Calling all IT researchers or developers working on smartphone applications for older people and people with a disability: the brand new Vodafone Foundation Smart Accessibility Awards could be your ticket to a €50,000 prize.
The Guardian has teamed up with the Vodafone Foundation to bring you this special site which, as well as giving you access to all you need to know about the awards, will present the best ideas in IT smartphone application design that make sure everyone has the chance to use the technology.
The awards launched in June and are set to close on 15 October 2011. They will recognise the best smartphone application in four areas: social participation, independent living, mobility and wellbeing. There will be one winner per category and winners will take an equal share of the €200,000 prize fund.
Each entry will be judged on its impact in improving the lives of those with disabilities and older people, to help them get more actively involved in society. The judging panel will be drawn from representatives of AGE Platform Europe, the European Disability Form and the Vodafone Foundation.
So, hurry; the deadline is 15 October with judging due to take place by the end of that month.
To find out more and for awards entry criteria and submission details, visit developer.vodafone.com/smartaccess2011
