The Inclusive App Accelerator proudly announced the selection of three impactful projects as winners of its’ inaugural AppXcelerate Project. This project is a five-year annual initiative dedicated to empowering Persons with Disabilities by supporting innovative and impactful mobile accessible application development. AdaptX, Envision, and the Rocky Mountain ADA Center were chosen for their visionary app concepts, each poised to significantly enhance independence, access, and quality of life for the disability community.
The AppXcelerate program is administered through the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and is designed to identify and support groundbreaking app solutions. The call received numerous submissions showcasing a strong commitment to inclusive technology. The three winning projects stood out for their strong teams and innovative approaches to addressing critical unmet needs:
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AdaptX was selected for its aXis app, a pioneering platform aimed at connecting individuals with disabilities to accessible fitness opportunities. AdaptX already offers a comprehensive curriculum for health and fitness professionals on inclusion, accessibility, and adaptive fitness. This app will go further to facilitate direct connections between adaptive athletes and vetted inclusive fitness professionals, adaptive sports organizations, and support athletes (individuals who can accompany adaptive athletes during training sessions, fitness classes, and competition) directly addressing several current barriers to physical activity and promoting health and well-being for the disability community. More information about AdaptX can be found at https://adaptx.org.
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The Rocky Mountain ADA Center will develop a gamified educational application designed to teach the fundamentals of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This innovative app will leverage their impressive existing online course catalog to transform complex legal information into a gamified, engaging, user-friendly format. Bringing the ADA to life will empower individuals with disabilities to better understand, and advocate for, their rights. Learn more about the Rocky Mountain ADA Center at https://rockymountainada.org.
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Envision, already a major player in accessibility development, will work with the IAA to advance and validate its' Ally conversational AI-powered assistant. This groundbreaking app is designed to provide real-time, intent-aware, and contextually relevant assistance for individuals who are blind, have low vision, or cognitive impairments. Ally aims to overcome the limitations of existing tools by offering seamless access to visual and textual information coupled with proactive task execution. Discover more about Envision at https://www.letsenvision.com/.
Dr. Dan Ding, Director of the Inclusive App Accelerator, commented, "We are excited to announce our first cohort of AppXcelerate winners. Each of these organizations brings a unique and vital solution that aligns perfectly with our mission to break down barriers through technology. Their teams and projects represent the very best in accessible innovation, promising to make a tangible difference in the lives of Persons with Disabilities by fostering greater independence, awareness, and participation."
The Inclusive App Accelerator is committed to funding and guiding the development of apps that integrate user-centered design and accessibility-first principles. This strategic investment in these three projects underscores the Accelerator's dedication to creating a more inclusive digital landscape. Watch https://InclusiveApps.com for information about the 2026 call for applications!