Assistive Technologies Project Highlights (Update: October 2025)

Our mission & goals

The mission of the Cornell Assistive Technologies Project Team (previously The Big Red Adaptive Play & Design Initiative) is to champion inclusivity by developing assistive technologies for people with disabilities and to raise awareness about the impact of adapted solutions and assistive technologies among youths and communities in Ithaca and beyond. The goals of this organization is to create an inclusive club purely dedicated to making assistive technologies more widely available for those who need them most in our local community. Secondary goals involve learning and teaching the process of making different types of toys switch accessible, and doing joint events with other clubs/organizations at the Cornell and Ithaca communities to generate interest and spread awareness.

With your ongoing support, we will be able to continue to fund some of our impactful projects that we have built for our local Ithaca community and showcase at educational/assistive technology focused conferences!

Here are some of our ongoing projects:

Our work

Engineering

The Engineering team for Cornell Assistive Technologies is focused on researching new adaptive technologies aside from toy adaption. In particular, the team is dedicated to innovating assistive technology solutions based on community-need. The Engineering committee also designs adaptive switches using 3D computer-aided design software and utilizes 3D printing technologies to manufacture custom solutions. 

Tactile Coding Blocks

Developing a tool and syllabus to teach blind and low vision students the basics of computer programing through a physical coding block.

Bluetooth Urinary Drainage Bag Clamp

A device to assist paralyzed power wheelchair users to independently empty their urinary drainage bags.

Sensory Overload Wearable

A small wearable device that is able to detect the early symptoms of a sensory overload, such as those experienced by a user with a sensory processing disorder and react accordingly, reducing unwanted side-effects.

Smart Wheelchair

An electric wheelchair adapted to work with two Brain Computer Interfaces, the Electroencephalogram (EEG) and Electromyography (EMG). Allowing the user to control the wheelchair with their mind or muscles.

Operations

The Operations team for Cornell Assistive Technologies is focused on logistical processes for the organization. In particular, the team promotes brand awareness on campus and on social media—specifically through LinkedIn and Instagram. The team is committed to spreading the message of Cornell Assistive Technologies through campus PR and management.

Newsletter

Our newsletter serves as a biweekly update to our community partners and sponsors. In the newsletter, we provide progress reports on our organization's projects.

Collaboration with Committees

The Internal Operations team works closely with the Engineering and POE committees to help document and highlight their progress. 

Merchandise

To promote our on-campus awareness and brand image, the Internal Operations team is working on developing merchandise for the team!

YouTube

The Internal Operations team is working on developing and maintaining a YouTube channel to help document our progress and provide greater insight on our organization's functioning.

Outreach and Education

The Outreach and Education team is focused on fostering new partnerships within the community—particularly with K-12 schools and external companies. The team is dedicated to expanding the awareness of the need for adaptive play and STEM education especially in underserved communities.

STEM Education

The Public Outreach and Education team is dedicated to inspiring the future generation of engineers through teaching basic engineering principles as well as promoting diversity in STEM-spaces. 

Community Events

Through collaborating with various partners in the Ithaca community, the POE team spreads awareness regarding the need for accessible technology.

As a registered student organization, we are committed to equal access to all of our programs and do not discriminate based on any protected identity status.