Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation
The Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation (CIDI) is a research and service center at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. CIDI operates within Georgia Tech’s College of Design and focuses on accessibility, inclusive design, and assistive technology through applied research, professional services, and cross-sector partnerships.[1]
The center works with educational institutions, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector partners to improve access to digital, physical, and instructional environments for people with disabilities and diverse access needs.
History
The Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation originated from the AMAC Accessibility Solutions and Research Center, which began providing accessibility-related services in Georgia in the early 2000s. AMAC initially focused on the production of accessible instructional materials and support services for students with disabilities in educational settings.[2]
In 2010, AMAC transitioned to the Georgia Institute of Technology, and in 2013 it became a formal research and service center within Georgia Tech’s College of Design. During this period, the center expanded its mission to include inclusive design research, accessibility consulting, and the development of innovative assistive technologies. The organization was renamed the Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation (CIDI) to reflect its broader scope and interdisciplinary focus.[3]
Mission and focus
CIDI's mission is to advance inclusive design practices that promote equitable access to technology, education, and environments. The center emphasizes user-centered design methodologies and actively engages people with disabilities in its research and service activities.
Primary focus areas include:
- Digital and web accessibility
- Inclusive learning environments
- Assistive and adaptive technologies
- Accessibility policy implementation and compliance
- Design for aging populations and lifelong access
Research
CIDI conducts applied, interdisciplinary research aimed at improving accessibility and usability for individuals with disabilities and other access needs[4]. Research projects draw from design, engineering, human-computer interaction, and social science disciplines and are often conducted in collaboration with academic, government, and industry partners.[5]
Research areas include:
- Accessible and inclusive educational technologies
- Digital accessibility and usability of software and web platforms
- Assistive technology development
- Technology and aging
- Accessible workplaces and employment technologies
Services
In addition to its research activities, CIDI provides professional accessibility services to organizations throughout the United States. These services support accessibility implementation, usability improvement, and compliance with applicable accessibility standards and regulations.
Services offered by the center include[6]:
- Accessibility evaluations and audits
- Accessible document, media, and instructional material production
- Web and software accessibility testing
- Accessibility consulting and technical assistance
- Training and professional development related to accessibility
CIDI serves clients in higher education, government, publishing, and the private sector.[7]
Partnerships and impact
CIDI collaborates with local, state, and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private companies on accessibility initiatives related to education, public services, and workforce development. The center has contributed to projects addressing accessible instructional materials, inclusive digital resources, and technology access for diverse populations.
Organization and leadership
CIDI operates within Georgia Tech’s College of Design and is led by an executive director. The center employs a multidisciplinary staff that includes researchers, accessibility specialists, designers, technologists, and graduate student researchers.
See also
Georgia Institute of Technology
College of Design (Georgia Institute of Technology)
Universal design
Assistive technology
Digital accessibility
References
- ↑ Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation. “About CIDI.” Georgia Institute of Technology.
- ↑ "Assistive Technology Paves the Way for Disabilities - Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities". gcdd.org. Retrieved 2026-04-29.
- ↑ Georgia Institute of Technology College of Design. “Research Centers and Labs.”
- ↑ "Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation (CIDI) - Georgia Tech University". AAHD. Retrieved 2026-04-29.
- ↑ Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation. “Research Overview.”
- ↑ "AccessATE - Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation". accessate.net. Retrieved 2026-04-29.
- ↑ Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation. “Services.”
External links
Official website: https://cidi.gatech.edu
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