A contest encouraging participants to use technology to help children living with disabilities will take place for the first time in Vietnam early next month.

‘TOM Vietnam 2016’ connects disabled children with multi-disciplinary teams who will join forces to develop solutions to their daily challenges.

The 72-hour event, scheduled to take place from May 3 to 5 at the Vietnamese-German University, focuses on inclusive designs that can be achieved for a reasonable price.

Last month, Ho Chi Minh City-based children with disabilities aged 18 and under, along with their families, were invited to a workshop where they could present their challenges, as well as sharing ideas that would help their daily lives.

Based on the suggestions of the children, participating teams worked together to come up with a creative product, which they will present to a panel of judges in May.

According to the organizers, the event will not include any form of cash award because of its non-commercial purpose.

‘TOM Vietnam 2016’ is jointly organized by the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, the Embassy of Israel, UNICEF, the Disability Resource and Development, FABLAB Saigon, and other partners from academia and the private sector.

TOM is short for Tikkun Olam Makers, an international non-profit organization using design and technology to address neglected problems.

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