IDeA Competition
The Innovative Designs for Accessibility (IDeA) student competition is aimed to inspire undergraduate students to develop innovative, cost-effective, and practical solutions to accessibility-related issues in the community. It was created by COU and the Government of Ontario in response to the goal of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) to make Ontario the most accessible province by 2025, and is now run by Universities Canada.
Working individually or in teams, university students are encouraged to collaborate with industry, government, and community partners, including members of the disability community, to identify an accessibility-related issue, develop a plan to address the issue, and implement an innovative and unique solution, with input and guidance from academic and industry experts. For more information on the competition, visit Universities Canada.
“Inclusion is not bringing people into what already exists,
it is making a new space, a better space for everyone.”
— Rachel Olivero, Diversity Officer for the
Greater Essex County District School Board
There are accessibility-related initiatives underway across the province from an accessible YouTube channel to interactive displays and accessible gizmos.
- AccessOntario YouTube Channel: Watch videos featuring innovative accessible solutions from across Ontario.
- Inspirational Message from the Hon. David C. Onley, The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
- IDeA 2012 Top 8 Interviews with MCSS: A series of interviews featuring the 2012 Top 8 IDeA finalists.
- The $100.00 Artificial Leg: An innovative inexpensive device developed by the University of Toronto.
- Tetra Society: A unique look at designing accessible gizmos.
- Getting Things Done: An insight into simple solutions.
- ScreenPlay: An interactive display installed at Holland Bloorview.