This event is affiliated with the Cube at UTM
We would like to invite you to a hackABILITY Event. hackABILITY: Using technology to change lives.
Creating solutions that take the “dis” out of “disability”
hackABILITY is an extended hackathon that connects passionate teams to create solutions for individuals with disabilities. hackABILITY will raise awareness about emerging assistive and adaptive technology opportunities, and facilitate the rapid prototyping of devices that may be considered for further development and commercialization. Solutions will be assessed based on innovation, scalability, and affordability criteria.
All events will occur September to December 2017. hackABILITY is hosting two Information Sessions! This is your chance to find out more details on the hackathon, meet potential team mates, inquire about becoming a mentor, or participating as an industry sponsor. Info sessions are scheduled for September 19 at Microsoft Canada in Mississauga and September 21 at Sheridan College. Team applications are open now until Thursday October 12. Teams will work on their projects in October & November. The hackABILITY finale will be held on Thursday, December 7.
We are looking for people that are passionate about solving problems! hackABILITY teams will consist of at least 4 people, including a person with a disability or a caregiver. Teams are recommended to have expertise in design, coding, and engineering.
Join RIC Centre, Microsoft, Arrow Electronics and I-Cube at University of Toronto Mississauga as we help create assistive and adaptive technology that can empower individuals to do the impossible!
How it Works
Here are some guidelines to get teams started:
- Each team will identify the challenge and submit the brief overview of their solution. The brief overview will be used to select 10 teams that will participate in the hackathon.
- Teams will participate in hackABILITY information sessions and training workshops that will provide information, mentors from industry, and access to equipment/tools for testing and design work.
All 10 semi-finalists will participate in a poster-style presentation at the finale. From the poster presentations and completed project submissions, 3 finalists will be chosen to present in front of the final panel of judges for the winning prize.
- Application forms and full list of rules and guidelines at hackability.ca
Judging
Our judging panel consists three inspirational individuals that all have first-hand knowledge of accessible technology and how it has given them the opportunity to live a more independent life.
- Sam Schmidt - Former Indy Racing League driver and current co-owner of Schmidt Peterson Motorsports
- Barry Munro - Chief Development Officer, Canadian Spinal Research Organization
- Rob Buren - Speaker, Athlete, Entrepreneur
Event Schedule:
September – December
Info Sessions:
September 19, 2017 – Hosted by Microsoft Canada, 6:00-7:30
September 21, 2017 – Hosted by Sheridan College, 6:00-7:30
Deadline for Team Applications:
October 12, 2017 – Teams submit their application forms, including team members and project idea
Project Development:
October and November – Team work on their projects, with the help of training workshops and drop in sessions (more info to come)
Final Project Submissions:
November 27, 2017 – Teams submit finished projects including a one page overview and presentation sled deck (more info to come)
Finale:
December 7, 2017 – Hosted by UofT Mississauga campus (more info to come)
Contact Information
To register for the event, or ask for information regarding media, send us an email at info@hackability.ca. For more information, visit the website at hackability.ca.
