Verlab Research Institute for biomedical engineering of medical devices and artificial intelligence – DEPI – Digital Empowerment for Public Institution Accessibility

Challenge: Sarajevo: How to improve the availability of assistive technologies for people with disabilities?

Target Group: People with Disabilities

The pilot project “DEPI – Digital Empowerment for Public Institution Accessibility” focused on creating a digital accessibility map for public institutions in Sarajevo, aiming to improve inclusivity for people with disabilities. The project developed a mobile application, InMap, which provides key accessibility information for various institutions, focusing initially on municipalities, social services, healthcare, and educational institutions.

Co-creation activities included collaboration with disability associations, stakeholders, and potential end-users. Feedback was gathered through meetings, webinars, and a roundtable event, ensuring the app was user-centered and aligned with the needs of marginalized communities. The activities have reached out to approximately 100 people, of whom around 40 were representative of people with disabilities. Notable co-creation sessions included testing the app and refining its features based on user feedback. Key results include the successful development of the app prototype and a database of accessibility information. Challenges such as data collection difficulties due to outdated or uncentralized information were addressed through direct fieldwork.

The next steps involve finalizing the app’s improvements, expanding the database, and launching the solution for wider use, with plans to apply for further funding to increase coverage. This initiative was carried out as part of the CommuniCIty project, in collaboration with the City of Sarajevo, with the aim of enhancing digital skills and empowering the local community.

Association of Entrepreneurs “Pivot” – PivotConnect – An Inclusive Web App Connecting Entrepreneurs and a Diverse Workforce

Challenge: Sarajevo: How to improve the availability of assistive technologies for people with disabilities?

Target Group: People with Disabilities

PivotConnect is an inclusive web application developed in Sarajevo by the Pivot Association of Entrepreneurs as part of the CommuniCity pilot to connect entrepreneurs and individuals from marginalized communities with job and training opportunities. The primary objective is to create a user-friendly digital platform that promotes accessibility, especially for blind and visually impaired users, and persons with intellectual difficulties.

The pilot followed a strong co-creation approach, engaging over 20 individuals—including entrepreneurs and persons with disabilities—through interviews, workshops, and beta testing. Civil society organizations played a key role in facilitating access, building trust, and ensuring that user feedback was central to the design process.

Based on user input, the platform’s features were refined to improve accessibility, including simplified navigation, plain language content, and accessible registration forms. Beta testing confirmed the importance of intuitive design and led to further improvements, such as clearer confirmation messages and interface adjustments.

Next steps include expanding platform features to support B2B communication, company profiles, and a dedicated section to promote entrepreneurship for all. Ongoing collaboration with pilot hosts and civil society partners is planned to ensure sustainability and continued development.

Accessify – WeMapp

Challenge: Sarajevo: How to improve the availability of assistive technologies for people with disabilities?

Target Group: People with Disabilities

Accessify is a one-stop shop accessibility platform that transforms the way people with disabilities navigate cities, public spaces, events, and venues. Through AI and community-powered features, Accessify maps obstacles, mobility infrastructure, and accessibility levels, enabling safe, seamless, and personalized movement through urban environments. The CommuniCity pilot aimed to validate the platform in real-world conditions across the urban contexts of Sarajevo.

The pilot’s main objectives were to co-design key features with end users, test usability in live environments, and assess integration potential with event and venue operations. 19 individuals participated in co-creation sessions, including 10 representatives from marginalised groups and 9 event managers. The pilot included semi-structured user interviews, live mapping trials, and event accessibility assessments. The product reached TRL 6, and the pilot validated both the social impact and market demand of the solution, setting the groundwork for future partnerships and deployments.

General IT and Software Solutions – Development of a transcription software for public institutions

Challenge: Sarajevo: How to improve the availability of assistive technologies for people with disabilities?

Target Group:  People with Disabilities

The pilot aimed to develop and test an AI-powered transcription tool tailored for public institutions, media organizations, and cultural institutions, with a focus on accessibility and multilingual support. The objective was to improve efficiency in transcribing audio content while ensuring the tool could be used by diverse user groups, including persons with disabilities.

Co-creation was central to the pilot, involving six sessions with over 35 participants, including public sector staff, journalists, museum and theatre professionals, and individuals from marginalised communities. Methods included hands-on workshops, remote usability testing, and inclusive design sessions. Feedback from these sessions directly shaped the tool’s interface, accessibility features, and language options.

The pilot demonstrated that the solution is technically mature (TRL 9) and ready for broader use. It is now being used by the pilot host as well as several other institutions in the region. Key results include improved user satisfaction, greater inclusion, and validated real-world functionality.

Next steps involve further development of accessibility features, expansion to new sectors, and joint funding applications with the pilot host to support scaling and sustainability. The pilot highlighted strong potential for replication in other cities and institutions facing similar needs.

OD “Digital Solutions” vl. Hadziomerovic Kenan – AccessAbility: A Comprehensive Platform for Independent Living

Challenge: Sarajevo: How to improve the availability of assistive technologies for people with disabilities?

Target Group: People with Disabilities

The pilot aimed to test and validate a solution designed to address specific community needs within the CommuniCity framework. Key objectives included ensuring effective implementation, engaging pilot hosts in co-creation activities, and gathering practical feedback to refine the solution. Co-creation involved a series of structured meetings and feedback sessions with pilot hosts, held both online and in person, to align the solution closely with user requirements. These sessions enabled the identification of strengths and areas for improvement, fostering a user-centered development process.