Newsletter December 2025

iDEM: Innovative and Inclusive Democratic Spaces for Deliberation and Participation

Welcome to our newsletter

We're a Horizon Europe project developing AI tools to make information more accessible for everyone. iDEM language tools aim to support people with disabilities, older people and migrants in democratic processes by addressing the language barriers which present an obstacle to their participation.

iDEM started in January 2024, and we have been actively developing and sharing our project since. Find all our updates in this newsletter!

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

On December 3rd we commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This year, the United Nations does so under the theme “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.” This year’s observance reflects the commitments reaffirmed during the Second World Summit for Social Development, held in Doha in November 2025, to build a more just, inclusive and equitable world.

Today, it is important to remember that disability is a human experience shaped by the barriers — physical, digital, social, and attitudinal — that still exist in our societies. It also encompasses a wide range of experiences. Disabilties can be physical, sensory, intellectual, cognitive or related to mental health, and are not always present from birth. They can be acquired over the course of life due to illness, injury, or the natural process of aging.

In 2024, 24% of the EU population over the age of 16 had some form of disability.

According to Eurostat estimates, that equals 107 million people or one in four adults in the EU.

Recognizing the diversity of people with disabilties is essential to understanding that all experiences are part of the human condition. Temporary circumstances, such as serious illnesses or broken bones, can create limitations in daily activities. This highlights the importance of creating environments, systems and services that are accessible and responsive to the needs of all people.

iDEM in the International Day of Persons with Disabilities

From iDEM we want to use this day to highlight the progress made toward inclusion as we close the second year of our project.

First iDEM online event

On November we held the first iDEM event with public administrations throughout Spain. We introduced the iDEM project, discussed the barriers to participation experienced by people with disabilities and presented recommendations for accessibility in public life and democratic processes.

Read the slides in Spanish

iDEM’s contribution to academia

In 2025, our researchers have been published in specialised publications regarding text simplification and Natural Language Processing (NLP). iDEM is fostering inclusive societies not only by developing new technologies, but by contributing to the existing literature so that others can build on iDEM’s work.

Read our scientific publications

iDEM’s accessibility tools

iDEM’s research has resulted in two main tools. Using artificial intelligence and Natural Language Processing (NLP), the iDEM tools democratize knowledge by making information more understandable and accessible.

The iDEM App Prototype

The prototype is designed to support people who face difficulties understanding complex political and policy-related texts, enabling them to engage fully in democratic discussions.

The iDEM Expert

An interactive support tool designed to help everyone understand and engage with democratic processes and the iDEM services.

iDEM’s events

iDEM has been travelling worldwide in 2025! Our partners have shared the project in conferences, workshops, and sector-diverse events.

Find out more

Follow us!

This document is part of a project that has received funding from the European Union´s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under the Grant Agreement No. 101132431. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

idem.eu@upf.edu

Quick access

This website is part of a project that has received funding from the European Union´s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under the Grant Agreement No. 101132431 . Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.