Proud to Support the Break Out Assistive Technology (BOAT) Competition
by Nikki Thompson, Executive Director & Founder
As Brand Ambassador for The OT Practice, Alex has long championed the power of assistive technology to transform lives. Through the Break Out Assistive Technology (BOAT) Competition, he is helping to inspire the next generation of innovators to create practical solutions that can make a real difference for people living with disabilities.
Led by The Alex Lewis FLOAT Foundation, BOAT brings together assistive technology users and young people, challenging students to design innovative products that address real-world needs. Winning concepts are then developed further through a network of university partners, with the potential to become future assistive technology solutions.
As occupational therapists, we understand that the most effective assistive technology starts with understanding the person who will use it. Great solutions are not just innovative - they are practical, accessible and designed around the individual's goals, environment and daily life.
This is what makes BOAT so exciting. The competition encourages young designers and engineers to work from the perspective of the end user, creating solutions that have the potential to improve independence, participation and quality of life. This person-centred approach mirrors the core principles of occupational therapy and reflects the way we work with clients every day.
The OT Practice team are delighted to be supporting Alex and the BOAT Competition, and we look forward to seeing the creativity and innovation that emerge from this year's entrants. By encouraging collaboration between end users, therapists, designers and engineers, initiatives like BOAT are helping to shape the future of assistive technology and create better outcomes for the people who rely on it.
Find out more
To learn more about the Break Out Assistive Technology (BOAT) Competition and how it is inspiring the next generation of assistive technology innovators, visit the FLOAT Foundation website: BOAT Competition
