Nicosia: European University Cyprus (EUC) recently hosted the 18th International Conference of the Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AAATE 2025) in Nicosia, Cyprus, from September 10 to 12, 2025. The conference was themed ‘Technology for Inclusion and Participation for All: Recent Achievements and Future Directions.’
According to Cyprus News Agency, the event attracted over 350 participants, including researchers, healthcare professionals, educators, policymakers, students, and representatives from organizations of persons with disabilities worldwide. It served as a pivotal international meeting point for discussions on assistive technology, accessibility in education, and social inclusion.
During the opening keynote speech, Kamil Goungor from the European Network on Independent Living emphasized the importance of independence and choice for people with disabilities. He highlighted that assistive technology extends beyond gadgets to encompass equality and justice. Professor Serenella Besio from the University of Bergamo, Italy, discussed the significance of play for children and the role of assistive technology in fostering inclusive and creative environments.
The conference featured over 220 presentations, including scientific papers and sessions on artificial intelligence applications for personalized learning, accessibility in open educational resources, and user-centered design for prosthetics and healthcare technologies. It also marked the 30th anniversary of AAATE, celebrating values of international collaboration, user engagement, and equality in access.
The AAATE Diamond Awards were presented to Jo Deams from Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, Belgium, and Professor Katerina Mavrou from European University Cyprus for their contributions to assistive technology and social inclusion. The Best Scientific Paper Award was given to Elske Frederieke van Herwijnen and her team from The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands, for their research on supporting individuals with dysphagia.
A significant outcome of the conference was the introduction of the Nicosia Declaration, which calls for integrating accessibility education into higher education curricula. This declaration is open for signature by individuals and organizations globally.
Local EUC student volunteers, primarily from the Department of Occupational Therapy, played a vital role in the event, contributing to its collaborative atmosphere. By hosting AAATE 2025, European University Cyprus has positioned the country as a prominent hub for global research and innovation in accessibility and inclusive technology.