http://finance.individual.com/display_news.asp?doc_id=CT2001247p9663&page=news
September 4, 2001 1:01pm
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Sep 4, 2001 /PRNewswire
via COMTEX/ -- The nine finalists in the first annual da Vinci Accessibility
Awards developed by ESD The Engineering Society (ESD) and the National
Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) Michigan Chapter, Inc. were announced
today.
Finalists were selected from nominations
in five categories. Winners will be honored Sept. 28 at a program called
Dinner with da Vinci at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn.
The nine 2001 finalists by category
are:
* Assistive Technology: IBM Home
Page Reader.
* Facilities: Donald and Susan Miles
Home.
* Information Technology: iCan.Com.
* Materials: Cool Things Fabric.
* Personal Mobility: Amigo Excite,
Hurri-Cane Crutch, and Michigan State University's Shaw Lane Crossings.
* Vehicular Mobility: GM Mobility
Center, and Saturn Corporation Three- door-coupe
Winners will be announced Sept. 7.
ESD and NMSS joined forces in this
venture to increase awareness and understanding of the challenges facing
people regardless of their physical ability.
The program was named after da Vinci
because of his efforts to broaden humanity's horizons, which changed the
way people, saw the world. The da Vinci awards are designed to honor the
individuals and companies continuing his work through accessibility design
innovations that have improved accessibility and empowered people, regardless
of their physical ability and to showcase these efforts.
Proceeds from Dinner with da Vinci
will support the efforts of ESD and the NMSS to ensure an accessible environment
for all individuals regardless of their physical ability through education
services and research.
"In a very real sense, the da Vinci
Accessibility Awards will honor the men and women who continue da Vinci's
work. Through their efforts in innovation and accessibility design, they
continue to broaden our horizons to help all of us, regardless of physical
ability -- see and experience the world around us in exciting new ways,"
said G. Richard Wagoner, Jr., General Motors President and CEO, Chairman
of the Leadership Committee for the program. A Steering Committee of volunteers
from both ESD and the MS Society has spearheaded the program under the
Leadership Committee.
The first annual Dinner with da Vinci
and awards program is sponsored by General Motors. The collaborative venture
of two seemingly unrelated non- profit organizations is a unique partnership
to bring awareness to the general public of the challenges individuals
with physical disabilities face in their daily lives.
SOURCE:
ESD The Engineering Society
Copyright (C) 2001 PR Newswire
Source: PR Newswire
CONTACT:
Lee Sechler of ESD The Engineering Society, +1-248-355-2910
URL:
HTTP://WWW.ESD.ORG