AccessED Hacks

Overview

AccessED Hacks is an online hackathon organized by AccessEDnpo, focusing on developing tools that enhance accessibility in learning. The core premise is that learning should not be hindered by barriers such as language, disability, connectivity, or cost. Participants are tasked with creating solutions that open more doorways to education for diverse learners. The challenge emphasizes building small, working prototypes that address a specific barrier. This could involve adapting lessons, enabling practice on older devices, simplifying complex material, or making offline resources accessible. The hackathon encourages participants to consider various aspects of accessibility, categorized into four doorways: Understand (translation, plain language), Interact (keyboard-friendly interfaces, audio alternatives), Connect (offline activities, low-bandwidth resources), and Afford (open educational resources, free learning opportunities). Participants are expected to identify a specific learner and a barrier they face, then demonstrate how their prototype provides a tangible improvement. The event is open to students above the legal age of majority in their country of residence. Submissions should include a completed Devpost page, a 'learning story' detailing the problem and solution, a working demo or walkthrough, visual evidence, and transparent credits for all components used. Projects will be judged on how effectively they remove a barrier, their learning value, inclusivity of the experience, and the functionality of the prototype and its explanation. While there are monetary prizes for the top entry, other recognized projects will receive honorary recognition. The deadline for submissions is November 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST.

What to build

Build a small, working tool that removes one specific barrier between a person and an opportunity to learn. The prototype should start with the learner’s circumstances and address a design problem related to language, ability, connectivity, or cost. Examples include tools that help a teacher adapt a lesson, enable practice on an old phone, turn complex material into clearer language, or bring an offline classroom resource to life. The project must show a believable before-and-after scenario, demonstrating who struggles with the current experience, what changes with the tool, and what still needs work. Any technology stack is welcome.

Prizes

Key dates

• Build your event contribution duringOctober 17 – November 20, 2026
• DeadlineNovember 20, 2026 @ 5:00pm EST

Eligibility

This online event is for eligible students above the legal age of majority in their country of residence. Companies/professional organizations are excluded from participation. All countries/territories are included, excluding standard exceptions.

How to enter

1. Choose a learner.
2. Name a barrier.
3. Show a change.
4. Create a working education-related prototype that improves access to learning.
5. Explain the intended learner, the task they need to complete, and the barrier your project addresses.
6. Build your event contribution during October 17–November 20, 2026; clearly identify any pre-existing foundation.
7. Submit one final entry per project by November 20 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

Submission requirements

• Project page: complete the Devpost page with a name, short pitch, and every contributing team member.
• The learning story: describe the problem, intended users, solution, tools, challenges, and what you learned. Include one concrete before-and-after example.
• Something to evaluate: provide a working demo link, downloadable build, or recorded walkthrough of core functionality. Add simple setup instructions and describe limitations.
• Visual evidence: add screenshots. A short 2–3 minute demo video is encouraged, but optional; if used, provide captions or a transcript where possible.
• Transparent credits: link source code or project files where possible, and disclose libraries, datasets, assets, AI assistance, and pre-existing work. Use synthetic or permission-cleared examples. Do not submit private student records, real grades.

Judging criteria

• Barrier Removed (Score 1–5; equal weight): Does the project identify a specific obstacle to learning and show a credible improvement for the intended learner? Reward a clear before-and-after and thoughtful understanding of real constraints.
• Learning Value (Score 1–5; equal weight): Does the prototype help someone understand, practice, teach, or reach useful learning material? Assess educational relevance, clarity, and a concrete learning task rather than unsupported claims of better outcomes.
• Inclusive Experience (Score 1–5; equal weight): Does the design meet the intended learner’s needs through readable content, clear language, keyboard access, alternative formats, or low-bandwidth use? Assess relevant choices and honest testing evidence.
• Working Prototype & Explanation (Score 1–5; equal weight): Does the core learning task work? Assess functionality, thoughtful implementation, and a clear demo that explains event contributions, credits, and limitations. Technical complexity alone earns no bonus.

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