Idea sparks

Visual + haptic + captioning gets you far. Talk to Deaf attendees first — ASL is a language, not 'broken English'.

• Real-time speech-to-caption glasses (AR overlay or phone-as-teleprompter).

• Group-chat captioner that color-codes each speaker around a table.

• Vibrating wearable that alerts for doorbells, alarms, baby cries.

• ASL learning game with webcam recognition and immediate feedback.

• Visual indicator for direction of sound (where did that honk come from?).

• Lecture caption + ASL-interpreter sync tool for classrooms.

Audio + structure + tactile feedback. Avoid making people scrub through long audio menus.

• On-device object & text recognition camera ('what's in front of me?').

• Indoor wayfinding using Bluetooth beacons or vision.

• Recipe & grocery app designed screen-reader-first.

• Audio-described museum tour you can run on any phone.

• Color-and-pattern identifier for clothing.

• Tactile-graphic generator for STEM diagrams (Braille-printer ready).

One-finger, voice, or switch should be a first-class input — not an afterthought.

• Voice-first task manager that doesn't require precise dictation.

• Web-based switch-scanning interface kit for hackathon teams to build on.

• Accessible restroom & ramp crowdsourced map for Chicago.

• Adaptive controller mapping tool for indie games.

• Reach-friendly UI mode that pins controls to thumb zones.

Predictability, sensory control, and clear language. Avoid 'gamifying' coping.

• Sensory-friendly venue map (lights, crowd levels, quiet rooms).

• Social-script helper for new situations — job interviews, first dates.

• Customizable focus timer with sensory-safe sounds and visuals.

• Plain-language rewriter as a browser extension.

• Routine-builder with visual schedules and gentle transitions.

Tools that respect energy limits, privacy, and bad days.

• Symptom + 'spoons' tracker with shareable reports for doctors.

• Medication reminder that handles complex schedules and travel.

• Crisis grounding companion — 5-4-3-2-1, breathing, safe contacts.

• Pain-journal voice notes that auto-transcribe and tag.

• Caregiver coordination board for families managing chronic care.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a rich, underserved space.

• Drag-and-drop AAC board generator for parents and teachers.

• Reading-assist tool with adjustable fonts (e.g., OpenDyslexic) and pacing.

• Math worksheet generator with multi-modal explanations.

• Voice-banking for people facing voice loss (ALS, surgery).

• Has captions on every video and alt text on every image.
• Works with a keyboard alone.
• Passes a 4.5:1 contrast check.
• Has someone from the community on the team or in your testing.
• Comes with a 30-second demo a screen-reader user can follow.