Artificial Intelligence, in its most varied forms and complexities, has today become a constant presence in multiple areas of human activity: in particular, it has an increasingly marked and significant presence in the generation of visual and textual content, in communication, and in the analysis, research, and projection of data. There are many doubts arising from its sometimes indiscriminate use, such as for the generation of fake news, but there are also many opportunities that can derive from its correct use.
Even in the field of visual impairment and blindness, Artificial Intelligence can play a positive role in supporting mobility and accessibility, both structural and cultural, provided it is proposed and intended as a tool to support and integrate Braille and existing assistive technologies.
Our Printing House is taking a leading role by organizing a Conference themed "ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND BLINDNESS" on June 12, 2025, at 9:00 AM, at the NH Hotel Parco degli Aragonesi in Catania, to meet and discuss, with interventions and contributions from experts in typhlology and computer science who will offer food for thought and analysis on the topic:
- Luca Grasso, head of the Multimedia Tactile Pole
- Giancarlo Iannizzotto, professor at the Department of Cognitive Sciences of the University of Messina
- Antonio Miciotto, expert in applied Artificial Intelligence
- Leonardo Sutera Sardo, typhlologist
For the event – carried out thanks to funds from the Ministry of Labor - free patronage has been requested from the Sicilian Region and the Municipality of Catania.
On this occasion, the "Smart mAPP" App will be presented, developed with funds from the Ministry of Culture, entirely accessible by users with visual impairments, which will allow access to a series of digital cultural and tourist services linked to the enjoyment of accessible heritage in Italy ("Mapping" section) and the detailed services of the Multimedia Tactile Pole ("Tactile Pole" section).
Project TOC0000273 COR 15908228 CUP C67J23001570008 funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU, for the provision of non-repayable grants in favor of micro and small enterprises, third sector entities, and profit and non-profit organizations, operating in the cultural and creative sectors to encourage innovation and the digital transition. NRRP, Mission 1 – Digitalization, innovation, competitiveness and culture, Component 3 – Tourism and Culture 4.0 (M1C3), Measure 3 “Cultural and creative industry 4.0”, Investment 3.3: “Capacity building for cultural operators to manage the digital and green transition”, Sub-Investment 3.3.2: – Support to cultural and creative sectors for innovation and digital transition (Action A II) (Decree no. 385 of October 19, 2022).
