over 7 years ago
Announcing the winners
The votes are in! Go to the challenge gallery to congratulate the winners and check out all of the great submissions.
Questions?
We’re here to help. If you have any questions about the challenge, post on the discussion forum or email support@challengepost.com and we’ll respond as soon as we can.
over 7 years ago
Join us at the winners announcement in NYC!
Please join us for the announcement of the winners of the AT&T NYU Connect Ability technology challenge. We are celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act by recognizing excellence in technological innovations that serve people with disabilities.
When: Monday, July 27, 2015, @9:45am
Where:
Federal Hall National Memorial
26 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005
Accessible car entrance at 15 Pine Street
RSVP on Eventbrite
Can’t be there in person? Watch the live stream here!
over 7 years ago
Last call for votes
If you haven’t cast your vote yet for Connect Ability, there’s still time. The polls will remain open until 5pm ET on July 10. Spread the word and tell your friends & family to vote for you!
Questions?
We’re here to help. If you have any questions about the challenge, post on the discussion forum or email support@challengepost.com and we’ll respond as soon as we can.
over 7 years ago
Public voting is now open
It’s your turn to pick the winner! Browse the Submission Gallery and vote for your favorite submission. Be sure to spread the word through your social networks too. The last day to vote is July 10.
Questions?
We’re here to help. If you have any questions about the challenge, post on the discussion forum or email support@challengepost.com and we’ll respond as soon as we can.
over 7 years ago
Share your Android & iOS builds!
Hello Hackers!
With just a few hours until the submission deadline, we know that many of you are feverishly working on getting your solutions in.
Don’t forget that you are required to provide us access to your solution for testing. Here’s a breakdown on how to do that based on what type of solution you’re submitting.
For those of you sending out iOS beta distribution files, there are a few options for sharing your solution with us. Please note that some are faster than others!
Diawi
Send us your beta file quickly via Diawi. After uploading your file, Diawi creates…
almost 8 years ago
Last call for submissions
The deadline is just around the corner and this is your last chance to submit your solution. The deadline is June 24 at 5pm ET. Find out what time that is in your city.
Questions?
We’re here to help. If you have any questions about the challenge, post on the discussion forum or email support@challengepost.com and we’ll respond as soon as we can.
almost 8 years ago
One week to go!
Whew, it’s the home stretch! There’s only one week left to submit your solution. Submissions are due June 24 before 5pm ET. Find out what time that is in your city.
Questions?
We’re here to help. If you have any questions about the challenge, post on the discussion forum or email support@challengepost.com and we’ll respond as soon as we can.
almost 8 years ago
Connect Ability hits the road
Hey makers!
Want to get some 1:1 time with the Connect Ability team? Maybe you’re looking for that final teammate before the deadline, or have some questions about your project?
We figured. That’s why we’re making stops over the coming week in Durham (this weekend!), Berkeley (Monday, June 15th), and Dallas (Wednesday, June 17th). We’d hope you can make it!
Bring your ideas and in-progress concepts to our Developer Days and bounce them off the AT&T challenge organizers for feedback. There will also be opportunities to interact with our panel of exemplars--individuals living with disabilities who are excited…
almost 8 years ago
Two weeks to go, submit early!
There are two weeks left in Connect Ability! Submissions are due June 24 before 5pm ET. Find out what time that is in your city.
If you haven’t already started a draft, please do so now. And if you’ve just joined us, read the Quick-Start guide and take a look at the Resources page.
Submission checklist
Before you say “ship it!”, make sure you run through this list:
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Have you explained the insights gathered from testing and how your submission addresses the tech brief/category you’ve selected?
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Have you created a submission video? Does your video clearly demonstrate how…
almost 8 years ago
Three weeks to go, start your draft now!
There are three weeks left in Connect Ability! Beat the deadline rush by getting your submission ready early. Submissions are due June 24 before 5pm ET. Find out what time that is in your city.
If you haven’t already started a draft, you should do it now. And if you’re just getting started, read the official rules and follow the Quick-Start guide.
Questions?
We’re here to help. If you have any questions about the challenge, post on the discussion forum or email support@challengepost.com and we’ll respond as soon as we can.
almost 8 years ago
A note from Gus + Start your draft now
Hi to all the developers and incredible people supporting this amazing project,
I am writing to personally thank you for all that you are up to. I know what you are working on will leave us all amazed and inspired. Creating apps and technology for people with disabilities is so much more than just that. It is also creating awareness for a community that has often been overlooked and underserved. Your participation means that more people will start thinking about what might be possible for people who have a different approach to life.
I am often told that people are…
almost 8 years ago
Last call for collaboration session sign-ups!
Hey Makers,
We hope you had a wonderful weekend! Now that we're back in the swing of things... don't forget to sign up for your spot in the Collaboration Sessions next week!
Here’s the recap!
We’re hosting individual collaboration/feedback sessions with our four exemplars, as well as some other wonderful ability experts in early June. Sessions will be 20-minutes and most will take place via virtual or phone feedback meetings.
Why should you take advantage of this?
During your session you’ll be able to either demo your solution (via screencast or video chat) or explain your concept and ask the exemplars…
almost 8 years ago
A note from Paul
I want to thank all of those individuals who have taken up this challenge. I am still amazed that I was chosen to be an exemplar with these other amazing people. I imagine it can be hard to think of a design with all the specifications and desires we gave to you. I hope that you all appreciate the difference you can make in our lives and the lives of millions. You might wonder if your effort is wisely spent, but know that the benefit to people living with a disability will last well after the contest has ended. It will…
almost 8 years ago
Sign up for your collaboration session
Hey Makers,
Guess what? It’s time to sign up for your virtual collaboration session!
We’re hosting individual, virtual collaboration sessions with our four exemplars, as well as some other wonderful ability experts. These 20-minute virtual or phone feedback meetings will take place on the following days:
- Tuesday, June 2nd from 11am - 3pm ET
- Saturday, June 6th from 11am - 3pm ET
- Additional times may be released based on demand and exemplar/end user availability
During your session you’ll be able to either demo your solution (via screencast or video chat) or explain your concept and ask questions about your project.
…
almost 8 years ago
1:1 feedback sessions on your submission
Hi there, Hackateers! [As Xian would call you :) ]
Remember how one of the four judging criteria is “Demonstration of Feedback by the End User”? Are you getting a little concerned about gathering that feedback?
Oh, yeah. I forgot about that...
Have no fear! We want your solutions to be as amazing and ready to rock as possible. With that in mind, AT&T is excited to announce that the Connect Ability team will be hosting one-on-one, virtual feedback/collaboration sessions with our four exemplars, as well as some other wonderful ability experts.
Sweet! What do I need to know?
These…
almost 8 years ago
A note from Xian at the halfway point
Hello there, Brilliant Hackateers!
Xian here. I want so much to extend a really big thank you and virtual hugs to you (because other than running workshops, hugging is what I do)! And also, because I think I speak for all the exemplars in saying, we are truly grateful that you are taking your time to consider not only the four of us and what we need, but the many others who you may not see in a video. There are countless others who can benefit from hands-freeing tech, navigation, way-finding, and anxiety-management tools. We know we are in the…
almost 8 years ago
Making a great submission video
We know you’re focused on your solution right now, but don’t forget about your submission video. It’s often the first thing that judges and voters review. And don’t forget, your text description and video should explain the insights gathered from testing and how your submission addresses the tech brief/category you’ve selected.
A good video tells the story behind your submission, providing a clear and concise explanation of what your solution is and does. Here are some tips and a list of screencasting tools:
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Establish your elevator pitch. In the first few seconds of your video, explain why your solution…
almost 8 years ago
Highlights & Upcoming Events
Want a little face time? We'll be at the following events talking about the Connect Ability Challenge. We'd love to see you there!
May 5: BME CBID Design Day 2015 @ Johns Hopkins University
May 6: BetaNYC's Civic Hacknight at Civic Hall
May 16: UW-Stout Connect Ability Developer Day
Highlights from the NYU Ability Hackathon
If you missed April’s NYU Ability Hackathon, don’t worry. You can catch up by watching the highlight videos and downloading the presentations.
Highlight videos:
NYU Ability Hackathon Opening Session
NYU Ability Hackathon Team Presentations: Part 1
NYU Ability Hackathon Team Presentations:…
almost 8 years ago
Building for Accessibility
There are a few principles to think about when designing products for the widest use. Let’s talk about some terms first:
Accessible design often refers to products, places, software that is specifically designed for access by people with disabilities. Because the needs of people with disabilities vary so much, accessible design often has a focus on a specific populations, such as wheelchair users or people with low vision.
Accessible design may refer to designing according to the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act or other overseeing organization like the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).
Universal design is a concept…
almost 8 years ago
Inspiration in an instant
In case you missed it, we wanted to share some of the great submissions (and new resources) that came out of the NYU Ability Hackathon.
Now that you’ve got some extra inspiration, here are the facts:
- These hacks were created in a weekend.
- There are 9 more weekends before the June 24 deadline.
- It’s your turn to create something awesome!
Questions?
We’re here to help. If you have any questions about the challenge, post on the discussion forum or email support@challengepost.com and we’ll respond as soon as we can.
almost 8 years ago
Help us, help millions.
A note from Marissa Shorenstein, New York State President, AT&T
Thank you for participating in the AT&T NYU Connect Ability Challenge. AT&T is proud to be partnering with NYU, our volunteer exemplars (Gus, Jason, Xian, and Paul), and you as we imagine, create, and evaluate new innovations that break down barriers to independence and self-expression for people with disabilities.
This competition is the first of its kind. You have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of 4 inspiring New Yorkers and over 50 million Americans living with a disability.
Something as natural…
almost 8 years ago
Meet the Exemplars
To help inspire and guide you during this competition, Xian, Jason, Paul, and Gus are sharing their stories. Learn who they are, the struggles they face, and their hopes for how technology could improve their lives.
Questions?
We’re here to help. If you have any questions about the challenge, post on the discussion forum or email support@challengepost.com and we’ll respond as soon as we can.
almost 8 years ago
Quick-Start Guide
Thanks for joining the Connect Ability Challenge. You're officially registered now and we’ll be sending you regular updates throughout the challenge.
Here’s how to get started on project today. Submissions are due June 24, 2015 at 5pm ET.
- Meet the Exemplars, Paul, Xian, Jason, and Gus, to learn about who they are, the struggles they face, and their hopes for how technology could improve their lives.
- Plan your attack. Visit the Resources and Technical Briefs pages to learn more about submission categories and problem areas your solutions can address.
- Get a head start on your submission. Fill out the…