The Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council’s flagship programme, Qatar Open Innovation (QOI) Programme, has announced its innovation opportunity in collaboration with Qatar National Library (QNL) and Mada Centre.
Titled “Smart Accessible Kiosks for the Visually Impaired”, this opportunity seeks to address the specific needs of persons with visual disabilities while promoting accessibility for all visitors.
Nada al-Olaqi, RDI programme director at QRDI Council, said: “Through this project, we seek to break down barriers and empower every visitor, regardless of their abilities, to access the knowledge and services provided by Qatar National Library. We are collaborating with our strategic partner to pave the way towards a more inclusive and accessible future for all segments of society and empower people with disabilities to fulfil their needs in more effective and innovative ways. We are channelling our research, development, and innovation endeavours to address the prevailing challenges in the realm of assistive technology.”
Hind al-Khulaifi, director, Strategic Planning and Projects, QNL, said: “As a national library, we believe in integrating innovative technologies to enhance the experience of our patrons. Our collaboration with QRDI Council and Mada Centre underscores our dedication to ensuring knowledge accessibility for everyone, irrespective of their physical or intellectual abilities. Through the ‘Smart Accessible Kiosks’, we aspire to enrich the exploration and discovery journey for our visitors.”
Amnah al-Mutawaa, acting manager, Digital Accessibility Programmes at Mada Centre, said: “We at Mada – Assistive Technology Centre Qatar have always believed that working hand in hand with our strategic partners is key to successfully achieving our mission to empower persons with disabilities (PWDs) to participate and co-exist independently through strengthening the Arabic digital accessibility ecosystem in Qatar and the world.”
This project aims to elevate the level of digital and inclusive smart city services to position Qatar as a preeminent multi-accessible tourism destination regionally and globally.
The innovation opportunity is to develop a Smart Accessible Kiosk capable of serving all customers, transcending disabilities, and ensuring a universally shared and barrier-free experience. This initiative is not only about addressing the immediate needs of the visually impaired but also heralds a broader vision of inclusivity.
