Center for Innovative Design and Engineering

04/23/2026

Thanks to the Colorado Division for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind for their leadership in this space!

Happy Colorado Assistive Technology Awareness Week! For many in our community, assistive technology (AT) is the key to independence, whether you use a videophone, a hearing aid, or a walking cane. These tools are built to fit your specific needs and help you navigate the world on your own terms.

We want to see AT in action: What is one tool you can’t live without? Tell us in the comments using and help us highlight the power of accessibility!

04/23/2026

For children and adults with sensory processing differences, autism, ADHD, or anxiety, noise-canceling headphones and other sensory AT can be the difference between overwhelm and calm.

Assistive Technology is... a little breathing room. 💛

Has sensory AT made a difference in your life or your child's? We'd love to hear about it. Share with .

04/23/2026

Adaptive sports and recreation technology don't just give people access to outdoor spaces. They give joy, challenge, achievement, and the pride of getting somewhere hard.

Assistive Technology is... reaching the summit. 💛

What has adaptive recreation AT made possible for you? Tell us your story with ! 🏔️

04/22/2026

For some people with cerebral palsy, a robotic feeding device means eating independently without needing to ask for help. Assistive technology for daily living activities puts people back in control of the moments that make up a life.

Assistive Technology is... lunchtime independence. 💛

What everyday moment has AT given back to you or someone you care about? Tell us with .

04/22/2026

For older adults, assistive technology makes it possible to stay active, engaged, and present in the lives of the people they love most. Our experiences can grow richer with age, and AT helps make sure nothing gets in the way of enjoying it.

Assistive Technology is... keeping up with grandkids.

What AT has helped you or an older adult you know stay connected to life? Share with .

04/22/2026

Great assistive technology is never built in isolation. It's a team effort — and the best AT happens when the person at the center is also at the table.

It takes:
🥽 Engineers who listen.
💬 Users who share their real experience.
🏠 Families who know what daily life actually looks like.
🎓 Students who bring fresh eyes.
💛 And communities that believe inclusion is worth building for.

Assistive Technology is... something we build together. 💛

Who is part of YOUR AT team? Give them a shoutout and use !

04/22/2026

𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 — 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗼 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸! 🎉 For millions of Coloradans, AT isn't a luxury — it's the tool that makes everything else possible.

What does AT mean to YOU? Share your story and tag it !

📍 This Friday, April 24, come find us at RaCAS — CU Denver's Research and Creative Activities Symposium — where hundreds of students showcase their work. Stop by our booth to try devices and talk AT!

👇 Read more:
https://www.ucdenver.edu/center-for-innovative-design-and-engineering/CIDE-about-us/cide-communicator-enewsletter/article/cide-news/colorado-at-awareness-week--april-20-24

04/22/2026

Every reader deserves to choose their own book.

This innovative accessible library system brings books within reach for students with physical disabilities. This recent CIDE project is a perfect example of what AT can do for education. When children can browse, select, and engage with books independently, something powerful happens: they become readers.

Assistive Technology is... choosing a good book. 💛

What accessible education technology has made learning possible for you or someone you know? Tell us with !

04/21/2026

For people who use AAC devices to communicate, self-advocacy means using their device to speak up — in medical appointments, at school, at work, in any space where decisions are being made about their life.

Assistive Technology is... advocating for myself. 💛

Has AT helped you or someone you know find their voice in advocacy? Share your story with .

04/21/2026

For people who experience communication loss due to stroke, ALS, brain injury, or other conditions, AAC technology can be genuinely life-changing. These devices have the potential to return something that feels irreplaceable: the ability to express yourself, to connect with others, to say what's on your mind.

Assistive Technology is... communicating again. 💛

Share your story with .

04/21/2026

Smart home technology — controlling lights, temperature, locks, and appliances from a phone or voice command — is powerful AT for people who want more control over their environment. When your home responds to your needs, independence at home becomes real.

Assistive Technology is... being in control at home. 💛

How has smart home or environmental control AT changed daily life for you or someone you support? Share with .

04/21/2026

Every child has something to say. Every single one. For children who have complex communication needs, AAC — Augmentative and Alternative Communication — is the tool that makes their voice heard. Whether it's a symbol-based app, a speech-generating device, or a picture board, AAC gives children the power to express their thoughts, their needs, and their whole selves.

Assistive Technology is... telling you what I think. 💛

Know a child or family who has been changed by AAC? Share their story (with permission!) using .