The Simon Cox Student Design Competition begins with an idea for a new piece of assistive technology. Whether that idea comes from a student team or a person living with a physical disability (peer), the goal is to turn a real-world challenge into a practical solution. When a student team chooses to take on a project, the Peer Program will work to facilitate a connection between the student team and a peer, forming a collaborative partnership. Together, they work throughout the competition to advance the concept as far as possible within the allotted timeframe. Some teams deliver highly refined, functional products, while others develop strong prototypes that demonstrate proof of concept and future potential. Each project represents meaningful progress, even when the outcome is not a fully finished device.
The competition culminates in showcasing these creative and assistive technology design solutions that facilitate greater independence in the home for people with physical disabilities. The judges are looking for innovations that can create positive, practical solutions to overcome barriers in the home. They will also evaluate the craftsmanship of the working models and the quality of the presentation in order to establish the most successful entries.
Past winners have continued on to become leaders in the field of assistive technology. Teams explain their project ideas with a video or a live presentation on the final day of this year’s competition, for a chance to win the prize money awarded for top presenters.
Technology for Living is getting ready for the 11th Simon Cox Student Design Competition. Technology for Living invites students and peers to help shape our competition.
Do you have a problem, challenge, or barrier preventing full participation in your home or community? Is there some problem in your daily life that you have come across and thought: “There should be a technical solution for this!” Are there spaces or conditions in your home that are currently not accessible to you, and you believe: “Someone should design a solution for this!”
If your idea is accepted by a student team as a project, you will be entered into a draw to win one of five $100 gift cards. The draw will take place on the day of the competition. Participants must be Technology for Living members to be eligible for this draw. Your ideas are eligible for next year’s competition too!
Fill out the form in the PEER section, or send us a message via the CONTACT form.
From mobility innovations, adaptive gaming, smart home gadgets, daily living supports, adaptive sports equipment, educational tools, and beyond, project ideas reflect the full scope of everyday life. The Simon Cox Student Design Competition supports the development of tailored solutions where commercial options are limited or unavailable, transforming practical barriers into purposeful design that advances independence and participation.
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