Adapro
Accessible word processing for inclusivity.
Project overview
Shaping the future of inclusive word processing
Embark on a transformative journey with Adapro, a groundbreaking open-source word processor meticulously crafted to empower individuals with learning difficulties. In the realm of inclusive design, Adapro stands as a testament to unwavering commitment. Beyond being a word processor, it is a catalyst for breaking barriers, fostering accessibility, and championing a future where everyone can harness the power of effective and inclusive communication.
CLIENT
SINPROMI
DATE
2011

01/ The challenge
Users with learning difficulties grapple with the inadequacies of conventional word processors. Beyond their inherent complexity, these tools lack critical features, creating a digital environment that fails to accommodate diverse learning needs.
The limitations extend to the very foundation of these processors, from intricate file management systems to a glaring absence of alternative text input methods. Addressing these deficiencies isn’t just about smoothing operational hurdles; it’s about creating a digital landscape where every user, irrespective of their learning profile, can embark on an academic journey marked by equity and inclusivity.
02/ The solution
Bridging accessibility gaps through design
The methodology surpassed distant observation—it delved deep into the lived experiences of those directly affected. Engaging in heartfelt conversations unearthed profound insights, becoming the bedrock of Adapro’s evolution.
Adapro’s genesis was rooted in acknowledging the stark gap outlined in the initial problem statement—a fervent desire to reshape the user experience for those confronting learning difficulties. The journey wasn’t confined to secondary research; it entailed direct engagement with the end-users. Dialogues with individuals navigating dyslexia and autism illuminated the tangible struggles they encountered with conventional word processors. This intimate understanding became the catalyst for Adapro’s transformative features and its unwavering commitment to fostering a more inclusive digital landscape.

Adapro’s response: a user-centric solution
“Adapro wasn’t just conceived as a word processor; it became a tailored response to the challenges shared by users. It aimed to bridge the gap, offering a user-friendly environment, addressing visual challenges, enhancing interaction methods and ensuring compatibility with various platforms.”
— Marta Iglesias, Employment Manager at SINPROMI

Enhancing visual aid with high-contrast personalization
Adapro allows users to customize their environment with background color schemes—traditional white, yellow, or black—tailoring it to individual needs.
A visual symphony: 10,000+ pictograms
Inclusion of over 10,000 pictograms from the ARASAAC catalogue provides a dynamic and expressive way to represent words, adding a visual layer to the user experience. Unlike other picto-word processors, Adapro ensures files are fully editable, enabling smooth transitions between platforms.


PBDQ
Dyslexic users facing challenges with visually similar letters “pbdq” find support in Adapro. Additionally, highlighting these letters enhances reading assistance for dyslexics.
Virtual keypads: simplicity in interaction
Virtual keyboards simplify interaction through simulated keys and pre-defined phrases. An additional keypad editing tool allows users to customize their interaction further.


Empowering through typography: the Sarakanda typeface
Sarakanda, an accessible typeface crafted in 2008 by Alejandro Valdez Sanabria, serves as a beacon of legibility for children with dyslexia. Its carefully crafted elements enhance readability through contrasting patterns perceived in different word formations (silent reading).
Seamless document management and export
Adapro’s document management system guarantees a smooth user experience. Text documents are prioritized, removing the complexity of navigating through unrelated file types. Users can preview document content before opening, and the flexibility extends to content export in RTF format, ensuring compatibility with mainstream word processors.

Real impact: stories from the user community
Real-world impact stories underscore Adapro’s significance, with institutions like the Galician school Escola de Casalonga in Teo, A Coruña, Spain, implementing the word processor in classrooms to support students with autism.
03/ Wrap-up and results
In the orchestration of inclusive design, Adapro emerges as a transformative refrain, reshaping the landscape of word processing and composing a melody of accessibility and inclusivity in education. More than a mere tool, it stands as a beacon of equity, harmonizing the academic journey for individuals facing learning difficulties.
Featured in specialized media outlets and seminars
+2000
downloads through Sourceforge
+50
educational centers using Adapro in classrooms
+8
new potential partners identified
150.000 €
secured from MAC Interreg funding