Why we all need access to meaning


Victoria-Yaneva-TEDEXWith the 21st Century known as the age of information, access to knowledge can change our lives in so many ways. Yet comprehension difficulties are a core characteristic of those on the autistic spectrum, making extracting meaning a distinct challenge. Victoria Yaneva outlines how technology can help bridge these differences in learning, by building upon the strengths of those with autism rather than focusing on weaknesses. Read more about her work and watch her TEDxBrum at http://rgcl.wlv.ac.uk/2016/07/06/why-we-all-need-access-to-meaning-by-victoria-yaneva/

FIRST Project's final workshop event held at ITASD 2014 conference

The FIRST project’s final workshop event was held at the ‘Information Technologies for Autism Spectrum Disorders’ (ITASD) Conference on October 3–4, 2014, in Paris, France. The final workshop event was held during this conference because of its special focus on ICT and new technologies for people with autism, and the large crowd of participants with a specific interest in new technologies for people with autism that it attracted.

Watch this video to find out how to use Open Book

Watch the video to find out how Open Book works and then go to www.openbooktool.net to use it yourself.

The Open Book tool, and the video above, are also available in Spanish and Bulgarian.

World Autism Awareness Day 2014 - UN calls for measures to create a more inclusive world for people with autism

 

This year, on World Autism Awareness Day the United Nations Secretary-General has called on governments and others around the world to take measures to support inclusion of people with autism through education and employment.

Open Book demonstrated to the public at ICT 2013 conference

Demonstrating the Open Book tool to conference participants at ICT 2013.

The FIRST project's Open Book tool was demonstrated to the public at the European Commission’s ICT 2013 event in Vilnius, Lithuania, on November 6 to 8, 2013.

This event brought together more than 4000 researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, industry representatives, young people and politicians.

The FIRST project held an exhibition booth at the conference where visitors could experience a live demonstration of the Open Book tool, and much positive feedback was gained.

Open Book demonstrated to the public at Autism-Europe International Congress

The Open Book tool being presented at the Autism-Europe International Congress.

Demonstrations of the Open Book tool were given  to the public at the Autism-Europe International Congress in Budapest on the weekend.

Around 1,100 professionals in the field of autism, people with autism and their family members gathered at the congress in Budapest on September 26 to 28, 2013.

Open Book was showcased in an exhibition stand where public demonstrations were given constantly over the 3 days of the congress, showing how the tool simplifies text, making it easier to read. 

FIRST project to be showcased at ICT 2013 event

ICT 2013 banner

The FIRST project will be showcased at the European Commission’s ICT 2013 event in Vilnius on November 6 to 8, 2013.

This event will bring together more than 4000 researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, industry representatives, young people and politicians. The event will focus on Horizon 2020 - the EU’s Framework Programme for Research and Innovation for 2014-2020. Technology research projects will also be showcased in individual exhibition booths.

Participate in online research to explore how technology is used by families of children with autism

The University of Edinburgh is conducting a research project to explore how technology is used by families of children with autism, in the home and on mobile devices. 

Families of children with autism are invited to participate in the research survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/technology_autism_at_home

FIRST project presented at IMFAR autism research conference

In May 2013, the FIRST project was presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR), an annual scientific meeting, convened each Spring, to exchange and disseminate new scientific progress among autism researchers and their trainees from around the world.

The FIRST project was presented at an exhibition booth where conference participants could view the text simplification tool we are developing. 

World Autism Awareness Day, April 2, 2013

On April 2, international attention is drawn to autism; a condition that is common, yet often misunderstood.. 

Autism is a complex disorder that affects the brain. It impairs an individual’s social and communication abilities and often causes them to display unusual or repetitive behaviours.

Autism is quite common – approximately 1 in 150 people are diagnosed with it.

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