More than 100 students in the Frisch engineering department learned how technology can greatly improve the lives of people with disabilities as they listened last week to one of the leaders of Beit Issie Shapiro, an Israeli-based organization. Benjy Maor, international head of education and development, told the students how BIS works with technology companies such as Google to help people with limited cognitive or physical abilities be able to function independently. Mr. Maor was in New York to present at the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for National Down’s Syndrome Day.

Mr. Maor showed the Frisch students one of the latest developments: a hands-free phone that can be operated by head movements. This allows people who have limited or no use of their hands, including people with spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis, to use their phones independently. He also showed students a variety of different apps for the iPad that BIS has developed to help people communicate with signs and symbols rather than words.

Students reported that the BIS talk was one of the best they’ve ever heard as part of the Frisch Engineering Lecture Series. “It was great to see how the things we’re learning about in engineering can actually be used to help improve people’s lives,” said Gabriella Wolf ‘18.