RMIT students provide innovative solutions for workplace inequality

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Tiếng Việt

RMIT students provide innovative solutions for workplace inequality

A group of RMIT students have proposed using innovative technology and prototypes to significantly increase access to employment for people with a physical disability.

The proposal was formed as part of the inaugural Accessibility Design Competition, an event organised by RMIT University to demonstrate one of the University’s core values of inclusion.

With the aim to ‘see the ability, not the disability’, the event celebrated capabilities and potentials, and workplace accessibility to make career success possible for all.

For one month, the Accessibility Design Competition attracted a diverse group of more than 100 students, consultants and industry partners who were committed to helping create a collaborative and supportive work environment in Vietnam, free of the stigma and discrimination prevalent in society.

The passion and enthusiasm displayed at the event received a great amount of attention and interest from non-profit organisations, associations, and industry partners, and spread the message of workplace inclusion into the community.

The competition’s winning group, including RMIT students Utkarsh Sarbahi, Huy Luong and Dushan Puhuwellage (team Eccentrics) collaborated with Schaeffler Group Vietnam to create a wireless sensor device and speech recognition mechanism for people with a physical disability.

“The journey is not over yet though. We have been contacted by several judges and mentors who are experts in the industry, to offer their support to continue this project,” said Dushan.

The first runner up, team Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo were recognised for their idea to develop software that translated music from Braille for visually impaired musicians, while the second runner-up created a concept around developing sign translation software and a web portal.

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Bachelor of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering student and an Eccentrics team member Dushan Puhulwellage.

The students were supported and mentored by 21 industry partners including Navigos, INTEL, Schneider Electric, Sanofi, Enablecode, Schaeffler, Saitex International Dong Nai and five consultants from UNDP and international non-profit organisations like the Center for Disability and Development Vietnam DRD and Habitat for Humanity, to help bridge the gap between disability and employment, and promote workplace inclusion.

Australian Consul General Julianne Cowley joined the competition’s judging panel and was impressed by the creative designs and motivation.

“The event showcased the best of Australian education and innovation where diverse teams came together and delivered creative solutions displaying Vietnam’s entrepreneurial spirit,” said Ms Cowley.

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Australian Consul General Julianne Cowley addressed the audience at the Accessibility Design Competition final.

The connection between industry and student learning is an important part of education at RMIT, to give students invaluable insights and an exposure to a real working environment.

Story: Ananya Mangwani and Nguyen Dieu Huong

Campus and community

Media Release

20 January 2021