The two-volume set LNCS 12376 and 12377 constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Computers Helping People with Special Needs, ICCHP 2020, held in Lecco, Italy, in September 2020. The conference was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 104 papers presented were carefully reviewed and selected from 206 submissions. Included also are 13 introductions. The papers are organized in the following topical sections:

Part I: user centred design and user participation in inclusive R&D; artificial intelligence, accessible and assistive technologies; XR accessibility – learning from the past, addressing real user needs and the technical architecture for inclusive immersive environments; serious and fun games; large-scale web accessibility observatories; accessible and inclusive digital publishing; AT and accessibility for blind and low vision users; Art Karshmer lectures in access to mathematics, science and engineering; tactile graphics and models for blind people and recognition of shapes by touch; and environmental sensing technologies for visual impairment

Part II: accessibility of non-verbal communication: making spatial information accessible to people with disabilities; cognitive disabilities and accessibility – pushing the boundaries of inclusion using digital technologies and accessible eLearning environments; ICT to support inclusive education – universal learning design (ULD); hearing systems and accessories for people with hearing loss; mobile health and mobile rehabilitation for people with disabilities: current state, challenges and opportunities; innovation and implementation in the area of independent mobility through digital technologies; how to improve interaction with a text input system; human movement analysis for the design and evaluation of interactive systems and assistive devices; and service and care provision in assistive environments

10 chapters are available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.