Two OCAD U students among winners of 2019 IDeA competition to improve accessibility

 

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Universities Canada announced today the nine student winners of the national 2019 Innovative Designs for Accessibility (IDeA) competition, who were recognized for their work in breaking down accessibility barriers on their campuses and in their communities.

OCAD U student Brandon Briggs won first place in the Technology/communication barriers category for Nonvisual Digital Auditory Map; and OCAD U student Uttara Ghodke placed second in the Architectural/industrial design barriers category for The Cross Sensory Globe. Both are MDes candidates in the university’s Inclusive Design program.

Administered by Universities Canada and funded by the Government of Canada’s Social Development Partnership Program, IDeA is a national competition that challenges university students to develop innovative, practical and cost-effective solutions to address accessibility issues affecting people with disabilities. By collaborating with industry, government and community partners, students take an inclusive design approach to create concepts, tools, programs and initiatives that help overcome physical, technological, systemic and attitudinal barriers. Through IDeA, students gain valuable hands-on learning experience while contributing to the creation of an accessibility culture in Canada.

This year’s first-place winners receive $5000 and an all-expenses paid trip to Ottawa to present their projects at the FWD50 Conference on November 7, 2019. Bringing together industry, start-ups, government, community partners and innovative thinkers from around the world, FWD50 explores how we can embrace new technologies and innovations to foster a more inclusive and prosperous Canadian society.

 

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Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Universities Canada announced today the nine student winners of the national 2019 Innovative Designs for Accessibility (IDeA) competition, who were recognized for their work in breaking down accessibility barriers on their campuses and in their communities.

OCAD U student Brandon Briggs won first place in the Technology/communication barriers category for Nonvisual Digital Auditory Map; and OCAD U student Uttara Ghodke placed second in the Architectural/industrial design barriers category for The Cross Sensory Globe. Both are MDes candidates in the university’s Inclusive Design program.

Administered by Universities Canada and funded by the Government of Canada’s Social Development Partnership Program, IDeA is a national competition that challenges university students to develop innovative, practical and cost-effective solutions to address accessibility issues affecting people with disabilities. By collaborating with industry, government and community partners, students take an inclusive design approach to create concepts, tools, programs and initiatives that help overcome physical, technological, systemic and attitudinal barriers. Through IDeA, students gain valuable hands-on learning experience while contributing to the creation of an accessibility culture in Canada.

This year’s first-place winners receive $5000 and an all-expenses paid trip to Ottawa to present their projects at the FWD50 Conference on November 7, 2019. Bringing together industry, start-ups, government, community partners and innovative thinkers from around the world, FWD50 explores how we can embrace new technologies and innovations to foster a more inclusive and prosperous Canadian society.

 

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