Center for Innovative Design and Engineering

We love to see it! Mazin Klapperich got his start working in our SWAAAC office during high school, and now he's graduating from CU Denver with his special education license. 🎉

CU Denver News featured his story, and it's a really good one. He went through a lot to get here and he's ready.

Congratulations Mazin, we're proud of you!

Read his story: https://news.ucdenver.edu/meet-mazin-klapperich-future-special-education-teacher/

Meet Mazin Klapperich: Future Special Education Teacher - CU Denver News When Mazin Klapperich stands in front of a classroom, he feels like a leader. He knows exactly what he’s doing thanks to the four years of classroom

Our very own Julia Beems just got published in Domestic Preparedness! 🎉

Her article "Keeping Medical Devices Powered When It Matters Most" is exactly the kind of work we love to see. If you support someone who relies on powered medical devices, this one's for you.

Go check it out on page 18: https://www.domesticpreparedness.com/3d-flip-book/2026-may-issue/

We have some exciting news to share. 🎉

We have been named to the 2026 Forbes Accessibility 200 — a list recognizing the top innovators and changemakers advancing accessibility around the world.

We're in great company alongside Adobe, Google, Microsoft, and Salesforce. But honestly, the real honor is the work itself: decades of assistive technology services, free or low-cost community programs, accessibility services for industry, clinical expertise and research and development — all focused on making sure people with disabilities have access to the technology they need.

This recognition belongs to everyone who's trusted us with this work. We mean that. Thank you.

👉 Read the full story: https://www.ucdenver.edu/center-for-innovative-design-and-engineering/CIDE-about-us/cide-communicator-enewsletter/article/cide-news/cide-makes-the-forbes-accessibility-200

Just a couple of weeks to go before this incredible event! The SWAAAC team has really pulled out all the stops this year. If you work with or support students with disabilities who use or could benefit from assistive technology, this is a virtual event you will not want to miss.

Check out their line up of amazing speakers! https://web.cvent.com/event/322da0b7-2cc6-45ec-9972-c0db14463450/websitePage:53f8c156-8b45-4469-9048-67e49a99f0a2

Join us June 4-5, 2026, at the virtual Conference for Assistive Technology in Education (CATE)! Click on the link in our bio to register and learn more.


[Image: Top banner reads “register now.” Small banner reads Virtual CATE 2026. Photo of two children sitting at a table in a classroom with headphones and computers. Next to the photo it reads Conference for Assistive Technology in Education. June 4-5. At the bottom are four logos. The Colorado Department of Education, SWAAAC, Early Intervention Colorado, and The Center for Innovative Design and Engineering.]

This post does not constitute an endorsement of products or services.

Thanks to the Colorado Division for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind for their leadership in this space!

Happy Colorado Assistive Technology Awareness Week! For many in our community, assistive technology (AT) is the key to independence, whether you use a videophone, a hearing aid, or a walking cane. These tools are built to fit your specific needs and help you navigate the world on your own terms.

We want to see AT in action: What is one tool you can’t live without? Tell us in the comments using and help us highlight the power of accessibility!

For children and adults with sensory processing differences, autism, ADHD, or anxiety, noise-canceling headphones and other sensory AT can be the difference between overwhelm and calm.

Assistive Technology is... a little breathing room. 💛

Has sensory AT made a difference in your life or your child's? We'd love to hear about it. Share with .

Adaptive sports and recreation technology don't just give people access to outdoor spaces. They give joy, challenge, achievement, and the pride of getting somewhere hard.

Assistive Technology is... reaching the summit. 💛

What has adaptive recreation AT made possible for you? Tell us your story with ! 🏔️

For some people with cerebral palsy, a robotic feeding device means eating independently without needing to ask for help. Assistive technology for daily living activities puts people back in control of the moments that make up a life.

Assistive Technology is... lunchtime independence. 💛

What everyday moment has AT given back to you or someone you care about? Tell us with .

For older adults, assistive technology makes it possible to stay active, engaged, and present in the lives of the people they love most. Our experiences can grow richer with age, and AT helps make sure nothing gets in the way of enjoying it.

Assistive Technology is... keeping up with grandkids.

What AT has helped you or an older adult you know stay connected to life? Share with .

Great assistive technology is never built in isolation. It's a team effort — and the best AT happens when the person at the center is also at the table.

It takes:
🥽 Engineers who listen.
💬 Users who share their real experience.
🏠 Families who know what daily life actually looks like.
🎓 Students who bring fresh eyes.
💛 And communities that believe inclusion is worth building for.

Assistive Technology is... something we build together. 💛

Who is part of YOUR AT team? Give them a shoutout and use !