About The Event

The 3rd edition of ATSN will take place across two locations: the State of Kuwait (for the Forum) and Paris, France (for the Technical Conference). The event will be organized as a collaboration between Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST) and Université Évry Paris-Saclay, with the support of the United Nations (UN) Kuwait Office, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Forum : KCST Campus, kuwait Sunday & Monday, 13 - 14 December 2026
Conference : Université Évry Paris-Saclay, Paris, France Thursday & Friday, 17 - 18 December 2026


Conference Topics

ATSN’26 encourages contributions across wide range of topics, including but not limited to::

Track 01: Innovations in Robotics, Mobility, and Therapy
  • Exoskeletons and Soft Robotics: Rigid and soft robotic suits for mobility assistance and strength augmentation.
  • Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) Therapy: Robotic rehabilitation and physiotherapy systems.
  • AI-Powered Prosthetics and Bionic Limbs:Advanced motor control and sensory feedback mechanisms.
  • Smart Wheelchairs and Adaptive Mobility Aids: Intelligent navigation and obstacle avoidance for manual and powered wheelchairs.
  • Autonomous Vehicles and Wayfinding: Accessible transportation, autonomous driving systems, and AI-powered mobility support for visually impaired users.
  • Social Robotics and Human-AI Interaction:Adaptive content and inclusive reading solutions
  • Human Movement Analysis: Assistive and companion robots for healthcare, daily living, and social inclusion.
  • Robotic Gerontechnology:Physical assistance, fall detection, and aging-in-place robotics.
  • Telepresence Robots:Systems to enable inclusive participation in workplaces, schools, and social settings for individuals with severe mobility constraints.
Track 02: E-Accessibility and Inclusive Design
  • Accessible Digital Environments: Mobile accessibility, web accessibility, and universal design.
  • Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) & Usability: UI/UX research, ergonomics, and user-centered design.
  • Sign Language Technologies: Automatic translation, representation, and processing of sign languages.
  • Accessible Digital Publishing: Adaptive content and inclusive reading solutions.
  • Technologies for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Users: AI-driven communication tools, real-time captioning, and video-based assistive tech.
Track 03: Artificial Intelligence for Accessibility
  • AI in Assistive Technology: AI-powered assistive devices and services.
  • Ethical AI for Accessibility: Bias mitigation and fairness in AI-driven accessibility tools.
  • Generative AI for Inclusion: AI-generated sign language avatars and speech-to-sign translation.
  • AI and Workplace Accessibility: AI-powered solutions for inclusive workplaces.
  • Data Mining and Pattern Recognition for Assistive Applications.
Track 04: Smart Environments and Emerging Computing
  • Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) & Smart Homes: AI-driven automation for independent living.
  • Internet of Things (IoT) for Accessibility: Connected environments and smart services.
  • Environmental Sensing & Accessibility: Smart city infrastructure for people with disabilities.
  • Cloud, Edge, and Quantum Computing for Accessibility: Scalable infrastructure and exploring new frontiers.
  • Big Data Analytics for Accessibility: Data-driven decision-making for inclusion.
  • Blockchain for Digital Inclusion: Securing identity and accessibility services.
Track 05: Open and Inclusive Digital Education
  • Education for People with Disabilities: Digital learning strategies and inclusive teaching methods.
  • Adaptive and Personalized Learning Technologies: AI-driven customization for learners with disabilities.
  • Generative AI for Education: AI-generated content, interactive learning materials, and AI-powered tutors.
  • Open Educational Resources (OER) for Inclusion: Strategies for developing and disseminating accessible content.
  • Accessible Learning Environments: Smart classrooms and remote learning accessibility.
  • Technology-Enhanced STEM & Language Learning: Innovative approaches for specialized education.
Track 06: Advanced Interfaces and Sensory Augmentation
  • Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) & Neural Engineering: EEG-based communication, neurofeedback, and neural stimulation therapies.
  • Extended Reality (XR) for Accessibility: AR/VR/MR applications for learning, communication, and rehabilitation.
  • Wearable and Multi-Sensory Interaction: Haptic, auditory, tactile feedback systems and smart textiles.
  • Voice and Speech Innovation: Next-generation ASR, expressive TTS, and paralinguistic analysis.
  • Holography and Next-Generation Display Technologies: Holographic, volumetric, and AR/VR displays.
  • Neurodiversity and Cognitive Enhancement Tools: Adaptive assistants, gamification, and cognitive training apps.

We welcome multidisciplinary participation, as accessibility and inclusion are cross-cutting fields that bridge academia, industry, civil society, and government stakeholders. We encourage diverse perspectives across the design-accessibility spectrum, fostering inclusive discussions that drive real-world impact.



Submission Guidelines

Paper Categories

Authors are invited to submit original, high-quality research contributions in the following categories:

  • Full Papers: 6-8 pages, including references. Should present substantial research contributions with experimental validation or theoretical analysis
  • Short Papers: Up to 4 pages, including references. Suitable for early-stage research, conceptual ideas, or novel applications.
  • Poster Papers: Up to 2 pages, including references. Focuses on preliminary work, ongoing projects, or practical demonstrations.
  • Interactive Demonstrations: Up to 2 pages. Demos should describe an innovative system, prototype, or tool related to accessibility.

Only Full and Short Papers will be published on IEEE Xplore and must be original and not concurrently submitted to another conference or journal. Poster and Demo submissions will NOT published and can cover recently published results.

Paper Formatting and Templates

Submissions must follow the IEEE Conference Template (Word or LaTeX). Manuscripts should be written in English and adhere to the formatting guidelines. Papers exceeding the page limit will be automatically rejected.

Download Templates

Submission Process

Papers must be submitted through the official submission system. All submissions must be in PDF format and comply with the IEEE Xplore requirements. Authors should ensure that figures and tables are legible and of high resolution.


Review Process

All submissions will undergo peer review by an international program committee.
Each paper will be reviewed based on:

  • Relevance to the conference themes
  • Originality and technical quality
  • Clarity of presentation and methodology
  • Experimental validation or theoretical rigor

Publication and Indexing

Accepted, registered, and presented papers (Full and Short Papers) Only will be submitted for inclusion in IEEE Xplore. Selected papers may be invited for extended versions in special issues of indexed journals.

Presentation and Registration Requirements

At least one author of each accepted paper must pay full registration and be present at the conference. Failure to present the paper at the conference may result in removal from the final proceedings.



Session Types for ATSN’26

ATSN’26 will feature various sessions to accommodate diverse research contributions, practical demonstrations, and industry insights. The session formats are as follows:

Full Paper Sessions


Duration: 20 minutes

Each presentation will be allocated 20 minutes, including a brief discussion. These sessions will feature peer-reviewed research papers presenting original contributions to accessibility.

Short Paper Sessions

Duration: 10 minutes

Presentations will be 10 minutes, focusing on emerging research, work-in-progress, or novel ideas with preliminary findings.

Interactive Demonstrations

Duration: 10 minutes

Participants will have 10 minutes to showcase innovative prototypes, software, hardware solutions, or assistive technologies, providing hands-on experience.

Tutorial Sessions

These sessions will provide in-depth instruction on key topics, methodologies, and tools related to accessibility. Tutorials will be led by experts and designed to engage researchers, practitioners, and industry professionals.

Poster Sessions

Authors will present their research in a visual format, allowing interactive discussions and networking with conference attendees. Poster sessions provide an opportunity to showcase ongoing research, early-stage work, or practical applications in an informal setting.



Call For Papers

The 3rd International Conference and Forum on Assistive Technologies for Special Needs (ATSN’26) focuses on the latest developments in Assistive Technologies empowering people with disabilities. The event provides a vibrant platform for academics, practitioners, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore cutting-edge advancements, enhance the exchange of global insights, and promote innovative solutions toward inclusive and accessible technologies.

We invite high-quality and original research papers from academic and industry researchers that propose new methodologies, innovative tools, experimental studies, and practical case studies. Submissions may include empirical research, theoretical studies, technology assessments, state-of-the-art reviews, or reports on real-world implementations.

We particularly encourage submissions from people with disabilities who are conducting studies, research, or developing innovative solutions.

CALL FOR PAPERS



Best Paper Award award

ATSN’26 will recognize excellence in research through the Best Paper Awards, honoring the most outstanding full papers presented at the conference.

These awards will be given to the submissions that demonstrate exceptional originality, technical quality, and significant contributions to accessibility and assistive technology.

A selection committee of experts will evaluate the shortlisted papers based on innovation, rigor, and real-world impact. The recipient will be honored during the closing ceremony, with an invitation to submit an extended version of their work to a special journal issue. This award aims to highlight groundbreaking research that advances the field and fosters meaningful progress in accessibility.




Important Dates

  • Calendar

    Paper Submission Deadline

    July 17, 2026

  • Calendar

    Notification of Acceptance

    September 15, 2026

  • Calendar

    Camera-Ready Submission Deadline

    September 30, 2026

  • Calendar

    Forum Dates (Kuwait)

    December 13-14, 2026

  • Calendar

    Technical Conference Dates (Paris)

    December 17-18, 2026

Workshops

ATSN’26 will feature specialized workshops and thematic sessions designed to foster in-depth discussions, hands-on learning, and collaboration on key topics in assistive technologies and accessibility. These sessions will bring together experts, practitioners, and researchers to explore emerging challenges, technological advancements, and policy frameworks.

Each workshop will provide an interactive platform for participants to engage with thought leaders, contribute to policy discussions, and explore cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of digital accessibility. Proposals for additional workshops are welcomed, with priority on topics that align with conference themes and address pressing global challenges in assistive technology and inclusive digital transformation.

COMMITTEE

HONORARY CHAIRS

Name Affiliation Country
H.E. Ambassador Ghada Eltahir Mudawi UN Resident Coordinator in Kuwait Kuwait
Khalid Al-Begain President of Kuwait College of Science and Technology Kuwait
Mohamed Jemni Head of ICT, ALECSO Tunisia

GENERAL CHAIRS

Name Affiliation Country
Mohamed Trabelsi Kuwait College of Science and Technology Kuwait
Samer Alfayad Université Évry Paris-Saclay France

CONFERENCE PROGRAM CHAIRS

Name Affiliation Country
Ahmed Tlili Beijing Normal University China
Hedi Tabia Université Évry Paris-Saclay France
Mohammad Faisal Naji Kuwait College of Science and Technology Kuwait
Naima Mammar Université Évry Paris-Saclay France
Zied Bouida Kuwait College of Science and Technology Kuwait

TECHNICAL PROGRAM CO-CHAIRS

Name Affiliation Country
Abdellatif Baba Kuwait College of Science and Technology Kuwait
Achraf Othman Qatar Assistive Technology Center Mada Qatar
Basem Abdelaziz Kuwait College of Science and Technology Kuwait
Hang Su Université Évry Paris-Saclay France
Maya Sleiman Université Évry Paris-Saclay France
Murugappan Kuwait College of Science and Technology Kuwait

PUBLICATION CHAIRS

Name Affiliation Country
Murad Khan Kuwait College of Science and Technology Kuwait
Sofiane Ahmed Ali Université Évry Paris-Saclay France

COMPETITION COMMITTEE

Name Affiliation Country
Ahmed Arafa Kuwait College of Science and Technology Kuwait
Omer Adam Kuwait College of Science and Technology Kuwait

LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Name Affiliation Country
Al Markeza Al Qunneh Kuwait College of Science and Technology Kuwait
Ousama Shamout Kuwait College of Science and Technology Kuwait

INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Name Affiliation Country
Ahmed Tlili BNU China
Ali Al Dahoud Al-Zaytoonah University,Amman Jordan
Ali Fawaz Shareef Maldives College of Higher Education Republic of Maldives
Ali Sharaf Al-Musawi Sultan Qaboos University Oman
Allistair Edwards University of York United Kingdom
Amel Bouzeghoub IT- SudParis France
Amer Abuali Philadelphia University Jordan
Amr Ibrahim AUC Egypt
Annelies Braffort LIMSI-CNRS France
Arafat Awajan PSUT Jordan
Dalila Chiadmid Mohammadia School of Engineers Morocco
David Crombie EUAIN Network Netherlands
Demetrios Sampson Curtin University Western Australia
Dominique Burger BrraillNet Association France
Dominique Scapin INRIA France
Dena Al-Thani Hamad Bin Khalifa University Qatar
Esma Aimeur University of Montreal Canada
Faiez Gargouri MIRACL-ISIMS Tunisia
Gerhard Nussbaum KI-I Austria
Gilbert Paquette Télé-université du Québec Canada
Haithem Abbes University of Tunis Tunisia
Hazem Fkayar University of Carthage Tunisia
Hamadou Saliah-Hassane Télé-Université/UQAM Canada
Hanene Ben Abdallah HCT UAE
Hend Al Khalifa King Saud University Saudi Arabia
Henda Chorfi King Saud University Saudi Arabia
Henda Alkhalifa King Saud University Saudi Arabia
Ibrahim Amin Al Qaryouti Sultan Qaboos University Oman
Jacques Charlier Metrovision France
Jacques Viens CIRTA, Université de Montreal Canada
James Ohene-Djan University of London UK
Jehad Ja'em University of Qatar Qatar
Joachim Klaus Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Germany
Jutta Treviranus Inclusive Design Research Centre Canada
Kabil Jaballah LATICE Lab, University of Tunis Tunisia
Khalid Khamis Ali Al Saadi Sultan Qaboos University Oman
Klaus Miesenberger University of Linz Austria
Laïla Cheikhi ENSIAS, Université Mohamed V de Rabat Morocco
Latifah Alenezi Kuwait University Kuwait
Lilia Cheniti PRINCE Research Unit, Hammam Sousse Tunisia
Marwa Qaraqe Hamad Bin Khalifa University Qatar
Mahmoud Mohamed Emam Sultan Qaboos University Oman
Malek Ghenima ESCEM Tunisia
Marion Hersh Glasgow University UK
Maryam Al-Washahi Sultan Qaboos University Oman
Mehrez Boulares LaTICE Research Laboratory Tunisia
Michael E. Auer Carinthia University of Applied Sciences Austria
Mohamed Ali Kheneissi Latice Research Laboratory Tunisia
Mohamed Amine Chatti RWTH Aachen University Germany
Mohamed El Tahir Osman Sultan Qaboos University Oman
Mohamed Elazb HDF Egypt
Mohamed Jmaiel University of Sfax Tunisia
Mohamed Koutheair Khribi University of Tunis Tunisia
Monica Landoni University of Lugano Switzerland
Morten Tollefsen MediaLT Norway
Mounia Abik ENSIAS Morocco
Mounir Zrigui University of Monastir, LaTICE Laboratory Tunisia
Mustapha Amghar Université Mohammed V Morocco
Nadine Vigouroux IRIT, Université Paul Sabatier ASSISTH
Nian-Shing Chen National Sun Yat-sen University Taiwan
Olfa Nasraoui University of Louisville USA
Omar Boussaid Lumière Lyon II France
Oscar Martinez-Bonastre Miguel Hernandez University Spain
Philippe Gorce Université du Sud Toulon Var France
Rafik Brahem ISITIC, HS Tunisia
Ramzi Farhat LaTICE Tunisia
Roberto Scano IWA/HWG Italy
Rolando B. Bandinelli Instituto di Scienza e Tecnologie dell'Informazine Italy
Sabine Graf Athabasca University Canada
Sahar Alshorbagi Sultan Qaboos University Oman
Salah Sharhan Golf University of Science and Technology Kuwait
Shadi Abou-Zahra W3C Web Accessibility Initiative
Simon Harper University of Manchester UK
Samia Kouki HCT UAE
Virginio Cantoni University of Pavia Italy
Ying Chen Beijing Normal University China
Zainab Almeraj Kuwait University Kuwait

Past Conferences


Event Venue

Event venue location info and gallery

KCST Campus , Kuwait

KCST Kuwait College of Science and Technology

Travel Grants and Support

Kuwait College of Science and Technology will help with the VISA application process for registered attendees who need a VISA to enter Kuwait for the Forum. Université Évry Paris-Saclay will issue invitation letters for authors with accepted papers that they can use for their the visa application process.

Contact Us

Please Feel Free To Contact Us

For Oral Presentation:

Submission@ATSN.info

For Poster Competition:

Competition@ATSN.info

For Exhibition :

Exhibition@ATSN.info

For more information:

ATSNconference@ATSN.info