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Hackathon FAQ

    FAQ 

    What do you mean by 'solutions must contain a wireless or software component?'

    Assistive technology covers a wide range of possible solutions.  Many of these things are physical objects that are mechanical or functional in nature.   For example, a shoehorn or a quickstick or an Easyhold are all assistive, but they do not contain a wireless or software component and thus, while helpful, would not be acceptable solutions for this Hackathon. While solutions can have a physical component (such as a robotic arm or curtain robot), they MUST include a Wireless Technology and/or Internet of Things control method.

    Is my team guaranteed a spot in the Hackathon by applying?   

    Not necessarily.  There are a limited number of team spots available.  If the number of applicant teams exceeds that availability, then teams will be selected based on the date of the application.  

    Do I need a team to apply?  Can I register solo?

    We welcome everyone, whether you have a team in mind or are joining solo.   If you do not have a team, we will pair you with other individuals based on your interests and expertise.

    Do all team members need to be from the same University? 

    Students from all Pittsburgh area universities are invited!   Team members do not need to be from the same University.  However, all team members must have a .edu email account.  

    Do I need to be a specific major to apply?  Why do I need a clinical and technical major on my team? 

    Student from ANY MAJOR are welcome and encouraged to apply, but each final team is required to include at least one student from a software / engineering track and one student from a health / clinical track.  If you do not have a team, please apply as a single and we will help to match you up.

    One of the goals of this Hackathon is to encourage students to work across disciplines.  Depending on your chosen problem and solution, clinical perspectives could be very beneficial in making your solution viable, practical, and useful and technical majors have the skills and experience to bring it to life.   But, good ideas can come from anywhere so please apply if you have an interest!!

    Example clinical majors could include Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Prosthetics & Orthotics, Rehabilitation Science, Audiology, Communication Science, Emergency Medicine, Health Informatics, Nutrition Science, Sports Medicine, Bioengineering, and many others. 

    Are there any pre-event requirements for teams?

    Yes. ALL teams must watch or read through the documents below. This is foundational knowledge and any deviation from the highest level of interactions will result in your team's disqualification.   

    Required Prep:   Prior to the Hackathon start date, ALL participants are required to review the following materials. 

    1.  Video:   CripCamp: A Disability Revolution

    On the heels of Woodstock, a group of teen campers are inspired to join the fight for disability civil rights.  Learn how the ADA and accessibility in the United States sprung from these unlikely heroes.

    2.  Coursera Course:  Disability Awareness and Support
    1. Module 1: Introduction is required.   The remaining parts of this course are optional but encouraged!

    3.  Readings:    Disability Language Guide : Language is dynamic and nuanced, changing at a rapid pace along with social norms, perceptions, and opportunities for inclusion. This guide is a starter guide (non-exhaustive, non-definitive) for considering disability equity (and practicing deference to individual experiences) in the words we use.  
     

    4.  Administrative:  Please sign the Hackathon participation agreement and return it to bop38@pitt.edu before September 31st.


    Additional Prep:

    These additional resources are not required but highly recommended to review and navigate the current app/web and SmartTech accessibility domains.  These will help you during the hackathon to create a better and more inclusive solution.

    1. Coursera Course:  Mainstream Smart Home Technology as Assistive Technology

    This course aims to provide healthcare providers, social service professionals, and caregivers with a comprehensive understanding of smart home technology and how it can be utilized as assistive technology to improve the well-being, independence, and participation for older adults and individuals with disabilities.

    2.  Coursera Course: idea 2 IMPACT: An Introduction to Translating Assistive Health Technologies and Other Products

    In this course, you will learn how to translate scientific research into innovations that benefit humankind. idea 2 IMPACT (i2I) is an online course that will guide you step by step through the experience of developing an innovative and entrepreneurial idea in assistive technology (AT), biomedical technology, and other types of technologies.

    3. Research Articles:

    -   Dicianno, B., Salh, A., Morris, L., Xiang, Y., & Ding D. (2024). Rehabilitation clinicians’ use of mainstream wireless technologies in practice: A scoping review. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology. 1–19.  doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2024.2316891

    -   Novario, G. (2025). NIDILRR ARRT: Assessing Mobile Device Proficiency for a Smart Home Intervention in Individuals with Complex Disabilities.  Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 106 (4), Pages e1-e2, ISSN 0003-9993,  doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2025.01.005.  

    -   Ortiz, P., Gill, K.,Chung, C., Ding, D., Faieta, J. (2024). Smart Speakers and Skill Use: What Do We Know?  Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology. Aug 8:1-10. doi: 10.1080/17483107.2024.2387801  

    What do I need to bring with me each day?  

    Please bring what you need to keep you comfortable during full days of in-person hacking. 

    This includes tech / work resources (e.g., laptops, chargers, headphones) and personal items (e.g., medicines, earplugs, additional snacks, or beverages). Plan to take your personal items home each night. The lab space is not secure to leave your personal belongings unattended.  

    Is this event open to all ages?  

    No. This hackathon is only open to students 18+. 

    How much does it cost to participate?  

    Participation is free! Please register your interest early as there are a limited number of spots!  No walk-ins will be accepted. 

    If I register, what am I committing to? 

    By registering, you are committing to the rules as outlined in the participation agreement and to be respectful and curious during this multi-disciplinary collaboration to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities.  You are also committing to participating in person on October 3-5, 2025.

    Where will the SmartTech for Independence Hackathon be held?

    The SmartTech for Independence Hackathon will be held at Forbes Tower on the Oakland campus of the University of Pittsburgh 

    213 Meyran Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3303

    Travel and transportation: How can I get there? Where can I park if I drive? 

    By public transportation 

    Multiple transit buses discharge right by the event center including routes 4, 58, 61A, 61B, 61C, 61D, 67, and 69.

    Please leave ample time to travel to and from #Hack-cess, given the unpredictability of Pittsburgh weather, traffic, etc. 

    By car 

    Please note: Parking in Oakland can be difficult. There are some on-street parking spots in the surrounding blocks as well as a few pay to park parking lots including the Forbes Semple Garage next door.

    By rideshare service 

    For UBER or other rideshare service, please use 213 Meyran Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3303 as the destination. 

    Where do we sleep?

    Participants will sleep in their own lodging and will not stay overnight at the venue. 

    Will food and beverages be provided? 

    Yes, breakfast and lunch (with vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and nut-free options available) and beverages will be provided. You are also welcome to bring your own food and beverages.  Please let us know of any specific dietary restrictions when you register! 

    What is the code of conduct?  

    The code of conduct is based on the code used by Major League Hackers and the Pitt Challenge.   The code is outlined in the  participation agreement. 

    How should I report an issue if one arises?  

    For general questions (e.g., logistics) prior to the event, email Robert Peckyno.   
    During the event, seek out any Hack-cess staff. 

    Can I livestream or publicly share how our teams are building our project?  

    The Hackathon will not be livestreamed in order to facilitate effective collaboration and communication among participants in the venue and protect your ideas and intellectual property.  However, we welcome all participants to share their #Hack-cess participation, photographs, and progress on their own social media accounts, before, during and after the event, using the hashtag #........?

    How will projects be judged? 

    Project will be judged by these criteria: 

    • Validation that the customer will be willing to pay.  If the customer/user is not the payer, who would be the potential payer? 
    • Clear description of the profile of the target customer  
    • Understanding of prospective customer 
    • How effective is the deployment plan? 
    • Deployment plan 
    • How much does the prototype resonate with the disability community / communities that provided the innovation challenge? 
    • Meeting community needs 
    • How creatively and effectively does the prototype solve the innovation challenge 
    • Innovation and effectiveness 

    We strongly suggest working through the Technology Transfer readiness sheet created by the Pitt IMPACT Center.

    In addition to submitting your code, each team must make a live presentation about your awesome project on Sunday October 5th!

    This presentation should at the very least have the following slides:

    Team members
    Problem statement
    Solution proposal
    Demonstration of solution

     

    The team presentation should be under 5 minutes with an emphasis on the problem statement, solution proposal, and demo.  Each team member should introduce themselves (Name and Major please) on camera during the presentation, but it is fine if you choose to have one person present the project.  

    Who owns the intellectual property of my solution?  

    Please see Participation Agreement, 2. Ownership of Entries for details.  As is typical in many Hackathons, both parties have the non-exclusive right to develop.

    Can I use this project in my student/work portfolio? 

    Yes, and we encourage you to share this context, alongside your project description, in your social posts, etc.: 

    Last, First. "Project Name."  Created at the SmartTech for Independence Hackathon, October 2024, hosted by the Wireless Technology Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center and the School of Rehabilitation Science and Technology at the University of Pittsburgh.