Announced Projects under the Accessible Technology Program

AAVAA Inc.

AAVAA Inc. will develop a head-worn device that can detect a user's facial movements, blink patterns, or gaze direction, in order to create personalized commands to control connected devices. The result of this technology will return a level of autonomy to persons with disabilities, allowing them to interact with online and virtual applications, visually control an online mouse, and control assistive or otherwise connected devices.

Funding Awarded: $643,218
Click here to learn more about AAVAA Inc.

CanAssist

CanAssist, an organization of the University of Victoria, will develop a light touch joystick that will enable Canadians with physical disabilities to access computing devices such as smartphones, tablets and personal computers. The light touch Joystick will be designed to respond to very small and low force movements allowing individuals with limited strength and range of motion to navigate their devices and create content.

Funding Awarded: $440,750
Click here to learn more about CanAssist.

CNIB Foundation

The CNIB Foundation and SenseTech Solutions Inc. will expand on the accessibility and functionality of a Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence interview training software program called VRAI OP. The interview training program is a platform that features customizable mock interviews with a series of questions users can respond to and receive feedback from on their performance either by a real person or an automatically generated AI.

Funding Awarded: $206,077
Click here to learn more about the CNIB.

Compusult Limited

Compusult Limited’s Robotics Control Systems for Persons with Disabilities project will develop three new low-cost, plug-and-play, user-programmable robotic technologies that will enable persons with disabilities to independently, quickly and easily use Internet-connected robotics systems and applications.

Funding Awarded: $237,500
Click here to learn more about Compusult Limited

Concordia University of Edmonton

Concordia University of Edmonton will develop a mobile version of a machine based learning assistant (MAIYA technology) that was developed under their ATP 1.0 project as a prototype web tool. MAIYA will assist persons with disabilities in their education and integrating into the labour market.

Funding Awarded: $160,500
Click here to learn more about Concordia University of Edmonton

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital’s project will expand digital access and employment readiness by producing and accelerating the adoption of their personalizable access technology solution called SwitchApp. SwitchApp enables individuals with severe physical disabilities and complex communication needs to independently access a computer through keywords and vocalizations and/or orofacial movements of their choice.

Funding Awarded: $171,912
Click here to learn more about Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.

Horizon Health Network

As part of the Horizon Health Network, Regional Health Authority B’s Twitch and Lift Switches project will improve and further develop their technology through iterative testing and implementation of solutions with a more diverse range of participants allowing the accessible switches to meet the needs of more Canadians with disabilities. The Twitch and Lift Switches are devices that address the needs of people with degenerative disease or severe paralysis. Both switches provide a digital switch output that could control switch adapted devices or directly communicate with a computer or mobile device such as a USB or Bluetooth mouse.

Funding Awarded: $133,601
Click here to learn more about Horizon Health Network.

Neil Squire Society

Neil Squire Society will develop and support the distribution of at least three customizable joystick-based input devices and 1 Bluetooth adapter for wheelchair input that will be compatible with Windows and gaming platforms. These solutions will help people with physical disabilities, especially people with limited dexterity and movement with their hands and arms, to control their input in the aforementioned digital platforms.

Funding Awarded: $876,807
Click here to learn more about Neil Squire Society.

TrySight Inc.

Technologies HumanWare will develop a software solution called Prodigi. The software will initially be available on the Windows platform and eventually on other popular platforms to provide an affordable solution for visually impaired persons who wish to access Internet content and documents, enabling them to participate in the digital economy.

Funding Awarded: $470,567
Click here to learn more about Technologies HumanWare Inc.

Technologies HumanWare Inc.

Trysight Inc. will develop a tablet named MercuryBook, a next generation portable computing platform designed for students & working adults with low vision. MercuryBook incorporates custom designed magnification hardware and Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered software with commercially available Windows tablets to power learning, working and online access for the visually impaired. Starting from school and moving on to working adult life, MercuryBook will provide digital access to a wide audience of visually impaired.

Funding Awarded: $396,800
Click here to learn more about TrySight Inc.

Université Laval

Université Laval will develop low-cost assistive technology to enable people with physical disabilities to access digital technology such as computers, tablets, and software through a control interface that uses an electromyographic (EMG) sensor. The sensors will be placed on the skin and will directly detect muscle contractions. This will act as a button with a simple muscle contraction.

Funding Awarded: $139,997
Click here to learn more about the Université Laval.