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April 14, 2025
The first day of the Blended Intensive Programme “Inclusive and Accessible Environments for Disability” welcomed 21 students from:
Université de Picardie Jules Verne (France)
Bauhaus-Universität Weimar (Germany)
Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco (Portugal)
University of Bergamo (Italy)
The morning opened with a welcome breakfast and institutional greetings from
Flaminia Nicora (Vice-Rector for Internationalization, UniBg) and
Mabel Giraldo (BIP chair and programme coordinator, UniBg).
This was followed by the engaging session “Share, Feel and Be Inclusive” led by
Ana Raquel Ribeiro and Rosário Quelhas (IPCB), which encouraged participants to explore the meaning of inclusion through emotion, empathy, and active sharing.
In the afternoon, Mabel Giraldo guided a seminar on Accessibility and Inclusion in Life Contexts, focusing on Universal Design principles and encouraging group reflection on real-life scenarios, challenges and inclusive solutions.
April 15, 2025
The second day of BIP 2025 focused on the relationship between urban planning, social justice, and the accessibility of public spaces.
In the morning, students attended the session “Urban Accessibility and Public Space: Challenges and Opportunities for Re-thinking the City” led by
Emanuele Garda (University of Bergamo) and Jolien Vandoorne (Bauhaus-Universität Weimar).
The discussion addressed how the form and function of the city influence participation and belonging, particularly for people with disabilities.
In the afternoon, the group took part in a creative and reflective guided tour of Bergamo’s Upper City, organised by Tantemani (Patronato San Vincenzo), together with local educators and community members.
Through art-based activities and group exploration, participants observed the city from new and inclusive perspectives.
April 16, 2025
The third day explored the intersection of digital accessibility, user research, and the ethics of innovation.
In the morning, Manuele Forcucci (DOS Design) led the session “Designing for All Beyond Regulations”, offering practical insights into web accessibility and the importance of co-designing with users who are blind or visually impaired.
In the afternoon, Nicolò Volpato (Tangible) conducted the Ethical Compass Workshop, a unique opportunity to reflect on how technologies shape our lives and how to anticipate their unintended consequences.
Participants were invited to ask difficult questions, challenge assumptions, and imagine more responsible paths forward.
April 17, 2025
Accessibility on campus: from theory to action
Serenella Besio opened the day with a sharp, inspiring talk on university accessibility, highlighting the interplay between physical spaces, institutional culture, and the right to learn.
Participants explored UniBg buildings through realistic case studies, guided by Sara Cecchetti, Stefano D’Ambrosio, and Antonella Gilardoni, identifying invisible barriers and co-designing potential solutions.
The day concluded with the presentation of the final projects to the vice-rector for Welfare and Sustainable Development, Professor Annalisa Cristini
The evening closed with Aperisegno, a joyful event with ENS Bergamo to learn Italian Sign Language in a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere.
April 18, 2025
Looking back to move forward
The last day of BIP 2025 opened with Ana Ribeiro and Rosário Quelhas encouraging us to turn ideas into action: Creating Change Together.
Mabel Giraldo led the closing session, where participants reflected on their learning journey and envisioned how to apply it in their academic and professional lives.
Experiences, questions, and personal growth merged into a collective energy for transformation.
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