Presented by the Technology for Independent Living Program
The Technology for Independent Living Program (housed at Technology for Living) is excited to present the 10th Simon Cox Student Design Competition! This multidisciplinary and collaborative project challenges students to design innovative solutions that improve the quality of life for people with physical disabilities.
๐ฐ $10,000 in prizes are up for grabs! From fashionable clothing to a wheelchair sidecar for a therapy dog, there are many exciting ideas waiting to be developed.
About the Competition
Students will work directly with individuals with physical disabilities to better understand the challenges they face in daily life. The competition is open to any student currently enrolled in a BC technical college or university, and entries will be judged based on design merit and functionality in helping people live as independently as possible.
This is a tremendous opportunity to:
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Make a real impact on people's lives
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Gain recognition for your work
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Showcase your skills to potential employers
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Win prize money!
Competition Details
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Final Showcase & Judging: April 26, 2025
๐ Location: Blusson Centre, Vancouver
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Application Deadline: February 13, 2025
๐ Apply Here: Simon Cox Student Design Competition
Project Ideas from the Community
Here are some real-world challenges that people with physical disabilities are hoping students will help solve:
Assistive Devices & Mobility Solutions
- Sip โn Puff Fishing Rod
- Motorized Casting System for Fishing Rods
- Proximity Warning for Wheelchair Vans
- Heated Walker Handles
- Portable Lift for Power Wheelchairs
- Cushion Pressure Gauge
- Portable Taller Headrest for Air Travel
- Bike Pedal-Inspired Wheelchair Footrests Controlled by Joystick
- Hovercraft Wheelchair
- Wheelchair Sidecar for Therapy Dog
Smart Home & Daily Living Aids
- Smart Window Opener
- Adjustable Table Top
- Adjustable Blanket
- RV Transfer Aid
- Motorized Mobile Table Top
- Automatic Cabinet Opening Device
- Elevator Control via Phone
- Cabinet with Adjustable Height
Wearable & Adaptive Clothing
- Heated Socks Powered by a Wheelchair Battery
- Leg Warmer
- Poncho 2.0
- Modified Warm Clothing for Tracheostomy Users
- Heated Backrest
- Modified Thick Winter Pants
- Specialized Floormat
- Modified Boots
Technology & Communication Aids
- Touch-Activated Call Bell
- Ventilator Humidifier Water Level Sensor
- Page-Turning Device
- Extendable Telescoping Pole
- Bluetooth Headphones Integrated with Pillow or Wheelchair Headrest
- Motorized Drink Holder
- Wheelchair-Mounted Drink Warmer
- Small Form-Factor Door Opener
- 6-Output Multiplexer
Maybe you and your student team would like to take on one of these challenges!
Last Year's Winners
๐ 1st Place โ Simon Cox Principal Award ($3,000)
Wheelchair Obstacle Detection System โ UBC Enable
๐ฅ 2nd Place โ Achievement Award in Honour of Jim Watson ($2,000)
UBC Multiple Sclerosis to Movement (M2M) โ UBC M2M
๐ฅ 3rd Place โ Innovation Award in Honour of Dr. Jeremy Road ($1,000)
Assistive Knitting Device โ University of Victoria
๐๏ธ Peerโs Choice Award in Honour of Ken Kramer ($1,500)
Wheelchair Obstacle Detection System โ UBC Enable