Ambassador for social inclusion and diversity

Jurica Babić, an associate professor at the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, holds an important role as an ambassador for social inclusion and diversity. In 2022, he joined the Croatian NA's team of ambassadors, dedicating his efforts to promote the rights and well-being of people with fewer opportunities.

One of the significant projects he was involved in, aligning with the social inclusion and diversity priority, is the Erasmus+ project entitled “Innovative Solutions based on Emerging Technologies for Improving Social Inclusion of People with Disabilities” (INNOSID). Led by the ICT-AAC research team, the INNOSID project focuses on social inclusion, specifically aiming to empower people with disabilities. Collaborating closely with the Croatian Down Syndrome Association (CDSA), the project has made remarkable strides in developing innovative applications catered to the needs of people with disabilities. The direct involvement of CDSA has ensured that the functionalities of these applications were thoroughly tested and aligned with the specific requirements of the target group.

Through the INNOSID project, cutting-edge technologies such as augmented reality and computer vision have been seamlessly integrated into apps like Learn to Cook and Gibalica. This technological innovation has sparked considerable interest among people with disabilities, showcasing how advancements can contribute significantly to their lives. Additionally, the project has actively engaged students, fostering their creativity in developing solutions for social inclusion. By working collaboratively on prototypes with technologies like virtual/augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and holograms, the students are making strides in driving positive societal impact. The INNOSID project stands as a powerful testament to the potential of academia and community organizations joining forces to promote social inclusion and diversity effectively. The INNOSID project was awarded the title of the most inclusive Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps project in 2020 by the Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes (AMPEU).

Building upon the success of the INNOSID project, Babić and his team have now undertaken the Erasmus+ project entitled “Play to Green: Serious Gaming for Universal Access to Green Education” (Play2Green). As the successor to INNOSID, Play2Green centers its focus on inclusive education by applying the principles of universal design for learning to serious games for green education. This novel approach aims to enhance access to green topics and education for diverse learners, ensuring that environmental knowledge and awareness become more accessible and engaging for all individuals, including those with disabilities. Play2Green aspires to further promote social inclusion and diversity while fostering a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society.