The RESNA Student Design Challenge (SDC) is an annual competition that showcases creative and innovative assistive technology designs that help people with disabilities function more independently. Student teams represent a wide variety of disciplines including mechanical, electrical, and biomedical engineering; computer information science; architecture; and physical and occupational therapy. Entries are judged on originality, quality of design, and usefulness to persons with disabilities. 

2021 Winners

1st Place
$1,000 Cash Prize (sponsored by the Joey Wallace Educational Fund)

GYREX - An Alternative Augmented Communication Device
Lead Author:  Anudeep Enosh Prasad Dasari 
Additional Authors:  Anudeep Enosh Prasad Dasari, Ranganadh Kollapureddi, Kondameedi Manasa, Elluri Hemanth
University:  B.V. Raju institute of Technology

Abstract: Using the internet is a must in today’s fast-growing world but for that we need the ability to communicate with different graphical user interfaces (GUI). People with motor disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, spinal Bifida, spinal cord injuries, muscular dystrophy: lose the opportunity to learn online using the internet; also, they face difficulties to perform daily basic functions such as operating a mobile phone or a computer.
The solution to this is an Alternative Augmented communication device, a gyroscope-controlled mouse. It can be easily operated by any specially abled people, having at least one actively movable part of the body. This device can be worn on one’s head or a limb or any other body part and is operated by moving the body part respectively. It is a Gyroscope based Human Interface device (HID) - Mouse that helps the user to interact with mobile or Computer interfaces and communicate using an app developed by our team.

2nd Place
$700 Cash Prize

The Rod Squad Launcher: An Adaptive Fishing Launcher that Promotes Casting for Individuals with Disabilities
Lead Author: Olivia Rossi 
Additional Authors: Olivia Rossi , Richard Alonzo, Taychapat Makkong, Isaac Niklaus
University: University of Pittsburgh

Abstract: Fishing can be a leisurely activity but it can be challenging for an individual with a disability. Currently, there are adaptive fishing poles that can help people reel in a fish, however participants have stated that they would like to have the ability to cast the fishing line out independently. We aim to construct a reliable and affordable adaptive fishing rod that can aid patients from UPMC Mercy Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital with limited upper body mobility to independently cast fishing line off of the fishing piers at PNC park. Casting independently empowers patients and improves morale and self-confidence.

3rd Place
$300 Cash Prize

SlapBra: An assistive device that facilitates dressing with one functional arm
Lead Author: Casie Lee
Additional Authors: Casie Lee, Luke Sandor, Tiffany Igros, Lynn Li
University: University of Toronto

Abstract: Getting dressed is recognized as a basic activity of daily living. Our research team identified that there is a noticeable paucity of adaptive dressing aids on the market today to assist individuals with dressing bras. We observed how persons living with one functional arm due to chronic conditions such as arthritis, stroke, and amputation frequently encounter difficulties in this area. Currently, there are only two existing devices on the market. The lack of diverse options for assistive dressing devices for bras may be attributed to the historical absence of women in research and design, or the prevalent social stigma individuals with disabilities face regarding sexuality and autonomy. The end result is a notable lack of adequate and effective dressing aids for individuals with physical challenges in dressing a bra. Our product is an assistive device that is affordable, accessible, and overall superior in facilitating the dressing of a bra with one functional arm.