SightCity celebrates its 21st anniversary in 2024 as a pioneering platform for innovations and aids in the field of assistance for the blind and visually impaired.

The development of SightCity

Since it was founded in 2003, SightCity has established itself as a leading trade fair that offers people with visual impairments as well as experts and interested parties from all over the world a platform to find out about the latest developments and products. The trade fair, which takes place annually in Frankfurt am Main, has become a fixed date in the calendars of many affected people, trade visitors and companies and has made a significant contribution to raising awareness of the needs and challenges of people with visual impairments.

From a small, specialized event with just 36 exhibitors in its first year, SightCity has developed into an international event with over 100 exhibitors from more than 20 countries. The trade fair not only offers a comprehensive overview of aids and services, but is also a stage for knowledge exchange and networking. The SightCity Forum, an integral part of the trade fair, offers specialist lectures on scientific, medical and socio-legal aspects and has developed into an interdisciplinary symposium over the years.

Hybrid trade fair concepts and future prospects

The 21st edition of SightCity, which will take place from May 15 to 17, 2024, marks not only another year of innovation, but also an effort to make the event more interactive and accessible for everyone involved. Over the years, the trade fair has constantly adapted to the needs and technologies, which is reflected in the introduction of hybrid event formats. During the pandemic, SightCity has demonstrated its resilience and flexibility by switching to digital formats to maintain the exchange of and access to information.

A hybrid trade fair is planned for SightCity 2024, which will be held both on site at the Kongresshaus Kap Europa in Frankfurt/Main and digitally. The organizers are thus opening up the opportunity to take part in the event regardless of time and place and to share knowledge and experiences. This innovative approach ensures that the fair continues to provide an inclusive and inspiring environment for all participants.

Exchange on optimizing Braille: DBSV and EBU invite you to a discussion round at SightCity 2024

DBSV and EBU discussion round on Braille

The working group on Braille of the German Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBSV) is planning a special round of talks in cooperation with the European Blind Union (EBU) on the fringes of the upcoming SightCity. The event is scheduled for Thursday morning in the studio on level 2 and offers an open platform for users of Braille displays.

The aim of the panel is to discuss the needs and wishes for improving these devices, in particular their interaction with screen readers and potential future developments in the field of Braille. This open forum enables a valuable exchange of experiences between those affected and experts from the field of assistive technologies. Access to the discussion round is free of charge for both trade fair visitors and online participants, and includes simultaneous translation into German and English to enable international participants to take an active part.

Integration into the SightCity 2024 program

SightCity 2024, the largest trade fair for visual aids, offers a wide range of informative events and workshops. One of the highlights of the extensive program is the EBU and DBSV round table, which will be dedicated to the exchange and further development of Braille. The trade fair connects industry and users directly with each other and thus promotes productive discussions and cooperation.

SightCity, DBSV and the EBU understand the importance of the adaptability and evolution of assistive technologies in line with the needs of their users. They therefore cordially invite participation and lively discussion from both face-to-face and online participants with the aim of constantly advancing technology and inclusion.

Innovative trailblazer for barrier-free travel: The new international symposium “Smart Mobility” at SightCity 2024

The “Smart Mobility” symposium in the context of SightCity

SightCity 2024 surpasses itself by introducing the new international symposium “Smart Mobility” in addition to the established SightCity Forum. This symposium presents innovative solutions and technologies in mobility for people with visual impairments and offers an interactive platform for international experts and participants from all over the world. It takes place in the context of SightCity – the world’s largest trade fair for aids for the blind and visually impaired – and emphasizes the trade fair’s commitment to innovation and inclusion.

As with the other items on the SightCity program, participation in the symposium – both physical and digital – is free of charge. All presentations will be broadcast via the Zoom streaming platform, ensuring worldwide accessibility and participation. The symposium is particularly notable for its bilingualism, as some presentations will be given in German and/or English in order to appeal to a broad international audience.

Knowledge exchange on visual impairment and blindness: The SightCity Forum 2024 in the context of the world’s largest trade fair for visually impaired and blind people

Overview of the SightCity Forum 2024

Since 2006, the SightCity Forum 2024 has been an integral part of the SightCity trade fair, which is considered the largest international event for assistive technology for blind and visually impaired people every year. The SightCity Forum complements the event with a wide range of topics in an interactive format, where professionals and those affected share their knowledge and experience in order to jointly overcome the challenges faced by people with sight loss and blindness and promote professional and social rehabilitation. As an integral point of exchange and information about scientific advances and professional and social rehabilitation, it forms a central point of contact. Organized by the Aachen Centre for Technology Transfer in Ophthalmology (ACTO e. V.) in cooperation with the Berufsförderungs- (BFW) and Berufsbildungswerke (BBW) as well as the Deutscher Blinden und Sehbehinderten Verband (DBSV) and PRO RETINA Deutschland.

The forum will take place parallel to the trade fair from May 15 to 17, 2024 at the Kongresshaus Kap Europa and will offer both live presentations and online streaming options via Zoom to enable worldwide access.

Contents and objectives of the forum

The SightCity Forum 2024 will focus on topics such as the socio-political foundations of deafblindness and hearing impairment, new treatment methods for genetic eye diseases and access to ophthalmologic rehabilitation. The presentations by renowned experts and speakers offer participants valuable insights into current research and developments. Moderated discussion rounds offer opportunities for direct feedback and exchange, which helps visitors to make the best use of the information.

Participation in the SightCity Forum is free of charge, both on site and digitally, in order to minimize barriers and promote inclusion. The forum is therefore not only a platform for specialist knowledge, but also an example of practicable accessibility and global cooperation. In addition, a sound transmission system ensures that there are no barriers for hearing-impaired people during all presentations.

The SightCity Forum is kindly supported financially by the Marga and Walter Boll Foundation and the Paul and Charlotte Kniese Foundation.