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.