SCI-AB and Microsoft Collaboration | Virtual and In-Person Options
Submit your topics for feedback and here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/b8iqYqiuQM
Hello there SCI-AB community!
What barriers or friction have you encountered living with a disability that could be alleviated by technology? No question is too big or too small, we are looking for input leading up to the first of its kind powerhouse collaboration event on September 18th in Edmonton (but the event will be hybrid for those wanting to join virtually). It will be a full day event, with lunch provided for those in person, and it will take place at the Edmonton Microsoft offices in downtown Edmonton (which is all wheelchair accessible). There will be no charge for the event, but those wishing to attend will need to register.
We will be co-hosting and coordinating a session to explore the use of AI and technology to solve them. The first event in the series will be a “prompt-a-thon” where individuals will learn how to effectively use AI in their day to day lives, to solve problems or make things more efficient. Then once the foundation is set we will be setting up a “hack-a-thon” style event in order to try to tackle some of these bigger issues faced.
The goal will be to empower those with disabilities to use technology to make their lives easier and create visibility about problems faced in community that could be addressed. But as a starting point, what would you consider some major problems in the disability sector that need solving?
Different examples to explore could include:
-Accessible Housing Finder
-Funding Availability
-AADL Allowances
-Tracking Health Conditions
-Systems Navigation + Barrier Reduction
-Bureaucracy Translator
-Peer/Community Connection
-Resource Finder
-Use of AI in day to day tasks
-Scheduling care aids
-Real time accessible route finders (i.e. construction, snow, or damaged sidewalk)
Check out some proof of concept tools that have already been developed:
–Accessible Housing Map
–AI Health Records
Submit your topics for feedback and here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/b8iqYqiuQM
There are limited in-person spaces available, but it will be open virtually for everyone else interested! So if you would be interested in attending in-person RVSP as soon as you are able!
Once you RVSP additional details and registration form will be send via email early next week. Thanks!
If you are unable to make this event there will also be a chance to explore technology, innovation and SCI at the 2026 Peer Summit in Edmonton on October 21st: https://sci-ab.ca/peer-conference-2025-2/ ( early bird tickets are only $30 and include lunch!)
(There will be a limited-run edition exclusive collection of merch to celebrate our 65th year for those who attend both the Microsoft Collab event and the Peer Summit in person!)