Roberta Nicosia

Roberta Nicosia is a Researcher at the University of Wuerzburg's Faculty of Humanities, Institute of Special Education, and Chair for Pedagogy for Physical and Complex Disabilities, focusing on digital inclusion and universal design for people with disabilities.

Her educational background:

• 2018-2021: Master in Special Education and Social Sciences, University of Oldenburg
• 2010-2013: PhD in Political Science (Human Rights), University of Catania
• 2007-2010: Master of Arts in Public Administrations Science, University of Catania
• 2003-2007: Bachelor of Arts in Political and International Relations, University of Catania

Dr. Nicosia's research centers on digital accessibility, universal design, and supported communication for individuals with disabilities. She investigates how digital tools promote inclusion in education and transition processes, emphasizing human rights in digital contexts and web democratization through frameworks like Digital Universal Design.

Her recent publications demonstrate a clear trend toward developing accessible digital solutions for transition support and literacy, with strong emphasis on Augmentative and Alternative Communication integration in vocational contexts and early childhood education.

Key scientific awards:

• Forschungspreis 2021 der Gesellschaft für Unterstützte Kommunikation
• US NIH Supported Presenter at ISAAC Connect
• NIH Early Career Professional Grant
• SISSCO Best Project Award (2012-2013)
• Distinguished Delegate Award at Model UN (2004)

Dr. Nicosia has secured significant funding from the German Federal Ministry of Education (BMBF) and Family Affairs (BMAF) for projects including EuLe-F (early literacy diagnostics) and TiT (transition participation), though no doctoral students are documented. She actively mentors within project teams focused on inclusive digital tool development.

She leads development of the OLBoT Portal and BOB (Berufsorientierungsbuch) within the TiT and EuLe-F projects, creating universal design solutions for transition support and communication accessibility.