Reflecting on the Future of Digital Accessibility at DatForum 25: Our Role as Agents of Change
Last week, the annual DatEurope event (DatForum) brought together key players from the digital assistive technology (AT) sector in Paris. This edition marked a meaningful moment: a chance to look back on 25 years of progress in digital accessibility and toward a future we must build together.
Let’s recap some of the main outcomes. As agents of change, we’d like to share — and reflect with you — on some of the key takeaways:
01 | 25 years of digital access: where we’ve been, and where we’re heading
This 25-year milestone offered a powerful moment to reflect on how far assistive technologies have come — and how much they’ve transformed our understanding of inclusion. The evolution has been remarkable not only in terms of technological innovation, but also in the way digital accessibility is now recognized as a matter of social justice.
The conversation now goes far beyond tools: it’s about offering each person the solution they need to express themselves, to show the world who they are, and to live with autonomy.
02 | What does the Future of Digital Accessibility look like? “Building Digital Access for All”: a collective commitment
The central theme of the event emphasized the shared responsibility of all actors — from global companies to local institutions — to make digital access a universal right. At the heart of the discussions was a powerful idea: accessibility must be embedded by design, not added as an afterthought.
03 | Closer to Those Driving Change: Moving Accessibility Forward Together
Attendees had the chance to engage with leading voices in the sector, including experts from Microsoft, Cork University, and French institutions such as the Inter-ministerial Committee on Disability and the CNSA (Caisse Nationale de Solidarité pour l’Autonomie). Notable speakers included:
- Céline Poulet, General Secretary – Inter-ministerial Committee on Disability
- Nicolas Biard, AT Project Manager – CNSA
- Alan Vinot, General Manager – Bompard Association
- Philippe Aubert, Member of the French CNCPH
These conversations reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to move forward in the field of assistive tech.
EYEam Committed: Join us in shaping the future of digital accessibility and assistive technology together.
At IRISBOND, as experts in eye-tracking technology, we are proud to be part of this vibrant ecosystem. Our contribution goes beyond our technical expertise; it reflects our deep commitment to building a more inclusive society through assistive technologies.
By engaging in forums like DatForum, we actively collaborate with the full network of agents and stakeholders — from users to professionals and institutions — to drive progress and ensure the success of these technologies. This collective effort strengthens every link in the chain, allowing us to continuously develop solutions centered around and for the user.
Together, we are helping shape the actions and policies that will enhance the accessibility and impact of assistive technologies — including Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) — across Europe and beyond.
