University students propose solutions to promote diversity and inclusion

Tiếng Việt

University students propose solutions to promote diversity and inclusion

University students put in the effort to provide practical solutions and innovative technologies to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

A sign language translation device idea, initiated by a group of three students from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Science for those who are deaf or have hearing loss, won the first prize at the Accessibility Design Competition 2022 (ADC).

Organised by RMIT University, the nationwide competition creates the opportunity for young people to cultivate their inclusive mindset, gain problem-solving skills and learn about diverse ideas.

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Winning teams accepted their awards at the final pitching round of Accessibility Design Competition 2022 (ADC).

In two months, the competition attracted 74 innovative ideas and solutions to help promote inclusion and remove barriers for people with disabilities. Participants had a chance to access a range of workshops and mentoring sessions to nurture students’ skills from ideation to design/prototype.

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Team HDK’s sign language translation device idea won the first prize.

The winning team HDK has researched and developed the device with two main features including translating sign language to speech and displaying speech information from the other party.

Comparing the device with others on the market, Ho Khanh Duy team member said it can work well under any conditions and the accuracy of the device is up to 92%.

“Our solution makes use of the hand-tracking method from an infrared camera, which will be plugged into a smartphone,” Duy said. “We hope that this opens an easy way for people who use sign language to communicate directly with those who don’t".

The second and third prizes have gone to KINTSUGI and HTV3 teams respectively, who are students from RMIT Saigon South.

Team KINTSUGI proposed a customisable supporting application for independent notetaking called Accesstant while HTV3’s solution was to develop a talent development program to improve the income for those who suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

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Team KINTSUGI’s independent notetaking application won the second prize.

Team KINTSUGI’s initiative has now been put into action by Sofitel Saigon Plaza, the sponsor of the competition.

The final pitching ground was accessed by local and international judges who are from leading international companies and non-governmental organisation.

Ms Vu Thi Quyen, Co-founder and General Director of We-Edit Vietnam, an accessible working environment providing equal employment opportunities to young people with disabilities, showed her appreciation to all participants for their constructive solutions, excellent presentation and their hard work.

RMIT Manager, Employment & Industry Relations, and the competition founder Melvin Fernando praised the practical ideas proposed by all teams.

“All participating ideas addressed one of the four barriers to employment for people with disabilities including attitudinal barriers, architectural/industrial barriers, technological/communication barriers, and virtual learning and education,” Mr Fernando said.

“ADC’s ultimate goal is promoting the spirit of inclusivity for all of us at the workplace and one that promotes innovative equal employment opportunities.”

The ADC is organised by RMIT Careers, Alumni & Industry Relations in partnership with Saigon Innovation Hub, RMIT Wellbeing & RMIT Human Development Club to provide a platform for students at RMIT University Vietnam and other universities in Vietnam to apply their practical business and design knowledge to real life social issues.

Story: Thuy Le

Communication and design

Science and technology

Campus and community

06 July 2022