The REHA FOR THE BLIND conference was initiated by Marek Kalbarczyk – a visionary blind man – and has garnered great interest since the first edition, which took place in Warsaw in 1999. Over time, international editions have also been held in Bucharest, Minsk, and Kyiv. (https://www.szansadlaniewidomych.org/en/home). This major event, organized by the Szansa Foundation – We Are Together (formerly known as the Chance for the Blind Foundation in Poland) and the Scripor Alphabet Association, will take place from September 9 to 10, 2024, at the Metropolitan Library, Viitorului Street, no. 52, Bucharest.
On the second day of the conference, there will be an assistive technology exhibition showcasing the latest tools, devices, products, and solutions dedicated to supporting visually impaired individuals. In addition, several workshops will be available, including one focusing on the Scripor Color Alphabet tactile system. This workshop will demonstrate the practical applications and benefits of the Scripor Alphabet for the daily lives of blind people. This innovation provides companies with the opportunity to develop inclusive and color-accessible products.
The Scripor Alphabet – the tactile color alphabet – known as the Scripor Alphabet, was named after its creator, Tudor Paul Scripor. The word “color” – regardless of language, dialect, culture, or geographical location – has been reduced to a single, simple, and universal symbol. The color is represented by a combination of dots, positioned within a cell similar to the Braille alphabet. This innovative system allows visually impaired people to read, write, identify, recognize, and differentiate colors tactually. https://scripor.com/
The event will include an IDOL award ceremony, honoring visually impaired individuals who have made significant contributions to the community, serving as role models for others.
The conference will also be streamed online, allowing participants to join virtually.
Conference Program:
Day 1 – September 9
- 09:30 – 10:00 – Guest Arrival
- 10:00 – 10:10 – Welcome Address – Marek Kalbarczyk
- 10:10 – 10:30 – Together to Success – Marek Kalbarczyk
- 10:30 – 10:45 – Accessible Cities for the Blind – Anna Koperska
- 10:45 – 11:10 – We Are Together: Szansa Foundation’s International Activities & Inclusion and Accessibility over the Past 32 Years – Milena Rot
- 11:10 – 11:25 – The Tactile Color Alphabet: From Innovation to Standardization – Tudor Scripor
- 11:25 – 11:40 – Coffee Break & Networking
- 11:40 – 11:55 – Tactile Exhibition “Feel the City” and the ArtEcho Platform – Cristina Caluianu
- 11:55 – 12:10 – Purple Power: The Impact of Consumers with Disabilities on the Global Economy – Cosmin Jurcan
- 12:10 – 12:25 – Close Your Eyes and You Will See Better: Inclusive Theatre for All Disabilities – Oana Popa
- 12:25 – 12:40 – Sensory Playroom: Discovering the World through Touch – Laura Dănilă
- 12:40 – 13:00 – Coffee Break & Networking
- 13:00 – 13:15 – SeeYou: Technology for People with Visual Impairments – Andreea Tănase & Ștefan Ilioaică
- 13:15 – 13:30 – Your Way: Accessible and Safe Spaces – Adam Kalbarczyk
- 13:30 – 13:45 – Inclusion of People with Deafblindness into the Community – Lavinia Chițu
- 13:45 – 14:00 – Law 232: Accessibility of Goods and Services – Sorin Ilie Țața
- 14:00 – 14:15 – Coffee Break & Networking
- 14:15 – 14:45 – IDOL Award Ceremony
- 14:45 – 15:00 – Closing of Day 1 – Marek Kalbarczyk & Tudor Scripor
- 15:00 – Networking
Day 2 – September 10
- 09:30 – 10:00 – Guest Arrival
- 10:00 – 10:45 – Presentation of the Mobile App Your Way: Accessible and Safe Environment – Adam Kalbarczyk
- 10:45 – 11:15 – Presentation of the Tactile Exhibition “Feel the City” and the “ArtEcho” Platform – Cristina Caluianu
- 11:15 – 11:45 – Coffee Break & Networking
- 11:45 – 12:30 – Workshop: “How Theater Can Be Accessible to All Disabilities” – Oana Popa
- 12:30 – 13:15 – A Chance For Color: Practical Applications of the Tactile Color Alphabet
- 13:15 – 13:45 – Coffee Break & Networking
- 13:45 – 14:30 – Workshop: “Integrating People with Deafblindness into the Community” – Lavinia Chițu
- 14:30 – Coffee Break & Networking
