AHRC Nassau partnered with New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) engineering students to develop a workplace tool that makes work tasks more accessible for people with different abilities for NYSID’s 11th Annual CREATE Symposium, April 9 in Albany. The student’s final product, a Transport Ready Assisting Machine (T.R.A.M), was one of three winning designs earning the agency and students $5,000.

For the project, student teams are given $1,000 to create a product that tackles challenges people with disabilities face in the workplace. To accomplish this, NYIT students visited AHRC Nassau in Freeport to meet with people supported with Pre-vocational (Pre-Voc) Services and Supported Employment. During the students’ initial tour, they interviewed people supported about their work and the difficulties they encounter while on task.

“At the initial meeting we talked about some of our barriers. We show them around, and let them talk to our different teams,” Assistant Director of Social Enterprises Pamela Curtiss said. “Then they come back to tell us their ideas and show us a prototype.”

This year’s project was inspired by the real-world challenges of stocking vending machines – a task that involves heavy lifting, carrying and loading.  In response, the students designed a mobile mini-forklift to improve accessibility. The device features upright operation and simple controls, making it easier for more people to perform work safely and independently.

Jerry Accarino, who is supported in Pre-Voc, was able to test out the T.R.A.M prototype with the students. He quickly learned the controls and appreciated how easy it was to unload the machine by pressing a few buttons.

“Programs like this raise awareness of the disability community and some of the needs and the barriers that we face to the younger generation and upcoming engineers,” said Pamela. “It also gives students an ability to work with different partners in a really fun project.”

Additionally, Pamela highlights how products resulting from competitions like Project CREATE signal the bright future of universal design. Inclusive technologies like T.R.A.M increase work opportunities for people with disabilities and make workplaces more accessible for typical employees. Historically, accessible technologies including curb cuts and audiobooks have been well adopted by the public because of their ease of use and how they make life easy for everyone.