The ICDL Examination Centre for Persons with Disabilities at the John von Neumann Faculty of Informatics of Óbuda University celebrated its 25th anniversary with a dedicated conference held on 13 October 2026. In addition to showcasing the centre’s achievements over the past quarter century, the event highlighted the importance of digital inclusion, accessible education, and the future of ICT training for persons with disabilities.
The initiative has been supported by the John von Neumann Computer Society (NJSZT) since its inception. Thanks to this longstanding commitment, more than 600 participants have had the opportunity to acquire valuable digital skills and gain access to internationally recognised ICDL certification.
A Quarter Century of Accessible Digital Education
The story of the examination centre began in 2001, when the predecessor institution of Óbuda University launched Hungary’s first regular, free-of-charge ICT training courses specifically designed for persons with disabilities. The aim was to ensure that digital knowledge and the internationally recognised ICDL certificate (formerly ECDL) would be accessible to individuals who require specialised learning environments and tailored educational support.
Over the past 25 years, more than 600 participants with visual or hearing impairments have acquired digital skills that are essential both in everyday life and in the labour market. The programme’s impact extends far beyond digital competence development. It has helped participants increase their independence, strengthen social inclusion, expand employment opportunities, and improve their overall quality of life.
All training courses and examinations continue to be provided free of charge through the support of Óbuda University and the John von Neumann Computer Society.
Twenty-Five Years of Cooperation for Digital Accessibility
The examination centre was established through the efforts of Professor László Kutor and Professor Dezső Sima. Its success has been made possible through the commitment of university leadership, staff members of the John von Neumann Faculty of Informatics, and the professional support of NJSZT.
A particularly important role has been played by Annamária Cserfalvi and Csaba Ecsedi, who have spent the last twenty-five years working to make modern ICT education accessible to persons with disabilities.
One of the programme’s defining strengths is its learner-centred approach. Training methods are adapted to participants’ individual needs through specialised learning materials, accessible laboratories and examination environments, and the extensive experience of instructors. In the training of visually impaired participants, a visually impaired teacher has also been involved, while deaf and hard-of-hearing learners have received instruction in both sign language and spoken language.
The programme has continuously evolved alongside technological progress. In addition to traditional digital skills, training related to artificial intelligence has recently become part of the centre’s educational offering.
Anniversary Conference Focuses on Knowledge Sharing and Future Challenges
The anniversary conference provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on the centre’s 25-year history, exchange professional experiences, and discuss future challenges related to digital inclusion.
The event was opened by Dr Gábor Kertész, Vice-Dean for Research at the John von Neumann Faculty of Informatics of Óbuda University and Vice President of NJSZT.
Welcome addresses were also delivered by Szilvia Rákosi, ICDL Programme Manager of NJSZT, Csilla Csetneki, President of the National Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SINOSZ), and Sándor Nagy, President of the Hungarian Federation of the Blind and Partially Sighted (MVGYOSZ).
During the professional programme, Annamária Cserfalvi and Dr László Kutor revisited the key milestones in the history of the examination centre and reflected on lessons learned over the decades.
Representatives of partner advocacy organisations also highlighted their work in promoting equal opportunities and accessible communication. Róbert Ormódi, representing SINOSZ, and a representative of MVGYOSZ shared their organisations’ experiences and achievements in these areas.
Csaba Ecsedi presented the results of the ICDL training programme, while Annamária Cserfalvi delivered a presentation on the specific learning characteristics of deaf and hard-of-hearing students and on methods for developing their digital competences.
An important part of the conference was the professional dialogue on digital inclusion and accessible higher education. To ensure full accessibility, sign-language interpretation and real-time captioning services were provided throughout the event.
NJSZT’s Commitment to Digital Inclusion
For the John von Neumann Computer Society, the development of digital competences is not only a technological issue but also a social responsibility.
As the national coordinator of the ICDL programme in Hungary, NJSZT has worked for many years to promote digital literacy, improve access to ICT knowledge, and support the reliable certification of digital skills.
The 25-year initiative carried out in cooperation with Óbuda University demonstrates how higher education institutions, professional organisations, and advocacy groups can work together to reduce social inequalities and expand opportunities for all.
The continuing evolution of the digital world is creating both new opportunities and new challenges. The growing role of artificial intelligence, the widespread adoption of online public services, and changing labour market expectations all reinforce the fact that digital competence development has become a fundamental prerequisite for equal opportunity.
The anniversary therefore served not only as a celebration of achievements over the past quarter century, but also as a reminder of the work that still lies ahead. Through its professional partnerships and the ICDL programme, NJSZT remains committed to building a more inclusive digital society where everyone has the opportunity to develop and use digital skills.
