Organisers of World Cerebral Palsy Day are launching a new campaign, ‘Millions of Reasons’, calling on people with cerebral palsy all over the world to submit their ideas for accessible technology solutions.
With more than 17 million people with cerebral palsy worldwide, the campaign aims to raise awareness about the unique experience of cerebral palsy and demonstrate the demand for accessible technologies.
Bronya Metherall, General Manager of Influence & Social Impact at Celebral Palsy Alliance, says although there is a growing demand for accessible technology all over the world, product designers and technology companies are mostly still fixated on seeing disability as a charitable cause.
“Instead, companies need to shift to attract and delight customers and talent in disability markets,” Bronya said.
Cerebral palsy is a physical disability that affects movement and posture. With each individual’s disability unique, there are a multitude of reasons for more accessible technology solutions.
Submissions of ideas close on 29 September 2022. The ideas will be shortlisted by the community, with votes opening 29 September and closing on World Cerebral Palsy Day on 6 October 2022.
“No one is better equipped to spark the next breakthrough in accessible technology than those living with cerebral palsy - with creativity, expertise and lived experiences, we can design a brighter future for every person living with a disability,” Bronya said.
World Cerebral Palsy Day was launched in 2012 and brings together people with cerebral palsy, their families, allies, supporters and organisations across more than 100 countries. It aims to ensure a future in which children and adults with cerebral palsy have the same rights, access and opportunities as anyone else in our society.
Further detail about the competition
- Voting opens on UTC 6am, 29 September and ends on UTC 11pm Thursday, 6 October 2022.
- Ideas are shortlisted by the cerebral palsy community through votes on the website
- The World Cerebral Palsy Day judging panel reviews the shortlist of ideas. The judging panel will assess ideas based on the need, impact, reach and marketability.
- One idea is selected by the judging panel. The winner receives a $5,000 (USD) cash prize. The winner is announced via Facebook and contacted via email by 14 October 2022.
What is accessible technology and assistive technology?
Accessible technology aims to create products that work for the widest number of the population possible by considering the diversity of human needs in various environments. This can include assistive technology that is more specifically designed to augment an individual's independence and autonomy across a spectrum of need.
Vote for your favourite idea!
Voting for your favourite ideas is now open on the website, check it out!
