CREATE

2025 CREATE Research Showcase Highlights Inclusive Innovation

Katie EarlyMobility, News, Presentation , , , , , ,
  • A group of people standing and conversing at an indoor research showcase. Some attendees are viewing posters or displays.
  • A group of people viewing academic posters displayed on easels at a research showcase.
  • A person standing next to a scientific poster presentation titled "Kicking it off: Do toddlers with disabilities activate leg muscles when driving with a joystick?" featuring graphs, charts, and images.
  • Two individuals standing in front of a research poster titled “Mobility aids to support independent play for young children with Down Syndrome” which includes graphs and charts. A small powered wheel chair with a stuffed dinosaur is set up in front of the poster.
  • A person holding a flyer in front of a research poster about Down syndrome. The flyer invites families with children aged 12–36 months with Down syndrome to participate in a study at the University of Washington.
  • Two people seated behind a table displaying materials for the H.A.T. Hand Assessment Tool. A banner with an illustrated hand and the tool’s name is draped across the front of the table.

The Center for Research and Education on Accessible Technology and Experiences (CREATE) recently hosted its Spring 2025 Research Showcase and Community Day, bringing together researchers, industry leaders, and community members dedicated to advancing accessibility. Co-sponsored by HuskyADAPT, the event highlighted cutting-edge work that bridges technology and inclusion.

Our lab was proud to be part of the showcase, with several students and collaborators presenting their research. Alisha Bose presented a poster on How Does Clinical Presentation Impact Gameplay in Early Intervention? This project explored how children’s unique needs influence their interaction with accessible play tools like the Switch Kit.

Madeleine McCreary presented Kicking it Off: Do Toddlers with Disabilities Activate Leg Muscles When Driving with a Joystick? This study examined leg muscle activation in toddlers using powered mobility devices to inform interventions that support play and development.

Mia Hoffman, Spencer Hensley, and Katie Belen Leija presented Mobility Aids to Support Independent Play for Young Children with Down Syndrome. Their work evaluated how mobility devices support early movement and play in children with Down Syndrome.

Alexandra (Sasha) Portnova showcased the H.A.T. – Hand Assessment Tool, a camera-based tool that measures finger range of motion to support hand therapy practices.

These projects reflect CREATE’s mission: to make technology accessible and to make the world accessible through technology.

NSF Convergence Accelerator | Inclusion in the Workplace

Dr. Steele AccessEngineering, Presentation , , , ,

The NSF Convergence Accelerator on Accelerating Disability Inclusion in Workplaces through Technology starts on May 20th.


Title slide of Dr. Steele's talk "Ideas for Inclusion" on a purple background.

 

The goals for this workshop are to identify pathways for technology to solve or mitigate accessibility and inclusion challenges in current and emerging workplaces. As an NSF Convergence Accelerator, participants will seek to identify pathways that could be  pursued by multidisciplinary teams to get solutions at least to a prototype stage in 3-5 years. The long-term goals from this workshop are to set in motion paradigm shifts that brings the percentage of individuals with disabilities participating in the workforce closer to the general population.

Dr. Steele will be presenting some ideas on inclusion in the workplace – from work environments to transportation to workforce development.

Slides

Download PDF of slides.

Email Dr. Steele (kmsteele – at – uw – dot – edu) with questions, comments, or suggestions.

Kat Steele named a 2020 DO‑IT Trailblazer

Elijah AccessEngineering, Awards , ,

Picture of Kat in purple shirt.We are proud to announce that Dr. Katherine M. Steele was selected as one of the 2020 DO-IT Trailblazers for her fantastic work in access engineering. Kat has been active in DO-IT, hosting activities where students learn about makerspace accessibility, engineering principles, and universal design. She has also developed resources and published articles with DO-IT staff on topics related to makerspace accessibility and teaching about accessibility in engineering. Please help us in congratulating Kat!

Microsoft has paired with UW to CREATE!

Elijah AccessEngineering, News, UbiquitousRehabilitation , ,

Purple background with white stick figure holding light bulbDuring Microsoft’s annual Ability Summit, they announced a new partnership with the University of Washington to establish the Center for Research and Education on Accessible Technology (CREATE) and kicked-off the collaboration with an inaugural investment of  $2.5 million. CREATE is an interdisciplinary team whose mission is to make technology, and the world, more accessible.

The CREATE leadership will be comprised of six campus departments and three different colleges including the Steele lab’s own Heather Feldner and Katherine M. Steele. This fantastic news was featured on The Seattle Times and Greek Wire.

Get excited and help us congratulate Heather, Kat, and all those involved and cheer them on to CREATE!