Ms. Bucciarelli received her degree in architecture (with a minor in urban planning) from Milan’s Polytechnic. Her thesis investigated the themes of perception, understanding, representation and use/usability of urban space by blind and visually impaired people. In 1997, this work was high-lighted in the Tiresias Project by The Royal National Institute for the Blind in London, and, in 1998, it was given an award by Lombardy’s Regional Council.

In line with Italian Legislation, Paola is qualified to practise the profession of architect and is licensed to act as a safety coordinator in the planning and execution of building works.

From 1999 to 2008, Paola was a partner in the former HBgroup sas and the then HBgroup Associates Studio.

She is particularly interested and competent in the different theoretical and methodological approaches (both European as well as non-European) to inclusive design – Universal Design, Inclusive Design, Lifespan Design, Design for All, etc. She is actively engaged in the implementation of the principles of the ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) and of the policies in the UN’s Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. Ms. Bucciarelli operates in the planning sphere and works within a multi-disciplinary team (doctors, psychologists, educators, sociologists and economists), dealing with representatives of associations and groups of people with disabilities.

From 1997, she has been involved in activities that range from educational training and design to research and Publication List on themes connected to accessibility and inclusion, with singular expertise concerning problems of orientation and mobility, perception and representation of people who are blind or have severe visual or cognitive difficulties.