The Inclusive App Accelerator (IAA), a groundbreaking initiative administered by the Accessible SmartTech Research Group in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS), is accepting proposals for the development of mobile apps designed to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
The program, funded by a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, is a collaborative partnership between academic researchers, app developers, disability advocates and accessibility experts.
It aims to empower individuals with disabilities by fostering the creation of 20 user-friendly apps over five years that address their specific needs in three key areas: health and function, community living and participation, and employment.
“We are thrilled to launch the IAA program and provide a platform for creative minds to develop impactful mobile solutions,” said Dan Ding, director of the Inclusive App Accelerator, professor, and vice chair for research and translation, Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, SHRS. “By harnessing the power of technology, we can make a significant difference in the lives of millions of people with disabilities.”
A Multifaceted Approach to App Development
The IAA program offers comprehensive support throughout the app development process. Selected applicants will benefit from the expertise of three dedicated support teams:
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App Development Team: Composed of professionals from leading inclusive app development companies, this team will handle the technical aspects of development, ensuring accessibility and usability for all users. Critically, this means that coding and development experience is not needed to apply. App development partners include ArcTouch, FlutterFlow, Allyant and Fable. “ArcTouch is excited to partner with Pitt and this team of incredible accessibility leaders,” said Ben Ogilvie, head of accessibility at ArcTouch, a software development company. “The IAA offers a significant opportunity for us to create inclusive, lovable apps and build a more accessible app development ecosystem.”
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Business Support Team: Led by the IMPACT Center at Pitt, this team will provide awardees with guidance on business planning, user testing, marketing and app adoption strategies.
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Community/Disability Team: To ensure the apps are useful, sustainable and guided by the needs of users, the program has partnered with national disability organizations such as the Perkins School for the Blind, the World Institute on Disability, the United Spinal Association and the Consumer Technology Association Foundation.
Open Call for Proposals
The IAA program welcomes applications from United States-based organizations and individuals with innovative app ideas. Applicants can secure up to $10,000 to cover development costs, user testing expenses and other essential resources. The initial call for proposals opened on Dec. 1, with applications due on Jan. 31, 2025.
For more information on the IAA program, eligibility criteria and how to apply, please visit InclusiveApps.com or contact info@inclusiveapps.com.
This article originally appeared in the University of Pittsburgh Health Sciences news.