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.

Transforming digital accessibility with A(I)BILITIES

The beginning of 2025 marked the launch of the A(I)BILITIES project, an initiative dedicated to advancing digital accessibility, carried out by ASSIST Software in partnership with the MintViz Lab of Ștefan cel Mare University of Suceava.

The kick-off meeting, hosted by ASSIST on January 21, not only marked the start of a promising collaboration but also reaffirmed a shared commitment to a broader vision — one that guides the very foundation of the A(I)BILITIES project:

We envision a world where digital experiences are inclusive, personalized, and accessible to all. Despite technological advancements and growing awareness, people with various disabilities continue to face significant barriers in accessing and interacting with digital technologies. So we’re building A(I)BILITIES to harness the power of generative AI in creating adaptive, intelligent solutions that respond to individual needs and enable equitable access to digital tools.

Through this approach, the project brings the advanced research conducted at the MintViz Lab closer to practical application, transforming AI innovations into accessible and meaningful tools. It also promotes more intuitive and personalized human-computer interaction, in line with MintViz Lab’s vision of purposeful and effective technology use.

Strengthening Collaboration for Digital Innovation

The partnership between ASSIST Software and Ștefan cel Mare University of Suceava is long-standing, built on ongoing collaboration in research projects and educational initiatives. This enduring connection provides a solid foundation for implementing the A(I)BILITIES project and achieving its digital accessibility goals.

In this context, the A(I)BILITIES kick-off meeting brought the project teams together in an open, constructive environment and set the tone for cooperation focused on innovation, digital inclusion, and the practical application of research.

The agenda included an overview of the project, highlights of MintViz Lab’s prior research, and an emphasis on involving end-users with disabilities at every stage of development. Key technical challenges were analyzed, and collaboration tools—such as shared digital platforms for project management, data exchange, and regular meetings—were agreed upon.