What We Do

What we do - home RtF

Raising the Floor partners with collaborative, multi-sector and applied research organizations and networks that proactively prevent barriers and promote greater inclusion. We facilitate adopting an open and collaborative inclusive approach to help design, develop, and promote resources and products that contribute to advance digital equality, enhancing people’s quality of life.

Key activities and services

  • Research and Development. We are passionate about designing and developing new solutions to allow for greater inclusion of individuals left behind from full participation in the Digital Age. We use open and participatory methods and practices, and involve the relevant communities and experts in the process.
  • Education and Training. We share our inclusive approach methods and tools with individuals and organizations, so diversity can be integrated into all digital solutions.
  • Tools and Frameworks. We are always collecting, sharing, designing and developing components and systems that support inclusive design.
  • Standards. We work with many standardisation groups around the world to ensure that accessibility and overall digital inclusion is considered.

Research interests

Raising the Floor is interested in all work related to social equity and digital inclusion. In particular, but not limited to:

  • Digital Access and Infrastructure. Affordable broadband access and affordability programs, Public Wi-Fi and community networks, Digital literacy and skills training, Device access and affordability, Digital inclusion policies and regulations.
  • Digital Equity and Social Justice. The impact of digital inequities on marginalized communities, The role of technology in addressing systemic inequalities, Intersectionality of digital equity and other social justice issues (race, gender, disability, etc.), Digital rights and privacy in marginalized communities.
  • Digital Equity and Education. The impact of remote learning on educational equity, Digital tools and resources for equitable learning experiences, Teacher training and professional development in digital equity, Digital equity in higher education.
  • Digital Equity and Economic Opportunity. The role of technology in job creation and economic development, Digital skills training for workforce development, The impact of digital inequities on entrepreneurship and small business, Digital financial inclusion and economic empowerment.
  • Digital Equity and Civic Engagement. Digital tools for civic participation and activism, Online misinformation and disinformation in marginalized communities, Digital equity and democratic processes, The role of technology in community organizing and social change.
  • Digital Equity and Climate Change. The impact of climate change on digital infrastructure, The role of technology in climate adaptation and mitigation, Digital equity in disaster response and recovery.
  • Digital Equity and Emerging Technologies. The ethical implications of AI and machine learning, The impact of emerging technologies on marginalized communities, Digital equity in the metaverse and virtual reality.
  • Research Methods. Participatory action research, Community-based research, Qualitative research methods (interviews, focus groups, ethnography), Quantitative research methods (surveys, data analysis)
    Mixed methods research.

Latest projects and products

  • Morphic. A free, open-source software that helps everyone find and use valuable features that simplify their computer experience. Morphic’s innovative approach to making computers easier and more accessible helps ensure that organizations can better serve people with disabilities, age-related limitations, or other barriers. Whether it’s students, patrons, employees, clients, or constituents, Morphic can help organizations provide more equitable opportunities. Watch the Morphic video
  • ITHACA. Promotes responsible artificial intelligence (AI) practices aligned with human rights and democratic principles. (Horizon Europe).
  • i-Game. Creates an accessible platform for the design and development of open-source games that foster innovation with a positive impact on social cohesion and sustainability. (Horizon Europe).
  • AT-on-Demand (AToD) A free, open-source utility that works as a new service with Morphic to help people who need assistive technologies (AT) to use any computers they encounter and need to use. This ground-breaking technology is designed to allow users to have the AT they need available for them on any PC or Mac computer they encounter, at any time or place, regardless of whether the AT software is installed on the computer or not – providing a level of digital equity to their peers not possible before. See the AToD video
  • We Count. A community-driven project to address the inherent bias against small minorities and outliers in artificial intelligence and data analytics.
  • Coding to Learn and Create. Designing educational coding tools for kids who have been left out of learning—especially those with complex needs.
  • Global AT Data Collaboration. Participation in a new collaborative effort to promote AT databases for every country.
  • Inclusive Learning. Developing new IT-based tools and methodologies to address students’ diversity in vocational education centres.
  • SmartWork. Supporting active and healthy ageing at work for older office workers, through a suite of smart services, building a Worker-Centric AI System for work ability sustainability. (Horizon 2020).
  • UI Options. Adapting the user interface to meet diverse and variable personal needs ( led by IDRC).
  • DeveloperSpace. A common space for those wanting to learn about or develop new solutions (a GPII project).
  • Unified Listing. A comprehensive compilation of ICT accessibility tools from around the world (a GPII project)

This work is the result of a collective effort of over 50 organizations from 13 different countries and the multidisciplinary expertise of top research centers, universities, companies, data protection agencies and public and non-profit organisations.

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