Serenella Besio

Serenella Besio is a Professor at the University of Bergamo's Department of Human and Social Sciences, specializing in Special Education and Pedagogy (M-PED/03). She teaches multiple courses including Inclusive Education, Integration Education, Methods and Strategies for Infant Play, and specialized courses on analyzing needs of people with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and motor disabilities.

Her research interests span:

• Special Education and Inclusive Pedagogy
• Assistive Technologies and Educational Robotics
• Accessibility in Educational Environments
• Play Therapy for Children with Disabilities
• Disability Data and Inclusion Models
• Cultural Dimensions of Accessibility

Dr. Besio's recent publications reveal a sophisticated evolution from examining individual aspects of special education toward systemic approaches that consider the interrelationship between technology, policy, practice, and cultural contexts. Her work increasingly focuses on the intersection of technology and inclusion, particularly examining how assistive technologies, robotics, and digital tools can enhance educational accessibility for children with disabilities, while addressing broader societal and institutional frameworks that support meaningful participation.

She leads significant research projects including:

• FROB (Family of ROBots for children with disabilities) - 2023
• 'More than just numbers: disability data matters' funded by Cariplo Foundation - 2022

Dr. Besio has made substantial contributions to the LUDI network (Play for Children with Disabilities), developing frameworks and guidelines for inclusive play. Her work on 'Developing accessible robots and playful activities for children with disabilities' represents a major contribution to this field. She has also developed practical tools like the 'Io ti conosco' project (2014), creating a web-based platform for individualized school planning for children with disabilities. Her scholarship demonstrates a consistent commitment to translating theoretical insights into practical applications that directly impact educational practice and policy.