XIII Accessibility Informatics Days

XIII Accessibility Informatics Days: Collective Intelligence for an Inclusive Digital Future

The XIII Accessibility Informatics Days, organized with the support of the Presidency of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and led by Near East University in collaboration with Manisa Celal Bayar University, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Accessibility Informatics Platform, and the Türkiye Accessibility Informatics Platform, took place on January 13–14, 2026, at the Presidential Complex Conference Hall in Nicosia. Bringing together representatives from academia, public institutions, the private sector, and civil society, the event once again served as an important platform for advancing accessibility and inclusion within the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Held under the theme of “Collective Intelligence for a Shared Future,” the symposium was designed to create a space where knowledge, experience, and innovative practices could be exchanged across disciplines. The event focused not only on identifying current challenges in accessible information technologies, but also on supporting dialogue toward a shared strategic action framework. In this respect, the Accessibility Informatics Days extended beyond a conventional academic gathering, functioning as a collaborative environment where policy, technology, and social responsibility intersected.

The opening session was attended by Nilden Bektaş Erhürman, spouse of the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, who emphasized the broader societal dimension of accessibility in her address. Framing accessibility within the concept of sustainability, she highlighted that building a sustainable society requires ensuring that no individual is left behind. Referring to the need to protect not only environmental resources, but also human dignity and equality, she emphasized that inclusive policies must address the needs of all segments of society, including children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. She also noted that the Presidency has established a dedicated unit to monitor developments in this field and to translate the outcomes of such initiatives into guiding policies.

The opening program also featured addresses by Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, Manisa Celal Bayar University Rector Prof. Dr. Rana Kibar, Türkiye Accessibility Informatics Platform Coordinator and Manisa Celal Bayar University faculty member Dr. Mustafa Özhan Kalaç, and Prof. Dr. Zehra Altınay, President of the Near East University Social Research and Development Center and Coordinator of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Accessibility Informatics Platform. Near East University’s AI-based academician, Ai. Prof. DUX, also contributed to the opening session. Following the opening speeches, plaques for the Prof. Dr. Mehmet Altınay TRNC Accessibility Informatics Days Service Award were presented to stakeholders in recognition of their contributions to accessibility-related work and collaborations.

In his address, Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ emphasized that accessibility should be understood not as an optional consideration, but as a shared responsibility centered on equality, participation, and human dignity in the digital world. He underlined that the Accessibility Informatics Days, sustained for 13 years under the leadership of Near East University and Manisa Celal Bayar University, represent a long-standing academic and social commitment to inclusive digital transformation.

Throughout the two-day program, the symposium offered a comprehensive structure that combined theoretical discussions, institutional experiences, and applied perspectives. The event consisted of six sessions addressing accessible digital services, inclusive education practices, and current approaches in accessibility informatics. On the first day, sessions focused on “Inclusive Library Services of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism,” the “AİLEM Accessible Communication Center,” “Accessibility Informatics Practices in the Private Sector in Türkiye,” and “Accessibility Informatics Studies in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.” Contributions from diverse stakeholders provided a multi-dimensional understanding of current challenges and solution-oriented strategies within different contexts.

The second day of the event focused on more practice-oriented and pedagogical discussions, including the “Web Accessibility and Usability Workshop” and the session titled “Empathy Is Not Enough: Is Technological Knowledge Necessary in Special Education?” The workshop provided participants with practical tools and methodological approaches to evaluate and improve digital platforms, while the discussions on technology in special education emphasized the importance of integrating accessibility into pedagogical practices. These sessions contributed to bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world application and reinforced the importance of capacity building in the field.

A significant component of the event was the presentation of the Prof. Dr. Mehmet Altınay TRNC Accessibility Informatics Days Service Award. The awards recognized individuals and institutions contributing to the advancement of accessible digital environments, reinforcing the importance of acknowledging and disseminating best practices within the field. By highlighting impactful initiatives, the ceremony contributed to strengthening an ecosystem in which accessibility is not only discussed, but also actively implemented and sustained.

As demonstrated throughout the symposium, achieving an inclusive digital future requires more than technological innovation; it demands coordinated action, shared responsibility, and long-term commitment across all sectors. The XIII Accessibility Informatics Days thus served as a critical platform for aligning diverse perspectives and advancing a collective vision in which accessibility is recognized as a fundamental component of sustainable digital transformation.