Last weekend, Trinity College Dublin witnessed an inspiring blend of innovation, collaboration, and inclusion as the DU Neurodiversity Society (DUNeS) hosted its inaugural Assistive Tech Hackathon. Held over 36 hours in An Mheitheal, Printing House Square, the event highlighted the creativity and determination of students working to design solutions that address the needs of individuals with disabilities.
The Hackathon was spearheaded by DUNeS Treasurer Chris Doecke, a Mechanical Engineering student under the guidance of Prof Gar Bennett. Chris, alongside the society’s committee—including Postgraduate Representative Faolán Doecke-Launders and Secretary Kyara McWilliam—played a pivotal role in bringing this ambitious event to life. The initiative was made possible with €650 funding from Trinity's Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Fund 2024, facilitated by Joel McKeever.
A Weekend of Creativity and Inclusion
Participants, comprising eight groups and individuals, worked tirelessly on their projects, leveraging empathy and creativity to develop assistive technologies with the potential to make a real-world impact. Although participants could not work overnight in the venue, their dedication carried through as they continued their efforts at home, ensuring the Hackathon's spirit remained unbroken.
Award Winners
The event concluded on Sunday with a judging session from 4 pm to 6 pm, where three awards were presented:
- Best Idea: FlickerFilter by
- Ash Muldoon, Trinity College Dublin, Physics
- Best Implementation: NoteHub by:
- Jack Casey, University of Limerick, Software Development
- Ushen Wijayaratne, University of Limerick, Software Engineering
- Somto Onwubuilo, Trinity College Dublin, Computer Science
- Ayomide Kukoyi, Trinity College Dublin
- Best Product Design: Sense Defence by:
- Rowan Turner, Trinity College Dublin, Computer & Electronic Engineering
Each winner received a €50 One4All voucher, a small token of recognition for their outstanding contributions.
Expert Guidance and Judging
The Hackathon benefited from the expertise and guidance of Prof Gar Bennett, who acted as an advisor to the committee and helped secure additional judges for the event. Joining Prof Bennett on the judging panel were:
- Janice Valentine, Founder of Hack Access Dublin and Your Story by Design
- Eithne Walsh, Head of Communication & Advocacy for Féach
Prof Bennett shared his admiration for the participants, stating,
“I was so impressed with what the students were able to achieve in such a short space of time. They empathised with the users, and each solution has the potential to satisfy a real need and provide an immediate benefit.”
Acknowledging the Team Behind the Vision
The success of the DUNeS Assistive Tech Hackathon was a testament to the collaborative efforts of the entire DUNeS committee. Special thanks go to Chris Doecke, whose leadership as Treasurer helped bring the event to fruition, as well as to Faolán Doecke-Launders and Kyara McWilliam, who worked tirelessly to ensure the event’s smooth execution. Together with their advisor, Prof Gar Bennett, the team crafted an experience that not only showcased the ingenuity of Trinity’s students but also promoted deeper engagement with the principles of universal design and assistive technology.
The Hackathon aimed to raise awareness about the importance of accessibility in everyday life and to challenge participants to approach mundane tasks from the perspective of a diverse range of individuals. By fostering this awareness, the event encouraged students to consider how inclusive design can be integrated into all facets of life, making a meaningful impact for people with varying needs. The committee’s collective dedication created an environment where innovation and empathy could thrive, leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved.