Access:Innovation
Thank you for a successful pilot summer program of Access:Innovation!
Over the three-week program, students collaborated with Community Living and Support Services (CLASS), Inglis Innovation Center, and therapists from The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh to design assistive technologies made to improve the lives of people living with disabilities.
Projects Included:
- ComforTap: A cushioned headrest with an embedded communication button, created to prevent pain for a person with cerebral palsy.
- EZ Pics: An adaptive selfie stick for a wheelchair user passionate about photography.
- Yano: A set of tactile and colorful bottle holders designed to help a visually impaired woman distinguish between condiments and household products.
To hear from some of the people who made this program possible, watch or listen now.
A Transformative Summer Experience for Pittsburgh Teens
Access:Innovation is an immersive summer program designed for rising 10th-12th graders from both Winchester Thurston and Pittsburgh Public Schools. Combining social justice and STEM, this unique initiative challenges students to tackle real-world issues faced by individuals with disabilities.
Through collaboration, creative problem-solving, and storytelling, participants work together to develop innovative solutions that make a meaningful impact. The program culminates in a final presentation and product demonstration, where students showcase their work to the community.
During this three-week summer program, students will:
- Design a Game-Changing Product – Use 3D manufacturing to create an assistive technology solution for a real-world problem.
- Craft a Powerful Story – Develop a business and marketing plan to highlight the product’s real-world impact.
- Showcase Their Work – Deliver a TED Talk-style presentation and a symposium-style demo to an audience of peers, relatives, and industry professionals.
Details
Location: Winchester Thurston School's lab at Joan Clark Davis Center for Interdisciplinary Learning, and various partner locations throughout the city (transportation provided)
Eligibility: Rising 10th through 12th graders who currently attend Pittsburgh Public Schools or Winchester Thurston School
Benefits: An incredible, immersive summer experience like no other, transportation, daily lunch, branded t-shirts, and $100 per day stipend
Unique Benefits and Opportunities
✔ Work alongside experts – Therapists, social workers, and assistive technology professionals.
✔ Master real-world skills – Hands-on experience in human-centered design, CAD modeling, and 3D printing.
✔ Leverage AI tools – Apply AI for business strategy, marketing, and storytelling.
✔ Collaborate with creative educators – Engaging lessons in an interactive learning environment.
✔ Connect across communities – Build lasting relationships with public and private school students and educators.
✔ Explore professional workplaces – Site visits for an inside look at cutting-edge technology and careers.
✔ Turn ideas into impact – Develop a functional product and present it to the community.
✔ Earn while you learn – Accepted students receive $100 per day (paid on 1st and 3rd Fridays).
✔ All-Inclusive Experience – Enjoy complimentary daily lunch, local public transportation, and program t-shirts.
Collaboration with Industry Leaders
Access:Innovation partners with top organizations in assistive technology and disability services, giving students direct access to experts and real-world challenges. All partners are part of the 412 Ability Tech Ecosystem. The program is led by Winchester Thurston School, in collaboration with Youth Enrichment Services (YES) and educators from Pittsburgh Public Schools.
Join a transformative summer program where STEM, social justice,
and creativity come together to make a real impact!
FAQs
- Who is eligible to participate in Access:Innovation?
- When and where does the program take place?
- What kind of projects will students work on?
- What support is provided to students during the program?
- How do students apply, and what is the selection process?
- What skills or experience are required to join?
- What is the time commitment for participants?
- What happens at the end of the program?
- Who are the program partners, and how do they contribute?
- How does this program benefit students beyond the summer?
- Who can I contact for more information?