompanion thus aims to promote the social participation and autonomy of its users in areas such as communication, access to information technologies, education and employment. It also contributes to establishing social links, especially with caregivers and professionals close to them.

LifeCompanion works in such a way that it adjusts to the individual’s motor, visual, auditory or cognitive abilities and development. For example, it enables pictographic and phonetic communication, as it includes a vocabulary tree with pictograms and pictures and a customised phoneme communication keyboard. Digital keyboards can also be customised and typing can be accelerated with advanced word prediction. Among other functions, LifeCompanion also facilitates motor accessibility, anticipating movement and with advanced configurations in this area. In this regard, it is important to note that it has been co-designed by and in close collaboration with end users.

Characteristics of innovation

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Localization

Brittany, France

Partners / Funders

Centre Mutualiste de Kerpape, CoWorkHit, Agence du Numérique en Santé, VYV3 Bretagne, Équipe Relais Handicaps Rares Bretagne, Institut Mutualiste de Formation de Bretagne, Université de Tours, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Fondation Garches, AAD Makaton, Approche

Genesis

LifeCompanion has been running since 2015 at the Kerpape Mutual Rehabilitation and Functional Rehabilitation Centre. It was initially intended to meet the needs of the centre’s patients, therapists and caregivers. Over time, the tool has evolved and adapted to meet different needs and uses. It has been used as part of the Predict4All project (2017-2021) and, within the framework of the Structures 3.0 project (2021-2022), LifeCompanion focused on meeting the needs of medico-social structures, offering support and services tailored to these environments. September 2021 saw the official launch of LifeCompanion, marking its availability to the public and the start of the service offering through CoWork’HIT.

Level of implementation

To date, LifeCompanion has proven to be a successful tool. It is considered very useful by users, allowing them quick access to active communication, autonomy and confidentiality in correspondence. It thus fulfils a basic need and enables people who have difficulty communicating orally to maintain essential links.

More information

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Mentegram, therapeutic monitoring of patients in mental health treatment

Mentegram, therapeutic monitoring of patients in mental health treatment

Mentegram is a tool that allows evaluating and monitoring the daily behavior of individuals in therapeutic treatment.
Pycipedia, collaborative platform for social workers specialized in parenting with intellectual disabilities

Pycipedia, collaborative platform for social workers specialized in parenting with intellectual disabilities

Pycipedia is a web platform for social workers specialized in supporting parents with intellectual disabilities.
Mapathon UPC, a web platform that gathers geolocated points on a map

Mapathon UPC, a web platform that gathers geolocated points on a map

Mapathon UPC is an open web platform that allows for the collection of geolocated points on a map collaboratively.
AutisMIND, an application to stimulate the social cognition of children with ASD

AutisMIND, an application to stimulate the social cognition of children with ASD

AutisMIND is a mobile application that enhances the ability to empathize with others in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

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iCalidad, a technological tool for the quality of life of people with ASD

Toni Codina on 9 May 2023

Publications Bank of innovations

iCalidad, a technological tool for the quality of life of people with ASD

Red para la Calidad de Vida, Autismo España

Assessment and support tool to improve the quality of life of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. With an innovative methodology, the aspects that most affect the quality of life of a person are assessed and individualised support plans are designed, adapted to the needs, interests and expectations.

iCalidad is, therefore, a collaborative technological tool that corresponds to a system for assessing the quality of life of people with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It was born out of the realisation that the assessment of this disorder is subjective and that the assessment instruments are often not adapted to the reality of the people who suffer from it, as pointed out by the advances in knowledge that show that ASD manifests itself in a very specific way in each case.

It is flexible and works in such a way that the perspective of the person with ASD is integrated into the design of their own plan, as are the families and professionals who know them best. These people constitute the evaluation team and respond individually to a questionnaire formulated by iCalidad. The technological tool systematises and compares, and also generates a quality report that integrates the responses of all the team members. It is the team that is responsible for evaluating it together with the aim of designing –by consensus– a personalised and optimal support plan.

Thus, iCalidad enables people with ASD to participate in making decisions about their lives and to achieve meaningful personal goals. It also enables families and professionals to collaborate and offer appropriate support to the person with the disorder. Finally, iQuality enables organisations to provide quality support and to respond –appropriately and innovatively– to the priorities, interests and needs of people with ASD.

Characteristics of innovation

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Localization

Spain

Partners / Funders

Red para la Calidad de Vida, Autismo España

Genesis

iQuality was created by the Network for Quality of Life, a work team coordinated by Autism Spain and integrated by 15 professionals from its partner entities. It was promoted in 2011 with the aim of evaluating the impact of support on quality of life and to be able to plan adequate interventions. Between 2015 and 2016, a pilot study was carried out with 3 entities, and since then, the tool has been developed. It thus promotes innovation in support systems and services for people with ASD and their families.

Level of implementation

iCalidad has had the direct participation of more than 70 relatives of people with ASD, more than 143 professionals and more than 60 people with ASD. Numerous people have done so indirectly. Currently, more than 19 organisations use iCalidad.

In addition, the Quality of Life Network has designed a system of indicators that allows entities to objectify and contrast the impact of the supports and promote innovation and continuous improvement.

More information

icalidad
icalidad

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Mentegram, therapeutic monitoring of patients in mental health treatment

Mentegram, therapeutic monitoring of patients in mental health treatment

Mentegram is a tool that allows evaluating and monitoring the daily behavior of individuals in therapeutic treatment.
Pycipedia, collaborative platform for social workers specialized in parenting with intellectual disabilities

Pycipedia, collaborative platform for social workers specialized in parenting with intellectual disabilities

Pycipedia is a web platform for social workers specialized in supporting parents with intellectual disabilities.
Mapathon UPC, a web platform that gathers geolocated points on a map

Mapathon UPC, a web platform that gathers geolocated points on a map

Mapathon UPC is an open web platform that allows for the collection of geolocated points on a map collaboratively.
AutisMIND, an application to stimulate the social cognition of children with ASD

AutisMIND, an application to stimulate the social cognition of children with ASD

AutisMIND is a mobile application that enhances the ability to empathize with others in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

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Codi Colors, inclusive method for learning the piano

Toni Codina on 4 April 2023

Codi Colors, mètode inclusiu per a l’aprenentatge del piano
Publications Bank of innovations

Codi Colors, inclusive method for learning the piano

Codi Colors

Codi Colors, mètode inclusiu per a l’aprenentatge del piano

Innovative method of musical education designed for people with disabilities to learn to play the piano and enjoy making music. It allows them to feel fulfilled thanks to the practical results of the method, enabling them to play songs and pieces following a score based on basic musical concepts.


Codi Colors –in English, the Colour Code– works by associating each note with a colour. This simplified structure makes musical structures much easier to memorise and learn. It is put into practice through complete graphic and didactic material. Thus, it counts with a book for the student and a support book for teachers and families, in which the methodology and advice for its application are explained.

Both books consist of a repertoire of 57 traditional, popular and signature songs written with the code and accompanied by illustrations. The pieces –all of an accessible level– are arranged according to degree of difficulty and theme, mostly referring to the different seasons of the year. The scores are adapted to make them easier to understand: they are written in treble clef, without time signatures or values, and the size of the staves is large, among other things. In addition to the books, more specifically prepared teaching material –an adapted music booklet and coloured stickers– make it possible to implement the method, which can be perfectly combined with coloured instruments (bells, pipes, bells, horns, carillons, etc.).

Although Codi Colors is mainly aimed at pupils with very diverse special educational needs –physical, sensory, communication, intellectual, mental disorders–, it is not only for these groups. Thus, Codi Colors paves the way for making music and avoids the difficulty of conventional music reading for everyone. It is valid for the initial learning of music -for students at an early age-, for musical awareness and for musical language or instrument classes. In addition, the music learning system works for both group and individual lessons.

Characteristics of innovation

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Localization

Igualada, Catalonia

Partners / Funders

Codi Colors

Genesis

Maria Mercè Corrons Roca is a piano teacher and music teacher for students with functional diversity at the Igualada Municipal Music School-Conservatory (ECMMI). Given the realisation that there is no method or form of integrated music teaching suitable for such a diverse group with so many individual specificities, and taking advantage of her pedagogical experience, she has created the Codi Colors. This method allows all types of students to learn and approach the world of music. In June 2022 the book Codi Colors: la música a l’abast de tothom was published, with a foreword by Dr. Melissa Mercadal-Brotons, academic director and coordinator of the Master’s Degree in Music Therapy at the ESMUC (Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya).

Level of implementation

The method has been exposed through various workshops and presentations that have taken place, among others at the third Congress of Musical Pedagogy of the Association of Conservatories of Catalonia. So far, the method has proved to be satisfactory and the association of colours advantageous, as several pedagogical materials use the same system. The goal is to make Codi Colors available to teachers and pupils, i.e. to make it known and to make it available to as many people as possible.

More information

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Mentegram, therapeutic monitoring of patients in mental health treatment

Mentegram, therapeutic monitoring of patients in mental health treatment

Mentegram is a tool that allows evaluating and monitoring the daily behavior of individuals in therapeutic treatment.
Pycipedia, collaborative platform for social workers specialized in parenting with intellectual disabilities

Pycipedia, collaborative platform for social workers specialized in parenting with intellectual disabilities

Pycipedia is a web platform for social workers specialized in supporting parents with intellectual disabilities.
Mapathon UPC, a web platform that gathers geolocated points on a map

Mapathon UPC, a web platform that gathers geolocated points on a map

Mapathon UPC is an open web platform that allows for the collection of geolocated points on a map collaboratively.
AutisMIND, an application to stimulate the social cognition of children with ASD

AutisMIND, an application to stimulate the social cognition of children with ASD

AutisMIND is a mobile application that enhances the ability to empathize with others in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

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Tiflolibros, digital library for people with visual impairment

Toni Codina on 21 February 2023

Publications Bank of innovations

Tiflolibros, digital library for people with visual impairment

Fundació Williams, ABC – OMPI, ISOC, Ashoka, COPIDIS

Spanish-speaking digital library with free access for the visually impaired. It counts on more than 60,000 books –in text files– that can be downloaded and read from any adapted device with a screen reader programme.

Tiflolibros is the first internet library specifically designed and available for Spanish-speaking people with some kind of visual impairment –blind and visually impaired people– or other difficulties –dyslexia and literacy learning disorders– that prevent access to reading. They can also use the institutions that offer support and services to these groups. The aim of the project is to extend access to reading and information by taking advantage of new technologies, thus contributing to improving the quality of life and favouring the autonomy of visually impaired people.

The library is built as a network, based on the contributions of books that various users and institutions digitise and works provided in digital files by the publishers and authors themselves. Once the files are digitised, it is with the help of a screen reader programme that the devices can output the written texts in the form of an artificial voice or as tactile lines in Braille.

Both access to the library and the downloading of books are free of charge once the registration process is completed. In order to register, it is necessary to provide a series of personal data and to prove the disability or difficulty in accessing conventional reading by presenting a disability certificate or card or a psycho-pedagogical or medical report. Currently, the Tiflolibros library is present in 48 countries and reaches more than 10,000 users with some kind of visual disability. Beyond that, the library is also a space for exchange and contact between visually impaired people from all over the world.

Characteristics of innovation

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Localization

Argentina

Partners / Funders

The Tiflolibros library does not receive subsidies or stable funding from state bodies. It is financially supported by the creation and development of specific projects in competition with national and international organisations and foundations; the sale of educational products and services and donations from users and friends of the project.

Genesis

The Tiflolibros library initiative was born in 1999 in Buenos Aires. Following the development of the library, Tiflonexos was founded in 2001, a non-profit association with the aim of providing the library with a legal framework for action. Tiflonexos is currently developing the Tiflolibros project as well as other projects for the inclusion of visually impaired people through the use of new technologies.

Level of implementation

Throughout the project’s trajectory, Tiflolibros has received important awards and distinctions. Among many others, the Digital Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Award, granted by UNESCO in 2016, and the Vidanta Award for outstanding and original projects carried out in Latin America and the Caribbean to reduce poverty, inequality and combat discrimination, granted by the Vidanta Foundation, the Organisation of American States and the Ibero-American General Secretariat in 2015.

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EyeHarp, a digital musical instrument through sight

Toni Codina on 17 January 2023

Publications Bank of innovations

EyeHarp, a digital musical instrument through sight

Pompeu Fabra University

Digital musical instrument for people with physical disabilities which, thanks to eye-tracking and interaction and expressiveness with the instrument, allows to select chords, arpeggios, melody and volume, allowing to produce notes and create melodies with the gaze.

The programme works with an eye-tracker, a special camera that monitors eye movement, and with a software that must be installed on the device. The software download is open source and free of charge, and allows you to learn music from scratch and improve your technique. In addition, it adapts to the level of musical knowledge of each user, and includes a variety of sounds and melodies.

EyeHarp has been specially designed for people diagnosed with cerebral palsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, upper limb amputation or spinal cord injury. It is also suitable for people with intellectual disabilities. In addition, the Eye Harp Association offers training for music therapists and music teachers, as well as music lessons for people with motor disabilities.

The programme aims to improve the quality of life of users, as playing music with EyeHarp provides health benefits: musical training stimulates certain parts of the brain and improves verbal and auditory memory, among others. It also promotes self-esteem, emotional expression and creativity.

EyeHarp has made it possible to create digital and accessible musical instruments by combining computer science and music. In short, it offers an innovative and revolutionary service for music education and music therapy.

Characteristics of innovation

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Localization

Barcelona, Spain

Partners / Funders

City council of Santa Perpètua de Mogoda

Genesis

Eyeharp’s idea was born in 2010, when a friend of musician Zacharias Vamvakousis suffered a motorbike accident and at first it seemed that he would never be able to play music again. It was then that Zacharias, a musician and computer scientist, realised that there was no musical instrument for people with physical disabilities and began to create EyeHarp.

Level of implementation

According to Vamvakousis and Ramírez (the creators), who have published their work in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, “the results obtained indicate that, just like traditional musical instruments, the digital musical instrument we have developed has a steep learning curve and allows us to produce expressive performances, both from the point of view of the performer and the audience”.

The project has received funding from the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, as well as from the Spanish TEN (Tecnologías Informáticas por la Sociedad de la Información) projects within the TIMUL project. In 2020 it received the Barcelona Activa award for Social Entrepreneurship. 

Currently more than 1,000 people use the programme free of charge and 40 use the Premium version.

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