The accessiVET Team at Translation Matters II

Four members of IDEA’s Erasmus+ team, Dora Psoma, Rania Bournaka, Tilemachos Kotronis and Diamanto Marnierou, attended the intensive Translation Matters II: Short Course in Media Localisation and Accessibility , held in Athens from 11 to 13 September 2026.

The three-day programme was organised by the British Council Greece, the Centre for Translation Studies at University College London and the Department of Foreign Languages, Translation and Interpreting at the Ionian University . The course combined theoretical introductions with extensive hands-on practice in dubbing, subtitling, website and app localisation, and digital-content accessibility.

The first day included an English-language guided tour of the Cycladic Collection at the Museum of Cycladic Art . Designed and delivered with accessibility in mind, the visit provided an engaging introduction to the programme and gave participants and speakers an opportunity to meet and talk in a more informal setting.

Particular emphasis was placed on the principles of accessible website design, including alternative text for images, captions, keyboard navigation, clear heading structures and sufficient colour contrast. Participants worked with specialised digital platforms, created and edited sample subtitles, and explored tools for assessing and improving the accessibility of digital and educational content.

A key contributor to the programme was Marga Navarrete, one of the foremost academics working in the fields of audiovisual translation and accessibility. As Associate Professor (Teaching) in Translation Studies and Language Coordinator at University College London , her work connects digital accessibility with language education, teacher training and Universal Design for Learning. The direct and practical nature of her workshop helped the team understand how broad accessibility principles can be translated into concrete, everyday choices.

Vilelmini Sosoni, Associate Professor and Associate Head of the Department of Foreign Languages, Translation and Interpreting at the Ionian University, also made an important contribution to the programme. She is Director of the Research Laboratory for Specialised Translation and Language Technologies and has carried out extensive research in audiovisual translation and accessibility.

Special recognition is also due to Popi Fasianou of the British Council, whose initiative, care and coordination made this highly demanding programme possible. Her presence throughout the three days played a vital role in creating a warm, open and collaborative environment for both participants and speakers.

The team’s participation formed part of the accessiVET staff-training activities and represents an important first practical step towards improving IDEA’s educational materials, digital services and everyday practices. It also provided an opportunity to exchange experiences with educators, students and professionals from different countries and linguistic backgrounds.