When the ABLE Summit was launched in 2019, it was the first of its kind international event in Lebanon and the region. Now in its third edition, the Summit has created national-level awareness to enhance digital accessibility and inclusion in the realm of higher education. This year, the ABLE Summit will be taking place on September 14 and 15, hosted by the American University of Beirut (AUB).
Since ABLE was founded, it has developed into a transformative movement, to empower and provide access to individuals and organizations with the knowledge, tools and networks, needed to champion accessibility and inclusivity, in a rapidly evolving world.
“We believe that accessibility should be a fundamental right, not a privilege. The ABLE Summit is our commitment to making this vision a reality,” says Dr. Yousif Asfour, Chief Innovation and Transformation Officer at AUB.
Through ABLE’s various initiatives, which include the Summit, the organization aims at increasing the retention and success rates of students with disabilities, as well as to support their readiness for life after university by developing and deploying accessibility to IT resources on campuses.
This year, the ABLE Summit, will serve as a multidimensional platform, aiming to fulfill the following objectives:
- Build capacity by equipping attendees with practical knowledge and skills, to effectively drive accessibility efforts and create a more inclusive world
- Shed light on global and diverse perspectives, from international speakers and experts, that transcend geographical borders
- Foster a spirit of collaboration, serving as a hub to forge partnerships, share experiences and build a global network committed to accessibility
“The summit’s value is growing every year, now ABLE has a community with a growing ripple effect. The theme DIY this year is aimed specifically to break the barriers to change and walk action owners through hands-on experiences,” shares Maha Zowayhed, Associate Director, Talal and Madiha Zein AUB Innovation Park (AUB iPark), at the American University of Beirut.
The Summit includes a lineup of local, regional and global speakers, as well as a diverse agenda of immersive sessions, networking opportunities, and outdoor activities. In addition, the Assistive Technology (AT) exhibition, will display accessibility solutions, including learning content, services, resources, policies, inclusive IT support, collaboration platforms, IT facilities and learning spaces.
Check out the ABLE Summit’s program here: https://sites.aub.edu.lb/able/agenda/
“Special needs or not, equal access is your right” – ABLE Team.
