AI-Enabled Digital Accessibility Summer School 2026
15-17 June 2026 | University of Surrey, UK
https://www.surrey.ac.uk/centre-translation-studies/convergence-2026/summer…
The inaugural ADA Summer School on AI-enabled Digital Accessibility will take place from 15 to 17 June 2026 at the University of Surrey, hosted by the Centre for Translation Studies with support from the ADA Leverhulme Trust Doctoral Scholarships Network. The summer school precedes the Convergence 2026 conference<https://www.surrey.ac.uk/centre-translation-studies/convergence-2026>: Human-AI Integration for Multilingual and Accessible Communication.
About the Summer School
AI-enabled Digital Accessibility (ADA) is an exciting field that brings together expertise from artificial intelligence, computer science, translation studies, accessible communication, cognitive and social sciences, and inclusive design. ADA explores how advances in AI can work alongside human expertise to improve digital media access for a wide range of users. The specific focus of ADA is on enhancing accessible communication and creating high-quality accessible content at scale. Current ADA projects focus on the use of AI in accessibility practices such as subtitling, captioning and audio description, as well as on approaches to improve cognitive access, text simplification and multilingual accessibility.
This emerging field represents a paradigm shift from purely engineering-led, AI-driven methods towards an AI-enabled approach where user needs guide the development of responsible, nuanced solutions for accessible digital content. At ADA's core is the principle that only human-in-control approaches can effectively mitigate AI risks, such as bias, errors, and privacy concerns. ADA therefore aims to establish a new interdisciplinary research paradigm leading to truly responsible research designs and solutions.
This intensive 2.5-day Summer School will equip participants with critical knowledge, research insights, and methodological skills essential to kickstart and/or refine cutting-edge research in this area. You'll explore interdisciplinary approaches based on the latest projects in this field and develop collaborative research skills that prioritise human-centred integration of AI technologies in digital accessible communication.
Application process will open on the 15th Feb 2026. More details can be found at https://www.surrey.ac.uk/centre-translation-studies/convergence-2026/summer…
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Prof Constantin Orăsan
Professor of Language and Translation Technologies
Centre for Translation Studies<https://www.surrey.ac.uk/centre-translation-studies>
Personal page: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/people/constantin-orasan
Office: 06LC03, Phone: +44 (0) 1483 68 4115
Library and Learning Centre, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, UK
