TechSocialcare

What if accessibility was not an extra feature, but a standard?

On this year’s Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we want to highlight the important role assistive technologies play in helping people stay independent, connected and active for longer.

From smart support systems to communication and safety tools, assistive technologies can make everyday life easier not only for older adults, but for everyone facing physical, cognitive or social barriers.

At TechSocialcare, we believe accessibility is not just about technology itself — it is about making care, services and society more inclusive and usable for all.

Our Greek partners have been busy! 🇬🇷

Over the past weeks, the .gr (Industrial Systems Institute) has been actively promoting TechSocialcare and contributing to policy and stakeholder dialogue at both national and international level.

At the 14th Health Forum in Patras, TechSocialcare was presented as a practical example of how innovative technologies can support healthy and active ageing, improve quality of life and enhance care services for older people.

Earlier, Industrial Systems Institute together with the Greek Ministry of Health co-organised a stakeholder meeting in Athens, bringing together key actors to strengthen cooperation, exchange knowledge and co-develop solutions for more effective and human-centred care systems.

Vidzemes plānošanas reģions organised a stakeholder meeting at the Nacionālais rehabilitācijas centrs Vaivari in Latvia, bringing together public authorities, service providers and experts.

The discussion highlighted several concrete gaps:
👉 complex and bureaucratic processes for accessing assistive technologies
👉 limited range of state-funded devices
👉 lack of technical standards and testing requirements
👉 technologies often go unused due to missing follow-up and support

Participants also pointed out the need for clearer responsibilities across the system and stronger links between healthcare, social services and technology providers.

We’re excited to share a great media moment! 🎥

Our project partner Asociatia GAL Napoca Porolissum was featured in a local TV interview, highlighting TechSocialcare and the role of European funding in driving social innovation for older people.

It’s great to see the project gaining visibility and bringing important topics like assistive technologies and better care services into the public spotlight.

📺 Check out the interview:

GAL Napoca Porolissum folosește banii europeni pentru inovare socială, în folosul celor în vârstă Una dintre cele mai active organizații din societatea civilă din mediul rural este GAL Napoca Porolissum. Este vorba de o organizație care acoperă, în cea ma...

📆 Last week, we met in Cluj-Napoca for our 2nd Interregional Event — and it was two days full of ideas, discussions and real-life inspiration.

We presented our regional policy analyses 📊, shared good practices ✅ from across Europe, and rolled up our sleeves for an interactive workshop 💪 on how assistive technologies in social care could be better aligned and standardised.

In simple terms:
❓ How can we make sure technologies that support older people and vulnerable groups are safe, reliable and truly useful — no matter the region?

🚌 We also stepped outside the meeting room for study visits to see services in action. Because good policy should always stay connected to real people and real care settings.

Visit our website to get more information on the event!
www.interregeurope.eu/techsocialcare