Hackcessible: Could you help shape the next generation of assistive technology?

Hackcessible 2026 is looking for disabled people who have a problem, challenge or everyday frustration that they think could be improved through engineering and design.

Hackcessible is a student-led assistive technology make-a-thon at the University of Sheffield. Over several months, student teams work alongside disabled people to understand their un-met needs and co-design a solution together.

💡 Your challenge could be anything from making an everyday task easier, improving accessibility, adapting an existing product, or creating something completely new. You don't need to have an engineering background or a fully formed idea — we're interested in hearing about the problems that matter to you.

As a challenger, you would work with a team of students throughout the project, sharing your experiences and feedback as the team develop and prototype their ideas.

📍 We're particularly interested in challengers based in Sheffield and the surrounding area, although we're also exploring opportunities to work with people further afield this year.

📅 Challenge proposal deadline: 21 August 2026

If you'd like to find out more or propose a challenge, please get in touch with Hackcessible by emailing hackcessible@sheffield.ac.uk or complete the challenge proposal form: https://forms.gle/v4j3zajJTtz5zG6Y9

You can also find more information on Hackcessible website: https://hackcessible.sheffield.ac.uk/

Please feel free to share this with anyone who you think might be interested!