AI for Accessibility: A(I)BILITIES on the Global Stage

Although still in the early stages of implementation, the A(I)BILITIES project is already making significant strides in accessible technology, attracting international attention through impactful presentations and research contributions at major human-computer interaction and accessibility conferences.

In recent months, the project team, particularly the MintViz Lab of the Ștefan cel Mare University, has participated in prominent academic and professional events, including CHI 2025 (ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems) and W4A ’25 (the 22nd International Web for All Conference). At these venues, the team presented key insights from their work within the A(I)BILITIES project, focusing on the intersection of artificial intelligence, accessibility, and inclusive design.

Among the highlights:

  • “Breaking Bad (Design): Challenging AI User Interface Accessibility Guardrails” – An experimental investigation into the boundaries of AI-generated design, using intentional inaccessibility as a method to interrogate the "design intelligence" of modern AI tools.
  • “When LLM-Generated Code Perpetuates User Interface Accessibility Barriers, How Can We Break the Cycle?” – A thought-provoking paper exploring the unintended consequences of AI-generated code on digital accessibility.
  • “Gesture-A11Y: A Large-Scale Hub for Accessible Gesture Input” – Presenting a robust platform for accessible gesture interaction design, aiming to empower developers and designers with inclusive tools.
  • “Empowering Accessible Gesture Input Design with Gesture-A11Y” – A complementary paper that delves into practical implementation strategies for creating gesture-based interfaces accessible to users with diverse abilities.
  • “Insights and Implications of Evaluating Accessibility Compliance in AI-Generated Web Interfaces” – This study analyzed fifty AI-generated web UIs, highlighting both the promise and current limitations of AI in creating accessible design.

Several of these research articles were recognized for their academic merit, including the Accessibility Challenge Judges Award and nominations for Best Communication Paper awards.

As the project progresses, the team remains committed to fostering collaboration, ensuring that AI is not only powerful — but empowering for all.