NAID as an Institutional Space for Inclusive Innovation

Abstract

This chapter presents the Digital Inclusion Support Unit (NAID) of the School of Education of the Polytechnic of Porto (ESE-IPP) as an institutional model of reference in the fields of digital inclusion, assistive technologies and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Drawing on a historical and conceptual contextualisation, the chapter analyses the theoretical foundations that underpin the work of the NAID—namely Universal Design for Learning, co-creation and participatory design, and the pedagogical integration of assistive technologies—and describes its evolution from a funded project to a consolidated institutional centre.It is argued that structures such as the NAID are essential in initial teacher education, as they create authentic contexts for experiential learning, the production of accessible educational resources, and the development of digital inclusion competencies. Four illustrative mini case studies are presented, followed by a critical discussion and recommendations for institutional policy and future research.

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