From Accessibility to Inclusion: Enhancing Digital Access for Mobility-Restricted Users

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need for accessible digital tools, especially those aimed at individuals with disabilities, a population that faces the greatest barriers to inclusion. In Ecuador, only 66% of the population has internet access, and just 5.3% use the internet for educational purposes. These figures underscore the necessity for resources that promote digital participation. In this context, the question is: What tools can facilitate computer use for people with reduced mobility? The objective of this study was to design, develop, and validate low-cost adaptive click buttons, manufactured through 3D printing, to improve access to computing devices. A user-centered design approach was applied, prioritizing the needs of beneficiaries and adjusting according to their requirements. The developed system reduces costs by 75.5% compared to commercial devices, providing an affordable, ergonomic, and adaptable solution for resource-limited settings. Grounded in the social model of disability, this project seeks to eliminate technological barriers and promote educational, occupational, and social inclusion. Its interdisciplinary nature and potential for local manufacturing make it a scalable proposal aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals on health, equity, and inclusion.