The Covid-19 Pandemic is one of the biggest human challenges of present times which has further multiplied the different challenges faced by different disabilities be it people on wheelchair, blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, loco motor disabilities and other special needs such as autistic, learning disability to name a few. In this pandemic and lockdown, the isolation and maintaining social distance become really difficult for them.
People with disabilities and special needs require need based solutions to carry themselves. The feelings of isolation, helplessness, dependence and loss of control among the disabled community have increased. This is primarily due to the lack of accessibility and universal design in the products, services and devices available in the market.
BillionAbles is organizing a global call to find and support innovators and entrepreneurs working on Assistive technology solutions to solve some of the pressing problems the Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) face in this current situation. The focus will be finding probable and unique solution to the problems and difficulties faced by the Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
CovidAbility is in line with the SDGs principles to leave no one behind; Innovators are also free to address the needs of people with different forms of disability (e.g. physical, sensory, psychiatric, neurological, cognitive and intellectual or multiple disabilities etc.). BillionAbles has designed this idea challenge for the innovators who are willing to learn and grow as well as create something innovative for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to deal with the challenges they are facing in this Covid-19 era.
Leveraging the wave of technology, we are looking for budding and passionate innovators who willingly would like to contribute to a cause which will have all i.e. technical, economic and social impacts in the areas of accessibility, inclusion and empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). It will be a virtual competition where people can participate individually or in groups of 2-4 members. It may be –
●An Individual
●A group of people/team
●A startup/A company/Organization
MOBILITY
Solutions that promote safe and independent movement.
(e.g. Self sanitizing wheels/rubber for people using wheelchair, Automatic devices for sanitizing hands for people with limited upper limb movements)
HEALTH
Solutions that promote easy & affordable healthcare access.
(e.g. Availability of accessible isolation wards/quarantine centers with accessible washroom, beds, tactile, virtual sign language interpreter, and personal caretaker).
EDUCATION
Solutions that promote e-learning especially for the Blind & Deaf Community.
(e.g. Conversion of available audio/video educational content in sign language by virtual/animated sign language interpreter).
SKILLS & EMPLOYMENT
Solutions that promote to learn new skills & increase employment.
(e.g. Software to read the text while sharing screen during video conferencing for blind users).
SAFETY & SECURITY
Solutions that promote security & safety in public places, transport etc.
(e.g. Social distancing solutions for limiting human interaction and transmission while getting support from people for crossing road, asking for directions, boarding public transport, having food in public places etc).
BE INNOVATIVE
Build whatever you want
(Get Creative).
Awards:-
AWS Business Support + Free access
Special Incentives
Financial support through grant/funding/crowd funding to the winning start-ups.
Business strategy support and mentorship through assistive technology incubator.
Guidance for development of Assistive technology and devices through Assistive technology lab.
