2023
First Place: AcessEase
Winners: Medha Muppala and Kiran Prasad Puthan
Graduate Student in the School of Computer Science
AccessEase is an AI-assisted document accessibility solution. This software would use natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to automatically scan and analyze documents for accessibility issues, such as poor color contrast or font size, and then make the necessary adjustments to improve the document's accessibility for users with disabilities.
Second Place: Print Accessible Web Search
Winner: Farinam Hemmatizadeh
Graduate Student in the School of Computer Science
Print Accessible Web Search solution is intends to address the lack of accessibility in the design of information retrieval search engines. This solution enhances the user interface and the behind-the-scenes algorithms by implementing accessibility guidelines throughout the information retrieval process. This increases universality to improve access for all people, including individuals with disabilities.
Fourth Place: Shelter Everywhere
Winner: Dhwani Patel
Graduate Student in Engineering (Mechanical)
This solution helps support people with disabilities to live in their community by providing community-based support through the Shelter Everywhere app. This app connects people to volunteers in the area who can provide temporary shelter in inclement weather, transportation, assistance with urgent medical situations, and protection from harm.
2021
First Place: The ADHD (e) Project
Winner: Nadia Gill
Undergraduate Student in Dramatic Arts
The project was developed to address attitudinal barriers that affect people with ADHD. The project is comprised of a three step plan to encourage open dialogue, promote judgement-free education, and foster a more inclusive environment for neurodivergent students in post-secondary. The main components are: 1) a social media awareness campaign; 2) series of educational seminars; 3) development of a permanent online resource to support neurodivergent students, staff, faculty, and the broader community.
Note: This “idea” placed third in the national IDeA competition run by the Council of Ontario Universities.
Second Place: Adaptable Accessibility Strategies in the Classroom
Winners: Maria Lederer, Logan Gillingham, Alexane Chiasson, Vishmith Kumarasinghe, Gabriella Walker
Undergraduate students in the School of Creative Arts, Visual Arts and the Built Environment (VABE)
This project examined the physical barriers in the classroom and designed solutions to address them. The barriers identified included spacing, location of accessible seating (often segregated), furniture, noise, floor surfaces, and tripping hazards. The solutions presented demonstrated improved accessibility through adequate furniture, flooring, and acoustics which can be cost-effective solutions to adapting existing classroom spaces.
Third Place: Speech-to-Text Mask
Winner: Ahmed Anwer
Undergraduate student in Electrical Engineering
During the pandemic it became apparent that wearing masks created a barrier for people who have hearing disabilities. The Text-to-Speech mask converts audio information from the wearer into a digital display to overcome communication barriers. Masks can be worn during pandemics, in regular medical settings, or in other settings where this technology could improve communication.
Fourth Place: Accessible Rear Car Door
Winners: Harsimran Gujral, Nikhil Thomas Kuttothara, Akash Dineshbhai Patel, Dinesh Sanker Natarajan
Graduate students in Mechanical Engineering (Automotive Option)
This project deals with modelling and validating a rear door for a person using a mobility device to enter and ext a vehicle with ease by providing a modified door configuration with hinges. The method proposed saves time and is cost-effective. The design is intended to provide ease of access for a person with support or for independent access.