It's been nearly 25 years since President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans With Disabilities Act, bringing changes to our built environment, like ramps and guard rails. Now there's a new effort to help people with disabilities, using the devices many of us now feel we can't live without, like smartphones.
The Connect Ability Challenge, from NYU and AT&T, focuses specifically on software and wearable technology.
To encourage inventors, NYU and AT&T are making four “exemplars” with four different disabilities available as testers.
Xian Horn, an exemplar with cerebral palsy, is hoping to see hands-free technology. She relies on ski poles to help her move around.
“I had a conversation with one of my doormen, and he said he regularly sees people walking into poles. So I think hands-free doesn’t just benefit me or other people with disabilities.”
The top prize in the competition is $100,000.
The winners will be announced 26th, the same day the ADA became law.
