EmpowerBox: Multisensory Box for Storytelling with People with Intellectual Disabilities

Leandro Soares Guedes, Irene Zanardi, Stefania Span, Monica Landoni

Abstract: Storytelling is a vital tool for empowering marginalized groups, including those with intellectual disabilities. We can enhance their storytelling experiences through technology, making them more accessible and engaging. In this context, we introduce EmpowerBox, a multisensory storytelling toolkit co-designed with eight participants during a two-day workshop. By embracing multisensoriality—through light, vibration, sound, and tactile elements—the project encourages engagement in storytelling beyond conventional modes of expression. We present how participants crafted their stories and how the process sparked moments of social connection. Our findings highlight the transformative potential of assistive technologies in storytelling and underscore the broader societal benefits of fostering inclusive, creative collaboration.

External IDs:dblp:conf/interact/GuedesZSL25