AIAS Bologna is a non-governmental organization (NGO). Since 1962, the association has been advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities and their families and it is fully committed to the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. AIAS Bologna supports people with disabilities at home, in education, employment, social life, etc.

In order to reach the scope AIAS Bologna Onlus:

•  networks with educational establishments and other public and private service providers in Bologna and beyond;

•  operates a leading centre for assistive technology in Italy that supports people in identifying appropriate technologies to enhance their independence in many areas of life, including educational and social success and inclusion;

•  participates in international projects aiming at the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all realms of life, including political participation, such as the TIDE project (www.tideproject.eu)

•  is active on an international level in the promotion of policies favouring the rights of persons with disabilities also through European projects on strategic partnership, e.g. ENTELIS (www.entelis.net). The AT team of AIAS Bologna is one of the largest, if not largest, independent (non-commercial) AT teams in Europe. It is multidisciplinary in nature.

The AT team is currently serving as regional point of reference for health professionals for the diffusion of technological innovations in rehabilitation and psycho-educational interventions targeting individuals with autism spectrum disorders. AIAS Bologna is actively engaged at regional, national and international level, through its affiliations with:

• GLIC, the Italian national network of independent ICT-AT centres (AIAS Bologna founding member and staff member in the board);

• AAATE, the Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AIAS staff member acting as Secretary General);

• EASPD, the European Association of service providers for Persons with Disabilities (AIAS staff member in the board).

In addition to its role as advocacy organisation and service provider, AIAS Bologna is also actively engaged in research and innovation through its Sector Projects for Innovation. Over the last 15 years AIAS Bologna has accessed various national and EU funding programmes, among which most recently the 7th FP, Horizon2020, as well as the Lifelong learning/Erasmus+ programme, both in the quality of partner as well as lead organisation (for more information see below). Approximate number of paid/unpaid staff The organisation has approximately 100 staff members among which 25 are working in the field of assistive technology (AT).