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Judging Panel
The panel members are all BC residents. There is always at least one Technology for Living member on the panel. All other judges have a technical background and can be from a company, non-profit etc. Judges need to be familiar with the field of assistive technology and are advocates and/or users of technology and home automation. Check back at a later date for updates to the 2026 judges panel.
Sheryl Rose Newman
Sheryl Rose Newman serves as the Pacific Regional Coordinator for the Tetra Society of North America, where she provides strategic leadership and operational support to chapter coordinators throughout the region. In addition to her work with Tetra, Sheryl has spent the last five years as the Volunteer Management Coordinator for the Disability Foundation Network. In this capacity, she oversees the complete volunteer lifecycle—from recruitment and screening to onboarding and placement—ensuring that all six of the Foundation’s societies are supported by a dedicated and highly effective volunteer base. Her expertise in data-driven management and community engagement has been vital in connecting talented individuals with meaningful opportunities across the organization.
Patrick Cho
Patrick Cho is a Senior Respiratory Therapist with Technology for Living’s Provincial Respiratory Outreach Program (PROP), where he has served the British Columbia community since 2013. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Simon Fraser University and, before becoming a Registered Respiratory Therapist, conducted research in cancer drugs and medical devices. In his role with PROP he brings seasoned expertise in community-based respiratory care and a strong commitment to supporting people with complex respiratory needs across the province.
Jake McIvor
Jake is a mechanical/biomedical engineer and maker specializing in cost-effective, open-source assistive technologies. He works at the Neil Squire Society, where he serves as Engineering Lead for the Makers Making Change program, curating a library of open-source designs built by and for the disability community. His work centers on collaboration with users, makers, and professionals to create practical, affordable solutions driven by real needs.
Benson Au
Benson Au is an Assistive Technologist with the Technology for Independent Living program at Technology for Living, serving the Vancouver region of British Columbia. A Simon Fraser University graduate, he’s spent years working alongside people with physical disabilities, turning real-world challenges into practical, creative solutions. Blending hands-on experience with a love of smart tech, Benson believes the best assistive devices should be powerful, practical, and maybe just a little bit impressive.
Robin Whyte
Robin Whyte is the Vancouver Island Community Advisor with Technology for Living, a role she has held for the past two and a half years. In her work, she supports members in strengthening community connections, advancing independent living goals, and expanding access to inclusive programming across the region. Robin brings a strong commitment to inclusion and community engagement, grounded in lived experience and a passion for amplifying diverse voices. She is honoured to serve as a judge for this year’s Simon Cox Competition and to help celebrate innovation, leadership, and possibility within the TFL community.
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