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PR Newswire

GameU Advances Inclusivity in Video Game Design with Autism In Entertainment Workgroup

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GameU signs educational partnership with not-for-profit, Autism in Entertainment, highlighting career pathways in coding for the neurologically diverse

FLEMINGTON, N.J. and IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — GameU – the provider of premium online coding courses, with a social mission to promote inclusivity in video game design – has signed an educational partnership with California-based not-for-profit initiative, the Autism in Entertainment Workgroup.

Under the terms of the agreement with Orange County Asperger’s Support Group (OCASG), the governing body of Autism in Entertainment (AIE), GameU will both sponsor AIE programs as well as run a series of complimentary game design webinars for AIE members. Delivered by working professionals in the computer game industry, the GameU webinars will teach basics in game design, highlight the strong links between coding proficiency and autism, and provide pathways for future learning.

The first of those webinars, From Consumer to Creator: Becoming a Video Game Developer, will take place Thursday 21st November 2024, 3pm EST.

Register for the first GameU – AIE webinar here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwocOippzItHNTD1hlNZcsFtf4V6mwWC26E#/registration 

“GameU is focused on equipping students, including those with special needs, with the skills to thrive in today’s and tomorrow’s digital economy,” said GameU President and CEO, Mike Kawas. “AIE’s belief that individuals on the autism spectrum can forge strong careers in entertainment-related fields, including game design, means our missions are well-aligned.

“We’re excited to work alongside AIE to help build career pathways in STEM-based fields for those in our community with high-functioning autism, including game design, coding and 3D modeling.”

OCASG President and Chair of the Autism In Entertainment Workgroup, Judi Uttal, said “Connecting AIE talent with industry-grade learning opportunities is an important aspect of enhancing employment prospects for neurodivergent individuals. We are thrilled to have GameU as our newest educational partner.

“Working hand-in-glove with an autism-friendly game design course provider, like GameU, enables AIE to better-help its members acquire skills and industry connections that pave the way to employment,” said Uttal. “The AIE – GameU Education Partnership is an example of tangible benefits that help drive inclusivity and diversity in the entertainment sector.”

For a free trial, of any one of GameU’s 1-to-1 All Abilities classes, sign-up here:
game-u.com/pages/free-trial-abilities

Register for the first GameU – AIE webinar here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwocOippzItHNTD1hlNZcsFtf4V6mwWC26E#/registration 

About GameU

GameU is a leading provider of premium online video game design courses, which teach students the skills they need to succeed in the video game industry. With curriculums crafted and taught by education experts and professional game developers, GameU virtually delivers a wide range of programs across three main avenues:

  • All Abilities: Private one-to-one classes, tailored to each students’ needs, including neurologically diverse individuals
  • For schools and districts: Built for specifically for K-12 school environments, GameU’s Hybrid+ Program transform students’ love of gaming into valuable STEAM skills with a blend of live instruction, on-demand learning and 1-to-1 training for in-classroom educators
  • On-demand: Access to recorded classes, curriculum and game design software via Orbit, GameU’s Self-Guided Learning Platform

GameU provides a comprehensive learning experience that includes both live instruction and self-paced study. GameU is dedicated to empowering students and educators alike, helping them stay ahead of industry trends, to prepare them for the future of game development.

For more information, visit game-u.com

To keep up-to-date with GameU classes, programs, events and more, follow GameU on social media: LinkedIn (GameU), Facebook (@GameUSchool), YouTube (@Gameunj), Instagram (@gameuschool), TikTok (@gameuschool_), X (@GameUSchool)

For regular news and thought leadership regarding video game design, video game coding and more, subscribe to GameU’s blog here: www.game-u.com/pages/contact-us

About Autism in Entertainment

Autism in Entertainment (AIE) is the result of a strategic collaboration between the non-profit Orange County Asperger’s Support Group (OCASG), disability-focused staffing and consulting firm Zavikon, and generous grant funding from the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS). AIE seeks to connect entertainment top brass with work-ready job candidates who are on the spectrum. Established in May 2022, the Autism In Entertainment Workgroup includes educators, professionals, and family members who believe that individuals on the autism spectrum can contribute in entertainment-related fields, including film, television, social media, and game design. The goal of AIE is to drive employment efforts in entertainment-related careers.

For more information, visit autisminentertainment.org

About Orange County Asperger’s Support Group (OCASG)

The Orange County Asperger’s Support Group (OCASG) is the proud parent organization of Autism in Entertainment (AIE). OCASG is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for autistic teens, adults, and their families in the community. We achieve this through providing support, organizing social activities, and education. Our goal is to empower the autism community by creating a safe and welcoming environment where individuals and families can connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges. We believe that through support and education, individuals with autism can achieve their full potential and become valued members of the community. For more information, visit www.ocaspergers.org or contact ocasupport@gmail.com

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PR Newswire

Kangsters Unveils Revolutionary Treadmills at Rollettes Experience 2024: Celebrating Innovation and Empowerment

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LOS ANGELES, July 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Kangsters, the pioneering South Korean adaptive tech startup, proudly announces its participation in the Rollettes Experience 2024. This renowned event, now celebrating its 11th anniversary, will be held from July 11-14 at the Sheraton Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. Known as the world’s largest event for women and girls with disabilities, the Rollettes Experience has a profound impact nationwide and stands as a beacon of empowerment and independence.

Kangsters' Wheely-X, an innovative cardio trainer designed for wheelchair users
Kangsters’ Wheely-X, an innovative cardio trainer designed for wheelchair users

This year, the Rollettes Experience will offer a dynamic array of activities, including vibrant dance classes led by renowned choreographers like Chelsie Hill, and insightful panels on health, wellness, and business. Kangsters joins this inspiring event, championing inclusivity, community, and forward-thinking solutions. Amidst the vibrant atmosphere, Kangsters will showcase its groundbreaking innovations, including the Wheely-X treadmill designed specifically for wheelchair users.

“At Kangsters, we are driven by a passion for inclusivity and accessibility,” remarked Tyrion Kim, CEO and Co-founder. “The Rollettes Experience 2024 embodies everything we stand for: innovation that empowers individuals with disabilities to lead active, fulfilling lives.”

Visitors to the Kangsters booth at Rollettes Experience 2024 can look forward to an immersive experience with cutting-edge technology. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact firsthand with Kangsters’ XR-based indoor cardio trainers, designed for wheelchair users to compete and train with friends in an exhilarating environment, and witness the revolution in accessible fitness.

For more information about Kangsters and its pioneering products, please visit [www.wheely-x.com](http://www.wheely-x.com).

PR Newswire

“Kangsters”, A South Korean Able-Tech Startup, Selected for Acceleration Program by Praxis Labs

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DOVER, Del., Aug. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The landscape of innovation is set to witness a groundbreaking moment as Kangsters Inc., a pioneering able-tech startup hailing from South Korea, has been handpicked to participate in the 2023 Praxis redemptive acceleration program. This achievement positions Kangsters as the first-ever Korean startup to secure investment from the esteemed Praxis Fund, propelling its smart wheelchair treadmill called Wheely-X on a global scale.

Praxis Labs is renowned for its forward-thinking entrepreneurs, visionary investors, and industry leaders committed to fostering cross-border collaborations; and propelling revolutionary ventures that address global challenges.

Kangsters, a member company of Born2Global Centre, has emerged as a trailblazer in the able-tech industry, driven by a passionate team committed to reshaping the way we perceive and interact with technology, particularly in the field of able-tech. Its groundbreaking innovation, Wheely-X, is an advanced smart wheelchair treadmill that empowers individuals with mobility impairments to enhance their physical fitness and overall well-being.

The selection of Kangsters for the 2023 Praxis Labs offers a golden opportunity for the startup to network with influential entrepreneurs and investors from around the world. This prominent platform will enable Kangsters to showcase the Wheely-X and foster potential partnerships that could accelerate their global expansion.

Tyrion K. Kim, the founder and CEO of Kangsters said “this recognition is a testament to our team’s unwavering dedication to developing transformative solutions that positively impact the lives of millions of people worldwide. We firmly believe that this opportunity will not only enable us to scale our business but also foster greater inclusivity in society.”

As Kangsters embarks on this remarkable journey, the company carries the aspirations of not only its dedicated team and supporters but also the hopes of the entire able-tech industry. This milestone achievement is set to inspire other Korean startups to pursue their innovative ideas and impact the world on a global scale, further solidifying Korea’s position as a hub for groundbreaking technology and entrepreneurship.

PR Newswire

World Stroke Organization Tackle Gaps in Access to Quality Stroke Care

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GENEVA, Switzerland, Oct. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — On World Stroke Day (29th Oct), the World Stroke Organization has announced the launch of a new program that aims to drive access to quality acute stroke care and save lives around the world.

What happens in the minutes after someone has a #stroke? They start to lose crucial brain tissue that contains memories, language and personality. Knowing the symptoms and acting FAST can save that person’s life.Learn the signs, Say it’s a stroke. Save #Precioustime
What happens in the minutes after someone has a #stroke? They start to lose crucial brain tissue that contains memories, language and personality. Knowing the symptoms and acting FAST can save that person’s life.Learn the signs, Say it’s a stroke. Save #Precioustime

The WSO Stroke Certification initiative is a strategic response to the results of a WHO-WSO survey which found that less than half (49%) of countries could provide comprehensive evidence-based acute stroke care. The survey also identified a huge gap in provision of care between high- and low- and middle-income countries. While 91% of high-income countries were able to provide access to specialist stroke unit care, the number was just 8% in low-income countries. 

Two of the fundamental markers of quality acute stroke care are the provision of thrombolysis (the removal of blood clots using intravenous medication) and thrombectomy (the removal of blood clots by keyhole surgery). Research published by WSO found global rates of access to these treatments stand at 46% and 30% respectively.

‘One in four of us will have a stroke in our lifetime, yet the majority of people globally lack access to effective treatment and stroke center care. On top of this, a lack of effective global prevention strategies has led us to a place where stroke is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability worldwide, with a soaring human and economic cost,’ said WSO President Professor Marc Fisher. Incoming WSO President and leading Brazilian neurologist, Professor Sheila Martins added: ‘We have the knowledge and tools that could save millions of lives and hundreds of millions of dollars. Delivering quality stroke care is not just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do.’

WSO’s Global Stroke Guidelines and Action Plan aim to help institutions and governments implement evidence-based criteria and standards for care developed by WSO. Initially targeting hospitals in middle-income countries, the program will be launched on Nov 1st with the primary aim of growing the global network of accredited stroke care providers.

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. On World Stroke Day the public, health care professionals, stroke survivors, politicians and industry leaders will come together to raise awareness of stroke symptoms and the importance of timely treatment.  

The public can follow the campaign on social media using #Precioustime and help raise awareness by sharing a clock selfie or participating in the strokespotter.org online game challenge.

Notes to Editors

I. The World Stroke Organization is the only global body solely focused on stroke. With around 3000 individual and 100 society members, spanning every global region, we represent over 55,000 stroke specialists in clinical research and support services. WSO is in official relations with WHO and has UN consultative status.
II. The WSO Stroke Certification program builds on the WSO-SIEVC Certification program in Latin America and the Caribbean https://www.world-stroke.org/news-and-blog/news/wso-siecv-certification-of-stroke-centers-in-latin-america-and-caribbean
III. State of stroke services across the globe https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/17474930211019568 
IV. WSO Global Stoke Factsheet https://www.world-stroke.org/publications-and-resources/resources/global-stroke-fact-sheet 
V. World Stroke Day website www.worldstrokecampaign.org

Contacts:

Anita Wiseman,
Campaign & Partnerships Manager, WSO
campaign@world-stroke.org
+447940029444

Knowing the symptoms and signs of a #stroke and acting #FAST can save a person’s life and all the things that make them unique.Learn the signs, Say it’s a stroke. Save #Precioustime
Knowing the symptoms and signs of a #stroke and acting #FAST can save a person’s life and all the things that make them unique.Learn the signs, Say it’s a stroke. Save #Precioustime
PR Newswire

MINUTE MEDIA AND SPECIAL OLYMPICS ANNOUNCE FORMAL PARTNERSHIP

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Minute Media kickstarted a multi-year partnership with Special Olympics at their 2022 USA Games with the goal of amplifying the importance of inclusivity in sports through community work and content creation

NEW YORK, Aug. 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Expanding on their prioritization of diversity and inclusion, leading global technology company Minute Media and its sports entertainment network, FanSided are proud to partner with Special Olympics International to help end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities and further inclusivity in sports. This global partnership exemplifies the power of authentic storytelling and will leverage Minute Media’s editorial platforms to raise awareness and share the inspiring stories of people with intellectual disabilities.

The FanSided Team volunteered at Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, FL in June 2022.
The FanSided Team volunteered at Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, FL in June 2022.

“For the last two years, FanSided has been intimately involved in helping Special Olympics bring awareness to the incredible sports programming they offer globally through dedicated editorial coverage,” said Zach Best, Co-Founder & General Manager of FanSided. “As we look to the future, we know there are so many more meaningful stories we can tell our readers and are thrilled that this partnership will give us the opportunity to be a champion for inclusion across our passionate fan communities.”

As one of the fastest growing platforms of sports and lifestyle digital properties, with more than 300 destinations focused on specific fandoms, including professional sports, college sports, lifestyle, entertainment and more, FanSided’s mission is to tell stories that have a positive impact on communities. This mission is highlighted throughout their “Why We Play” editorial series, which features Special Olympics and demonstrates the powerful impact and awareness of inclusive storytelling.

This multi-year partnership between Minute Media and Special Olympics International kicked off in Orlando, FL last month at Special Olympics 2022 USA Games where, as part of their annual company offsite, nearly 100 Minute Media and FanSided employees from around the world volunteered their time in-person at a variety of different Special Olympics events. With this partnership, FanSided and Minute Media hope to reimagine what the intersection of inclusive content between fans and industries looks like, as they prioritize creating communities that celebrate uniqueness. In its continued effort to amplify this storytelling and employee involvement globally, Minute Media will expand this partnership across their other platforms such as Mental Floss, by spreading awareness about Special Olympics. Additionally, Minute Media plans to continue supporting Special Olympics through digital and social content, media placements and employee participation in other international markets where both organizations have a presence.

“At Minute Media we know it is our responsibility to use our editorial voice and platforms to create the change we’d like to see in the world. Storytelling is our toolbox and it’s been an honor to help tell the inspiring stories of Special Olympics athletes. We look forward to expanding our partnership with Special Olympics within new markets and across new platforms,” said Asaf Peled, Founder and CEO of Minute Media.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIwJ4Fd7iLU

“I’m thrilled to welcome Minute Media and FanSided as partners in advocating for inclusion and building positive attitudes about athletes with intellectual disabilities through their dedication to inclusive programming worldwide,” said Mary Davis, Special Olympics CEO. “On behalf of the Special Olympics global family I want to thank Asaf Peled and his amazing team for their continued support and dedication to embracing a truly unified approach in storytelling. Their commitment to transforming the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through the stories they have told and will continue to tell is testament to their principles and ethos as an organization.”  

About Minute Media:
Minute Media is a leading technology and digital content company. Our proprietary video and multimedia publishing platform, Voltax, powers the creation, distribution, consumption and monetization of third party publishers and advertisers as well as our own sports and culture content brands, including The Players’ Tribune, FanSided, 90min, DBLTAP, Mental Floss and The Big Lead. As of September 2021, the company is ranked as a top three property within U.S. sports video unique viewership and U.S. sports reach according to Comscore. For more information, visit www.MinuteMedia.com.

About FanSided:
FanSided, the ultimate home of fans, is a network of 300+ localized sites custom-tailored to serve countless sports and entertainment fandoms. Our sites and their writers are the most knowledgeable and dedicated voices of the fandoms to which they belong, allowing us to transform their passions into meaningful content. FanSided is owned and operated by Minute Media, whose other destinations include The Players’ Tribune, 90min, DBLTAP, The Big Lead, and Mental Floss.

About Special Olympics:
Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is a global movement to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. We foster acceptance of all people through the power of sport and programming in education, health and leadership. With more than six million athletes and Special Olympics Unified Sports® partners in over 190 countries and territories and more than one million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers more than 30 Olympic-type sports and over 100,000 Games and competitions every year.

Engage with us on: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and our blog on Medium. Learn more at www.SpecialOlympics.org.

Special Olympics athletes compete at Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, FL in June 2022.
Special Olympics athletes compete at Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, FL in June 2022.
PR Newswire

Dot Inc. Announces the World’s First Tactile Braille Display, Compatible with iPhone and iPad

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  • New Dot Pad display from Dot Inc. helps blind/low-vision users feel tactile images in real-time
  • It will be showcased at the CSUN’s Assistive Technology Conference in March 2022
  • Dot Pad is now available to developer communities and early adopters on Dot’s official website

SEOUL, South Korea, March 11, 2022 — Today, Dot Inc. introduced Dot Pad, the world’s first tactile braille display for developer communities and early adopters. Dot Pad is compatible with iPhone and iPad, along with Apple’s built-in screen reader, VoiceOver. Dot’s new device offers blind/low-vision users a refreshable tactile display with the option to touch whatever is displayed on the screen, bringing the community one step closer to digital equality.

DotPad Tactile display 1
DotPad Tactile display 1

The task of creating a viable and refreshable tactile display for blind/low-vision users has posed one of the greatest challenges for developers in this industry for years. Traditionally, tactile displays only had one line, and were primarily connected with computers and phones to translate written text to Braille. However, they always lacked the technical capability to display graphical elements such as images, maps, and UI, ultimately limiting the experience. Dot Inc. aimed at and succeeded in creating the tactile display that pushes through the boundaries and expands the possibilities of digital accessibility.

Dot Pad helps blind/low-vision users render images and text from iPhone or iPad to the tactile display instantaneously. Dot Pad is compatible with devices running iOS 15.2 or later, or iPadOS 15.2 or later. VoiceOver support for tactile representations of images and graphics builds on Apple’s long history of creating and supporting accessible technology.

"Many blind/low-vision users around the world rely on iPhone and iPad, due to the industry-leading screen-reader VoiceOver," said Dot Inc. co-founder Eric Ju Yoon Kim. "We are very excited that Dot’s tactile technology is now optimized for VoiceOver, and that this will expand digital accessibility. Beyond speech or literary braille, these users can now feel and improve their understanding of images."

A new tactile graphic API was made available to iOS developers around the globe starting with iOS 15.2. Using this new API, developers and creators can supplement existing apps with tactile content as well as create new apps to utilize the full set of Dot Pad features.

"My wish is that many global developers within Apple’s ecosystem can use this API to develop games, entertainment, and educational apps compatible with our tactile display," said Ki Kwang Sung, co-founder at Dot Inc. "There is a growing opportunity for blind/low-vision users to connect through visual games and educational tools."

Dot Pad is now available to developer communities and early adopters on Dot’s official website.

Dot Inc. is providing technology support for an expanded Dynamic Tactile Device project with the American Printing House for the Blind and HumanWare slated to be launched in 2023. Learnings from the Dot Pad developer community will contribute to that project, which is considered to be the industry’s most ambitious effort in braille and tactile technology to date.

DotPad Tactile Display 2
DotPad Tactile Display 2

PR Newswire

CGTN: Beijing Winter Paralympic Games reflect more than just sports

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BEIJING, March 3, 2022 — Promoting sports for persons with disabilities has become an integral part of China’s drive to help the country’s disabled. Hosting the 2022 Winter Paralympic Games will create more opportunities for persons with disabilities and enable them to realize their dreams, says Zhang Haidi, chairwoman of the China Disabled Persons’ Federation and head of the Beijing Winter Paralympics Chinese delegation, in her exclusive article for Decision Makers. Decision Makers is CGTN’s global platform for influential leaders to share their insights on events shaping today’s world.

Beijing Winter Paralympic Games reflect more than just sports
Beijing Winter Paralympic Games reflect more than just sports

Zhang was an important member of Beijing’s Bid Delegation for the 2022 Olympics and Paralympics Games. According to her, the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games greatly helped promote the development of the work on disability in China. Since 2016 we have witnessed the continuous progress of China’s winter parasports, with the number of athletes increasing from less than 50 to over 1,000, covering all major events of the Winter Games.

To embrace the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Games, Zhang says that China has made full preparations, ranging from setting up a competitive winter Paralympic team to building the National Ice Sports Arena for People with Disabilities and many other new accessibility facilities.

As the host country for the 2022 Paralympic Games, China is determined to promote the development of the work on disability, improve the overall level of parasports, and encourage more people with disabilities to engage in sports. It’s worth mentioning that China was amongst the earliest countries that called for developing a UN convention to safeguard the rights and interests of persons with disabilities, and was among the first groups of countries to sign the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Meanwhile, active efforts have been made in promoting the inclusion of disability issues into the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

In short, Zhang says that the Paralympic Games play an important role in protecting the rights and interests of people with disabilities, improving their living conditions and raising social awareness. The success of the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games paved the way for the host of the 2022 Winter Paralympic Games to provide a stage for all people with disabilities to realize their dreams and present their perseverance, determination, and possibilities to the whole world.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2022-03-03/Beijing-Winter-Paralympic-Games-reflect-more-than-just-sports-184V8bTG5nq/index.html

PR Newswire

Dot Inc. Named Winner of the XTC Global Final, a Social Innovation Startup Competition

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Dot Inc. Highly recognized for its smart technology for the visually impaired at XTC Global Final, a competition between 3,700 startups from 92 countries

SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 13, 2021 — Dot Inc., a social startup and certified B-corporation, was recently named the winner of TechCrunch’s Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC), "the world’s largest startup competition for entrepreneurs addressing the globe’s most serious challenges"—as per Forbes. Dot Inc., has been a member of the Born2Global Centre since 2020, and is a technology-based social venture that develops innovative solutions for people with disabilities, especially those who are visually impaired and mobility handicapped.

Dot Inc. -- XTC 2021 GLOBAL WINNER
Dot Inc. — XTC 2021 GLOBAL WINNER

XTC is an annually-held global competition between startups aimed at solving problems outlined in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year, over 3,700 startups from 92 countries participated in the fierce competition for good. Dot Inc. took first in the preliminaries in "Enabling Technology", one of the seven categories of the competition, before advancing to the finals. The company eventually was named "Overall Winners" of the entire competition, along with Hillridge Technology from Australia.

As consensus winners of XTC, Dot Inc. will receive direct guidance for global expansion from the internationally-acclaimed XTC judge panel. The XTC cohort includes: Jerry Yang, co-founder of Yahoo; Young Sohn, ex-CSO of Samsung Electronics and currently Chairman of the Board at Harman International; and Bill Tai of Charles River Ventures, an early investor of Zoom and other fast-growing startups.

Eric Ju Yoon Kim and Ki Kwang Sung, Dot Inc.’s founders, commented on the company’s win, saying, "As a startup built on people-driven innovation, it is an honor and a blessing to be highlighted through this competition where startups from around the world are all working together to achieve causeworthy goals. We hope to use this win as inspiration and as a springboard to help Dot’s accessible technology help people around the world live more fulfilled and independent lives."

Dot Inc. first shocked the world with their "Dot Watch," the world’s first Braille smartwatch, that found acclaim with global influencers like Stevie Wonder and Andrea Bocelli. Now, their impressive portfolio includes the "Dot Pad," a tactile pad aimed to help the visually impaired experience images through touch, and the "Dot Kiosk", barrier-free tech that includes a smart kiosk and an indoor navigation system for inclusive access to infrastructure for all people. All heights included, as the Kiosk boasts an auto-height adjustment function that uses camera sensors to raise and lower to the eye level of the user. They have stated that the Dot Kiosk system was designed so that Hellen Keller could access any part of the airport, museum, or building without any additional guidance.

It seems that the company’s vision has struck the right chord at the right time, especially in a post-pandemic world that begs for more accessibility innovation and contactless services. So far, the company has attracted over 13M USD in external investments and boasts over 120 technology patents through innovative research and development. In June of 2021, the company was selected in a government project, led by the U.S. Dept. of Education, to be the exclusive supplier of tactile educational pads for the entire nation. As a key partner of the project, Dot Inc. received and signed a contract worth 30M USD for the exclusive supply of Dot’s devices. Most recently, the company received international attention during a recent Korean presidential visit to Spain when President Moon Jae-in and First Lady Kim Jung-sook personally presented a Dot Watch to the ONCE Foundation, a national organization for the blind and visually-impaired in Spain.

Dot Inc.’s top priority and mission is to close the information gap for the visually impaired, and to help them live more fulfilling and independent lives. Through the advancement of enabling tech, they wish to bring in a paradigm of inclusivity in all corners of the world.

For more information about Dot Inc., visit https://www.dotincorp.com/.

Media Contact
Dot Inc.: ahrum@dotincorp.com (Korean), daniel@dotincorp.com (English)
Born2Global Centre: jlee@born2global.com

PR Newswire

Soul App Motivates Gen Z to Help People Suffering from Mental Disorders, Injecting Young Energy into Social Good

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SHANGHAI, March 5, 2021 — As a social networking platform that champions a genuine, diverse, and inclusive culture and stands for social good, Soul App has rolled out a series of events for the benefit of the public, especially the vulnerable, and continues to promote to its young users the values that everyone deserves respect and opportunities for personal development.

Truth be told, entrenched bias, and even stigma, lingers towards people with mental illnesses in everyday life and the workplace, considering the lack of science-based understanding of mental disorders. Ongoing public educational programs in China, which aim to narrow the information gap of mental health and call upon the general public to empathize with people suffering from mental health disorders, have imbued them with a sense of comfort and acceptance.

As part of its benevolent efforts, Soul App has lately hosted movie-watching activities featuring Pixar-produced Soul in 36 cities across China, and organized a special screening for nearly 100 children – who are living with mental health disorders including depression, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome – and their parents and friends. Not unlike Soul which is praised as "the movie with the biggest healing power of 2020", SOUL has spread love and respect to this special group of individuals, translating into reality the uplifting theme throughout the movie of "everyone has an admirable, unique soul".

On World Mental Health Day, SOUL also held an art-for-charity exhibition named "Special Doesn’t Mean Lonely" featuring paintings created by SOUL volunteers in collaboration with teenagers on the autism spectrum. Combining aesthetic beauty and the warmth of charity, these paintings on display shined a light on their personal worlds and extraordinary artistic talents that would have gone unnoticed.

The Art-for-charity Exhibition “Special Doesn’t Mean Lonely”
The Art-for-charity Exhibition “Special Doesn’t Mean Lonely”

On December 23rd, 2020, SOUL launched their own "Different Socks Day," a philanthropic event dedicated to raising public awareness for those with special needs, encouraging people to wear two mismatched socks and to post a photo of it on the app. The campaign was such a huge success that countless young users took part in various in-app activities, such as drawing what they like on a pair of white socks, with chances of winning prizes such as tailored socks and digital gifts.

“Different Socks Day”
“Different Socks Day”

By introducing different public projects, like "Different Socks Day" and the art-for-charity exhibition, the app has tried to weave the spirit of doing good into the lives of the younger generation, empowering the belief of "committing good deeds whenever possible" to work its way into the youths’ hearts, and inspiring them to play more active roles in charitable efforts.

There has been a younger presence in socially good endeavors in recent years, and Generation Z in particular is making a noticeable and positive impact. Serving as a stronger link between philanthropic activity and the younger generation, digital platforms are playing an ever bigger role in promoting social good –with people struggling with mental disorders in mind –in more creative ways. In other words, as a rising number of young people chip in, the Gen Z-dominated social media apps, like SOUL, will emerge as a major space where amazing charitable activities happen.

Related Links :

http://www.soulapp.me

PR Newswire

Organizer of “Global Innovation Challenge 2021” — Living Assistance Robot Award — Begins Accepting Entries on Sept. 1

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Determined to Help People with Leg Disabilities Realize Their Desire to Stand and Walk on Their Own

TOKYO, Sept. 2, 2020 — The Global Innovation Challenge Executive Committee has launched "Global Innovation Challenge 2021 — Living Assistance Robot Award" under the theme of ensuring living assistance for disabled people with the aim of achieving a society where people will not have to be conscious about disabilities.

(Logo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M106211/202008313660/_prw_PI1fl_hHEiIH91.jpg)

(Image: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M106211/202008313660/_prw_PI2fl_KN0vA3d4.jpg)

Global Innovation Challenge’s initiative

– Helping people with leg disabilities realize their desire to stand and walk on their own

There are growing numbers of people in the world who need living assistance because of advanced age, illnesses and injuries they suffered in accidents, among other factors. While both assistance providers and recipients are required to shoulder certain mental, physical and financial burdens, investors are not necessarily enthusiastic about investing in the development of robots for health and welfare because the market for this field is relatively small.

– Social structure that makes it difficult to achieve demand-supply balance for new options to help disabled people broaden the scope of their living

The improvement of public infrastructure and the promotion of barrier-free access now allow people with leg disabilities to lead their daily lives on their own to a greater extent if they have wheelchairs. Still, their activities are restricted in areas where such an environment has not been sufficiently developed. For example, if people with leg disabilities visit their friends’ homes that have not been made barrier-free like their own homes, their activities will be restrained. They can travel by using wheelchairs, receiving assistance from others and using support equipment to walk, but many of them desire to stand and walk on their own. Regardless of whether sufficient public infrastructure is in place and barrier-free access is available, the organizer of the initiative believes that robots that help people walk on their own will allow those with leg disabilities to enjoy freer daily lives in their own ways to a greater extent.

– Establishment of Living Assistance Robot Award

The Living Assistance Robot Award has been established to ensure that innovative robots which help people in wheelchair fully use their residual functions to walk on their own will be broadly in use all over the world. The award will support those engaged in research and development of such robots worldwide.

– Message from Tatsufumi Kamimura, chairman of the Global Innovation Challenge Executive Committee

"Science and technology have been advancing constantly. Smartphones have realized many things that were previously regarded just as dreams. Our daily lives and business activities are moving at an increasingly rapid pace and we live in a world where we can try new things. However, once people become physically disabled because of accidents or illnesses, they find it difficult to lead ordinary lives.

"We have established this award because we believe that we can create a world where people won’t have to be conscious about disabilities by applying evolving science and technology to the field of health and welfare and supporting engineers in this field.

"We would be glad if this award helps those engaged in research and development all over the world."

– Overview of Global Innovation Challenge – Living Assistance Robot Award

This award is given to organizations developing robots that help people with leg disabilities walk on their own. Specifically, the committee will commend organizations that have developed robots allowing people with leg disabilities to walk on their own and support their motions in various aspects of daily lives. Moreover, prize money will be awarded to such organizations to support their research and development.

Qualifications:
Organizations developing robots that help people whose lower limbs are paralyzed to walk on their own.

Criteria for selection:
The organizer will set up seven assumed scenes of daily life and judge whether robots entered in the contest can allow physically disabled people to walk on their own in each scene.

Sum of the prize money:
Achieving one of the given tasks / achieving some of the given tasks / achieving all the given tasks 1 million U.S. dollars (approximately 100 million yen) in total sum

Schedule:
Period of entries: from September 1, 2020, to February 28, 2021
Announcement of screening results: July 1, 2021
Award ceremony & demonstrations of prize-winning robots: September 5, 2021 (not fixed yet) at GIC Tsukuba Innovation Center
*All schedules in this press release are based on Japan Standard Time (JST, UTC+9).

Organizer: Global Innovation Challenge Executive Committee

Special sponsor: TKF Inc.
Sponsor: JTB Corp.
Collaborators: Tsukuba Municipal Government/Mizuho Bank, Ltd.
Supporter: Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Co., Ltd.

Official website: https://global-innovation-challenge.com/en

Detailed application guidelines can be downloaded from the following website:

https://global-innovation-challenge.com/en/2021/#guidelines

Concept video: https://global-innovation-challenge.com/en/#movie

Promotion video: https://global-innovation-challenge.com/en/2021/#movie

Official Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/Global-Innovation-Challenge-109304510495923