The primary goal of this project was to promote the use and adoption of AR/VR solutions to assist disabled people, first responders and companies during workplace emergencies to increase the safety of people with disabilities. We also aimed to assist companies in assessing their level of disability inclusion in their emergency response plans, develop a methodological framework to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in achieving disability inclusion in their emergency response plans, provide companies with all necessary tools to promote disability inclusion in their emergency response plans and provide appropriately train for employees with disabilities in emergencies situations and in general to raise awareness regarding the necessity of disability inclusion and training in emergency situations. The project aimed to average the ability of people with disabilities either as employees or as visitors of SMEs, to respond effectively during emergency situations, thus reducing the probability and impact on the safety of employees, especially employees with disabilities.
We applied for this project to address the need of increase the safety of people with disabilities in workplaces by promoting the use and adoption of AR/VR solutions to assist disabled people, first responders and companies during workplace emergencies. Acquired emergency preparedness training offers people and companies ways to prepare and be protected during unexpected workplace emergencies. We saw the potential in rapid technological advancements and increasing adaptation of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies to address various challenges in emergency management. Utilizing and adopting AR/VR into the organizations Emergency response plans for people with disabilities (employees or visitors) in coordination with responders was a very important step forward in helping organizations aligning with EU “Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030” and the EU digitalization initiative. We aimed to assist into digitizing the emergency response training and exercising process that is usually on paper in the vast majority of the organizations. We also addressed the need of adapting emergency plans to specific needs of people with disabilities.