The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (National MS Society) has selected 17 finalists for the da Vinci awards, which recognizes what the National MS Society calls “enabling innovations” that provide equal access and opportunity for all. Among the honorees are Fillauer, Chattanooga, Tennessee, for its Reciprocating Gait Orthosis (RGO); Freedom Kayak, Harsens Island, Michigan, for its adaptive kayak; Sure Foot, Washington, DC, for its seven products using the “Sure Foot” cane/crutch replacement; and Orthocare Innovations, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for its Compas Gait Analyst software.
Nominations were received from across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, and Denmark. The finalists and their technologies will be honored at an awards gala to be held September 30 at the Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, Michigan, at which time the 2010 da Vinci winners will be announced. All proceeds benefit the National MS Society Michigan chapter.
Video submissions for each finalist can be viewed here. A special “Leo” award will be presented to the finalist receiving the highest number of “thumbs up” votes.
