2014 Finalists
Wheels In Motion: An educational awareness workshop that provides Ontario students in grade 3, first-hand experience with wheelchair mobility, including case studies that examine the daily structural and attitudinal challenges faced by users of mobility devices.
Submitted by Shannon Misketis, Mackenzie Danen, Chris Bar and Kyle Boham, Brock University
AMI-GO: A mobile application and wristband device that provides haptic feedback to users to help find their friends, family and co-workers in public spaces, so they can initiate a conversation on a more independent basis.
Submitted by Katie Roepke, Carleton University
POV: An interactive mobile application that manipulates the output of the camera on any smart phone to give experiential insight into visual impairments, by demonstrating the effects of different visual disabilities.
Submitted by Mark Goldberg, University of Guelph
Bird’s Eye: A discrete and portable device that translates movement on a playing field (ie. soccer pitch) into haptic feedback that helps a visually impaired user follow along, creating a sense of independence and inclusivity for the user.A height adjustable wheelchair seat that allows users to reach higher cupboards and overhead appliances.
Submitted by Ally Krug, Carleton University
Campus Accessibility Mapping Project (CAMP): A map identifying the accessibility level of all major pedestrian routes on the McMaster campus, using research-based criteria developed specifically for this initiative. CAMP would be a vital resource for students with physical disabilities who are not yet familiar with the campus, or current students who face new physical limitations resulting from acute injuries.
Submitted by Nicholas Schoenhoff, McMaster University
Talk Box: A device that allows users to communicate by selecting imagery that is translated into verbal communication via audio output. The tool is mostly used as a teaching aid for students with cognitive, physical or developmental disabilities. It is configurable, cheap, portable, and has been developed to be an open and free aid for learning.
Submitted by Toni Kunic, York University
Expandable Portable Accessible Washroom (E-Paw): A design solution that expands the space and amenities of traditional portable washrooms to offer accessible washrooms in temporary locations for people who use mobility assistive devices.
Submitted by Jasmine Yeung, Carleton University
Phineas Sensor System: A sensor that provides users wearing a Bluetooth enabled device with an audio warning to increase independent activity. For example, it signals to a user when they are reaching the end of a swimming pool and assists them with navigation on their way around a running track.
Submitted by J. Lam, A. Tanashi , N. Kucirek, J. Santarelli, S. Song, Western University
iReadAloud (iRA): A mobile application that provides users, who have low-vision or difficulty reading, with a more interactive reading experience.
Submitted by Gentian Licenji and Hester Lai, Ryerson University