Tag: 3BL

Originally published on HARMAN Newsroom

NOVI, Mich., October 11, 2023 /3BL/ – Coinciding with cybersecurity awareness month, HARMAN is taking the next step forward in reinforcing its credibility as a trusted cybersecurity partner across the global automotive industry. HARMAN announced that its cybersecurity management system has been audited in accordance with the ISO/SAE 21434:2021 standard and obtained the certificate of compliance, further strengthening the automotive supply chain for OEM partners.

The certification helps the industry define a structured process to ensure cybersecurity is incorporated into the design of road vehicles and provides a framework for organizations to identify, assess, and manage cybersecurity risks throughout the lifecycle of their products. It plays a crucial role in safeguarding vehicles and vehicle occupants from potential cyber threats, while also promoting a standardized approach to automotive cybersecurity across the industry.

As a technology company with a long-standing heritage in automotive, HARMAN is well-equipped to support OEM partners in complying with the UNR 155 (UN Regulation No. 155), which requires that all OEMs implement a risk-based management framework (CSMS) for detecting and protecting against cyber threats throughout the vehicle cycle. Meeting the highest standards for automotive cybersecurity, HARMAN’s cybersecurity products protect the vehicle and passengers alike, providing OEMs with confidence that their supply chain is secure.

“With cybersecurity consistently being a top priority for new vehicles, HARMAN is committed to delivering products and technologies that have a tangible impact on improving the safety of connected vehicles,” said Huibert Verhoeven, SVP of Intelligent Cockpit at HARMAN. “Through strong collaboration, HARMAN passed the audit and obtained certification for ISO/SAE 21434 compliance, further validating HARMAN’s track record of successfully advancing cybersecurity innovations within new automotive experiences.”

As vehicles become more connected than ever before, leading automakers are in need of solutions that enable them to deliver new experiences while mitigating risks associated with system vulnerabilities, preventing data breaches, and managing threats to the systems’ integrity and safety. Similarly, consumers are increasingly demanding exciting — but safe and reliable — vehicle experiences. HARMAN, with its unique blend of automotive heritage and technology expertise, is the trusted partner of vehicle manufacturers globally, with years of domain expertise.

For more information on HARMAN Cybersecurity, go to https://car.harman.com/solutions/cybersecurity

ABOUT HARMAN

HARMAN (harman.com), a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., designs and engineers connected products and solutions for automakers, consumers, and enterprises worldwide, including connected car systems, audio and visual products, enterprise automation solutions; and services supporting the Internet of Things. With leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson® and Revel®, HARMAN is admired by audiophiles, musicians and the entertainment venues where they perform around the world. More than 50 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and connected car systems. Our software services power billions of mobile devices and systems that are connected, integrated and secure across all platforms, from work and home to car and mobile. HARMAN has a workforce of approximately 30,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. In 2017, HARMAN became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

ST. PAUL, Minn., and Charlotte, N.C., October 11, 2023 /3BL/ – 3M (@3M) and Discovery Education (@DiscoveryEd) named Heman Bekele, a 9th grader at W.T. Woodson High School in Annandale, Va., the winner of the 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge, the nation’s premier middle school science competition. Heman set himself apart with his compound-based Skin Cancer Treating Soap (SCTS). As the grand prize winner, he will receive a $25,000 cash prize and the prestigious title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.”

Heman spent the last four months competing against nine other finalists and secured his win during final Challenge events at 3M global headquarters in St. Paul, Minn., on October 9 and 10. Finalists navigated a series of interactive challenges and were evaluated on their ingenuity and innovative thinking, application of STEM principles, demonstration of passion and research, presentation skills, and ability to inspire others.

“The need for scientists and innovators to develop solutions for the world’s biggest challenges has never been greater. This year’s Young Scientist Challenge finalists have demonstrated the skills required to reimagine what’s possible—intelligence, curiosity, collaboration, and resilience,” said John Banovetz, 3M executive vice president, chief technology officer and environmental responsibility. “The magnitude and complexity of the issues these young minds are working to solve is inspiring. Congratulations to this year’s finalists—we can’t wait to see what you do next!”

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with an average annual treatment cost of $8.1 billion. Inspired by this costly and widespread health issue, Heman developed an affordable soap solution that could positively impact skin cancer outcomes. Over the next five years, he hopes to refine this novel innovation and create a nonprofit organization that will distribute this low-cost solution to communities in need.

Young Scientist Challenge finalists are paired with a 3M scientist who mentors and works with them one-on-one over the summer to transform their idea from concept to prototype. This year’s winner was paired with Deborah Isabelle, Product Engineering Specialist, Abrasives, 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division.

For two weeks, the Challenge opens to the public and allows them to vote on the recipient of the program’s Improving Lives Award, a recognition of the innovation they feel has the greatest potential to impact the world. This year’s winner is Annie Katz, a 9th grader at Leffell School in New Rochelle, N.Y., whose Automated Ultrasound Hamstring Lesion Detection & Diagnosis device offers a more accessible way to detect and recover from hamstring lesions. As the Improving Lives Award winner, Annie will receive a $2,000 prize.

The second and third place winners from the Young Scientist Challenge each receive a $2,000 prize. These exceptional students are:

In second place, Shripriya Kalbhavi from San Jose, Calif., a 9th grader at Lynbrook High School. Shripriya developed EasyBZ, a cost-effective microneedle patch that allows for self-automated drug delivery without pills or needles.In third place, Sarah Wang from Andover, Mass., a 7th grader at The Pike School. Sarah developed the Spring Epilepsy Detection Glove, a glove that can detect tonic-clonic and myoclonic epileptic seizures with common hand movements and tracks seizure statistics through a smart phone application.

The fourth through tenth place winners each receive a $1,000 prize and a $500 gift card. These finalists, in alphabetical order by last name, are:

Anisha Dhoot from Portland, Ore., a 9th grader at Westview High School in Beaverton School DistrictIshaan Iyer from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., a 6th grader at Day Creek Intermediate School in Etiwanda School DistrictSean Jiang from Baltimore, Md., a 9th grader at Gilman School, Independent/PrivateAnnie Katz from New Rochelle, N.Y., a 9th grader at Leffell School in Greenburgh School DistrictAnish Kosaraju from Saratoga, Calif., a 9th grader at The Harker School in Campbell Union School DistrictAdhip Maitra from Oviedo, Fla., a 9th grader at Oviedo High School in Seminole County School DistrictShruti Sivaraman from Austin, Tex., an 8th grader at Canyon Vista Middle School in Round Rock Independent School District

“Over the past 16 years, we’ve had the honor of enabling innovative students to turn their ideas into world-changing solutions through the 3M Young Scientist Challenge,” said Amy Nakamoto, executive vice president of social impact at Discovery Education. “Their work is a rare and impressive accomplishment, and we congratulate each and every one of them.”

In its sixteenth year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge continues to inspire and challenge middle school students to think creatively and apply the power of STEM to discover real-world solutions. America’s Top Young Scientists have gone on to give TED Talks, file patents, found nonprofits, make the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, named first-ever TIME Magazine Kid of the Year and exhibit at the White House Science Fair. These young innovators have also been named Time Magazine’s first Kid of the Year, featured in The New York Times Magazine, Forbes, and Business Insider, and have appeared on national television programs such as Good Morning America, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and more. In addition, a 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network was formed in fall 2022 and welcomed more than 100 former challenge finalists and winners for networking opportunities.

The award-winning competition supplements the 3M and Discovery Education program Young Scientist Lab, which provides no-cost dynamic digital resources for students, teachers, and families to explore, transform, and innovate the world around them. All its resources are also available on Discovery Education Experience, the company’s award-winning K-12 learning platform.

To download images from the 2023 science competition, click here. To learn more about the 3M Young Scientist Challenge and meet this year’s winners and finalists, visit youngscientistlab.com.

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About 3M 
3M (NYSE: MMM) believes science helps create a brighter world for everyone. By unlocking the power of people, ideas and science to reimagine what’s possible, our global team uniquely addresses the opportunities and challenges of our customers, communities, and planet. Learn how we’re working to improve lives and make what’s next at 3M.com/news.

About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and social impact programs, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

Contacts 
Lauren Cox 
3M 
Email: lcox@mmm.com

Grace Maliska 
Discovery Education 
Email: gmaliska@discoveryed.com

Originally Published on Page Turner

Purpose can be one of a company’s most significant investments. Yet, few organizations have a precise method to measure the impact of purpose on their key stakeholder, employees. As we believe purpose is vital “connective tissue” for an organization’s overall strategic direction, especially with employees, we partnered with The Harris Poll to identify gaps and opportunities in purpose activation to ensure powerful returns across the enterprise.

Continue reading here. 

KeyBank recently sponsored MoCaFi’s banking clinic pop-up “On Our Block” community event co-hosted by ThirdSpace Action Lab, Famicos Foundation, and Cleveland NAACP.

KeyBank was on hand to provide Financial Wellness Reviews, a personal review that provides valuable information and guidance to help make smarter financial decisions. They also shared information about KeyBank’s Neighbors First CreditSM 1– which can help make the dream of home ownership a reality by providing up to $5,000 to homebuyers for the purchase of eligible properties.

The event hosted an amazing lineup of speakers, including Mayor Justin Bibb, Kelton Crenshaw, NFL Agent with Klutch Sports Group, and MoCaFi founder, Wole Coaxum. They shared their insights and thoughts on wealth-building strategies.

This community event was an opportunity for those to gain knowledge, connect with each other, and take steps towards financial success.

NOTICE: This is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. Conditions and restrictions may apply. All home lending products, including mortgage, home equity loans and home equity lines of credit, are subject to credit and collateral approval. Not all home lending products are available in all states. Hazard insurance and, if applicable, flood insurance are required on collateral property. Actual rates, fees, and terms are based on those offered as of the date of application and are subject to change without notice. Mortgage and Home Equity Lending products offered by KeyBank are not FDIC insured or guaranteed. NMLS #399797. Equal Housing Lender. CFMA# 231003-2271828

PARIS, October 11, 2023 /3BL/ – On this year’s World Mental Health Day, The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) highlighted the progress of its 2023 #WellbeingAtWork campaign, in which member and partner company leaders raised awareness around the importance of employee health (both mental and physical) by answering a call to action to create workplace cultures that actively promote and support well-being.

People spend about a third of their lives at work and poor health is estimated to cost 12 trillion dollars which is 15% of global real GDP. This campaign was launched as an opportunity for CGF member companies, with a combined turnover of €4.6 trillion, employing nearly 10 million people directly and an estimated 90 million jobs along the value chain, to bring employee well-being back into the spotlight.

The CGF celebrates the champions who have come together to share their voices through a number of different mediums, which included a video series, podcasts and Well-Being MasterClass sessions.

What makes the #WellbeingAtWork campaign unique is the focus on advocating for practical and locally tailored employee well-being initiatives, such as the provision of healthier food in the workplace, the prioritisation of access to healthcare and activities that promote physical health, the launch of a mental health hotline number, to name but a few. We thank leaders from the following companies for their participation:

Frans Muller, CEO of Ahold Delhaize and CGF Co-Chair, is hopeful that the industry will go further and drive impact, “I hope that together, with members of The Consumer Goods Forum, we can inspire each other and shift the needle to ensure better lives and well-being of our associates.”

Sharon Bligh, Health and Sustainability Director at The Consumer Goods Forum said, “Mental health and wellbeing issues form a key part of our local and global action plans. With the CGF Board of Directors we have agreed to accelerate action with our 400 members in 2024 on employee well-being.”

Review all of the campaign’s content for 2023

Download the Call to Action

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CGF Co-Chair Ambition on Employee Health and Wellbeing:

In June 2023 the CGF elected its new Co-chairs Frans Muller, President & CEO of Ahold Delhaize, and Dirk Van de Put, Chairman and CEO of Mondelēz International who called to amplify the Forum’s ambition on boosting employee health and wellbeing across all 400 CGF members. As part of this journey, the CGF wants to collaborate to create a workplace wellbeing culture. The CGF’s Collaboration for Healthier Lives Coalition of Action strives to work with CGF members to support the creation of a workplace culture which actively promotes and supports wellbeing and makes it part of people’s everyday experience at work is key to delivering

About Collaboration for Healthier Lives Coalition of Action

The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF)’s CEO-led Coalition of Action on Collaboration for Healthier Lives (CHL) is about making it easier for people around the world to adopt healthier lives for themselves and their families. It’s about making healthier decisions easier and habitual for people in every community around the world. CHL is a global movement led by manufacturers, retailers, public health authorities and local communities, delivering local movements in communities worldwide. CHL initiatives running across 9 countries and involving over 160 organisations. As a collective, members of the CGF, and their partners, are exploring, experimenting, innovating, and evolving business models to support positive change, while sharing data and knowledge at scale, cross industry. Health is not a competitive advantage; it’s a basic necessity. And it’s clear no company can solve this issue alone. Collaboration is needed at scale and across sectors if the consumer goods industry is to play the necessary role in the health and wellbeing of people. To learn more, visit www.tcgfhealthierlives.com.

About The Consumer Goods Forum

The Consumer Goods Forum (“CGF”) is a global, parity-based industry network that is driven by its members to encourage the global adoption of practices and standards that serves the consumer goods industry worldwide. It brings together the CEOs and senior management of some 400 retailers, manufacturers, service providers, and other stakeholders across 70 countries, and it reflects the diversity of the industry in geography, size, product category and format. Its member companies have combined sales of EUR 4.6 trillion and directly employ nearly 10 million people, with a further 90 million related jobs estimated along the value chain. It is governed by its Board of Directors, which comprises more than 55 manufacturer and retailer CEOs. For more information, please visit: www.theconsumergoodsforum.com

For more information, contact:

Sharon Bligh 
Health & Sustainability Director 
The Consumer Goods Forum 
hw@theconsumergoodsforum.com

Zoe Daruwalla 
Communications Officer 
The Consumer Goods Forum 
z.daruwalla@theconsumergoodsforum.com

Cummins

Global power technology leader Cummins Inc. has opened a new state-of-the-art solar array, the third largest company-owned solar installation within Cummins, to help power its engine plant in Daventry, United Kingdom.

The installation has the capacity to generate 1.8 megawatts of renewable energy, equivalent to powering 746 domestic properties for a year. The Daventry site has already made significant progress in cutting emissions, achieving a 30% reduction even before the solar array became operational.

“We are very excited about the opening of our new solar farm at the Cummins Daventry plant,” said Roy Free, Cummins Daventry Plant Manager. “…With the new solar farm in operation, we are confident that we will make a further significant impact on reducing our carbon footprint and ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.”

The plant aims to reduce emissions by an additional 5.5%, aligning with the Cummins Power Systems business segment’s 2030 target for greenhouse (GHG) gas emissions reduction. The initiative also aligns with the 2030 goal of reducing total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from facilities and operations by 50%, included in PLANET 2050, Cummins’ environmental sustainability strategy.

Since 2021, Cummins’ Daventry Engine Plant has been operating a generator set recovery system to export test voltages and frequencies back to the grid. As of August 2023, the Cummins Daventry plant had already recovered 1 million KW/h of energy through this system. The newly opened solar installation will increase the amount returned over the coming months. The two projects combined are going to reduce the electricity imported into the Daventry site by around 25%.

The Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, James Saunders Watson, and the Mayor of Daventry, Councillor Ted Nicholl, participated in a ceremony celebrating the opening of the new solar installation, joining various leaders from the plant.

The Daventry plant plays a significant role in Cummins’ global operations, specializing in the production of advanced power generation sets and high-horsepower engines to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions for a wide range of industries, including rail, mining and more.

In 2021, Cummins opened a new state of the art logistics hub in Daventry, supporting operations across the UK. The facility has been awarded a BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) Outstanding rating for building sustainability, ranking it in the top 1% of non-domestic buildings in the UK.

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CINCINNATI, October 10, 2023 /3BL/—Fifth Third Bank, National Association, has been named to the Forbes list of Best Employers for Diversity 2023. This is the Bank’s fourth year being recognized with the honor presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.

“Innovation and excellence thrive in an environment where diversity is celebrated,” said Stephanie A. Smith, senior vice president, chief inclusion officer at Fifth Third. “This recognition is a testament to our commitment to fostering a workplace that honors every voice and paves the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.”

The Best Employers for Diversity were selected based on survey from approximately 45,000 U.S. employees working for companies with a minimum of 1,000 employees. The evaluation was based on three different criteria:

Direct recommendations: Employees were asked to give their opinions on a series of statements regarding Age, Gender, Ethnicity, Disability, LGBTQIA+ & General Diversity in their current workplace. The recommendations of women, elders, and ethnic minorities were weighted higher than the non-minority groups.Indirect Recommendations: Participants were also given the chance to evaluate other employers in their respective industries that stand out positively or negatively regarding diversity. Only the recommendations of minority groups were considered.KPIs: Extensive research was carried out to evaluate how companies fared across a range of diversity-related best-practices. These included things like the presence of resource groups within the company, the publication of diversity data, and the share of women in board and executive positions.

To learn more about Fifth Third Bank’s inclusion and diversity efforts, please visit: www.53.com/diversity.

About Fifth Third

Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank, and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com.

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CNH Industrial recently announced the winners of India’s Industrial Design Program in partnership with UPES, a multidisciplinary university in Dehradun. The winning team of Abhijith MS, Arvind M and Vrushadwaj Gunjari, along with their mentor Lavendra Shukla, triumphed with their ’Coco Harvest’ concept.

The Industrial Design Program was a joint effort and based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between CNH and UPES. The program aims to foster innovation and creativity amongst young talented students to develop solutions for farm machinery. The partnership encompassed a wide spectrum of cooperative efforts including research, joint projects, academic exchanges, workshops, seminars, and intern co-supervision.

David Wilkie, Head of Industrial Design for CNH said, “It has been a fantastic experience for me and my team to see the research and design creativity of the students. They have been thorough in looking for opportunities to improve fruit harvesting. It’s the work of an industrial designer to focus on a problem and design a solution that makes the job easier, faster and safer. Working with the students from UPES has been inspiring for us, while also helping the students develop their creative processes. The design teams have come up with ideas for harvesting coconuts, pineapples, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and even mangoes.” 

Phani Tetali, Dean, School of Design (SOD), UPES, said, “We are glad to partner with CNH to support the development of young talent in India. This partnership will not only provide an opportunity for the students to showcase their talent, but also to receive expert guidance from the experienced professionals at CNH. With this initiative, we hope to equip the next generation of designers with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the industry and create an impact.”

CNH Industrial serves India through its Case IH, New Holland Agriculture and CASE Construction Equipment brands, delivering on the promise to provide world-class products of engineering excellence, with ‘Made in India’ manufacturing operations for over 25 years. This collaboration with UPES demonstrates the company’s firm commitment to recognizing professional talent across the globe, and equipping the future farmers of the world with resources to work efficiently and sustainably.

Leidos and EVERFI from Blackbaud, an organization tackling social issues through education and technology, are empowering teenagers in Maryland and West Virginia with mental health literacy.

Why you should know: It’s a response to the teenage mental health crisis which is worsening amid a nationwide shortage of mental health professionals:

According to the CDC, teenagers in the U.S. are experiencing unprecedented levels of mental distress.According to recent data, intentional self-harm is the third-leading cause of death among teenagers.According to the U.S. Surgeon General, mental health disorders are the leading cause of disability and poor life outcomes for young people.

Mental health basics: Through the strategic partnership, which began in 2020, nearly 3,500 middle school and high school students at nearly 60 schools have completed a first-of-its-kind digital learning course called Understanding Mental Wellness.

Veronica Lee, Sr. Director of Enterprise Account Management at EVERFI, said the course is designed to destigmatize mental health topics and help students develop skills to support their emotional wellbeing.

“We know the mental wellbeing of teenagers impacts every aspect of their lives,” says Lee, “and we know there’s a direct correlation between mental wellness and academic performance. We’re really supporting the ‘whole student approach’ in education.”

Early success: Lee said after completing the course, 90% of students say they feel more confident in managing a mental health crisis, 83% say they have a better understanding of how to stay mentally healthy and 75% say they feel more comfortable talking to a friend about mental health challenges.

“It’s a high-quality, interactive and engaging tool that helps students become more literate on these topics,” she said. “We have phenomenal experts in digital curriculums and instructional design who make sure we’re speaking to today’s student and that our content is relevant and fresh. And because of strategic partners like Leidos, this resource is available at no cost to schools.”

Daniel Pellegrom, Leidos Director of Environment, Sustainability and Governance (ESG) said the program has shown meaningful success.

“Supporting youth is so important when we’re talking about this crisis,” says Pellegrom. “What I love about this strategic partnership is it allows us to act locally, impact our communities and help give our children the support they need.”

Pellegrom added the program is part of the company’s broader Mission for the Mind campaign to advance mental health solutions.

Most importantly: If you’re having suicidal thoughts, there are people who want to help you. You can speak to someone at the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. If you’re a veteran in crisis, please contact the Veterans Crisis Line.

October 10 is World Mental Health Day.

Please contact the Leidos media relations team for more information.

Laptop donation for Epilepsy Classroom within Toronto’s SickKids Hospital boosts access to curriculum for students with epilepsy

At Lenovo, our vision to provide smarter technology for all starts in the classroom. This means breaking down barriers, fostering equitable learning experiences, and enabling learners of all ages, abilities, and means to fulfill their potential. Earlier this year, Lenovo donated 10 Lenovo laptops to the Epilepsy Classroom within SickKids Hospital in Toronto, supporting access to curriculum for students living with epilepsy and demonstrating the capacity of technology to cultivate an inclusive learning environment.

Open to elementary-grade children with epilepsy who struggle at school or learn differently than their peers, the SickKids Epilepsy Classroom – the only one of its kind worldwide – offers a safe environment to better understand the impact of epilepsy on their development and to care for their unique special education and social-emotional needs. Similar to Lenovo’s aim of developing technology that champions inclusivity and removes barriers in education, the SickKids Epilepsy Classroom provides children with epilepsy access to specialized care that can help them reach their full potential.

Equipped with new Lenovo laptops, SickKids Epilepsy Classroom students can now use Assistive Technology to access speech-to-text, text- to-voice, and organizational software. With this, students have become more independent with their written expression, and were able to write personal narrative stories this year. With the same speech-to-text software, students conducted online research that helped them build three-dimensional plasticine models of animal habitats. Moreover, the touch screen functionality of the laptops has supported students with fine motor issues or other physical challenges, through online matching activities, as well as drag and drop or trivia games.

“Computer technology is essential for our students to access the Ontario curriculum,” said Dr. Elizabeth Kerr, Director of the Epilepsy Classroom and Clinical Neuropsychologist Epilepsy Surgery Program at SickKids. “This donation allows our students to gain proficiency in assistive technology in a safe and supportive environment and exposes them to a broad range of educational activities to meet their learning needs. We are extremely grateful.”

Formed in 2019 and launched in 2020, Lenovo’s Product Diversity Office (PDO) was established to ensure that Lenovo products and solutions are both inclusive and accessible. By 2025, 75% of Lenovo’s products will be vetted by inclusive design experts to ensure they meet the needs for everyone, regardless of physical attributes or abilities. “At Lenovo, we believe that every student deserves the advantages of education technology,” said Libby Richards, Community Engagement Manager at Lenovo North America. “The SickKids Epilepsy Classroom is a great example of how the right technology can promote equitable access for all learners.”

In addition to the 10 laptops provided to the Epilepsy Classroom, Lenovo gifted another 10 devices to Toronto District School Board (TDSB) classrooms within SickKids. These laptops have supported shared learning experiences for students and are helping them stay connected to classmates and friends at their home school.