2021 High School Utah Entrepreneur Challenge finalists

1. Acti-Vest
Acti-Vest empowers the visually impaired to engage in and
navigate the world around them.

2. Description of Business Idea
My company is based on helping those with visual impairments. Those with disabilities are often excluded from
physical activities, such as sports, since they are always hindered by their condition. My goal is to create an
inexpensive, wearable product that will help the visually impaired navigate without the aid of another person or a
white cane. In addition, this device will be more discreet than the usual assistive devices since disabled people can
be self conscious about their condition.

3. Problem
In 2018, the US Census Bureau reported that 9 of the 40 million people with disabilities in the US have some visual
impairment. Seventy percent of the 52,000 school-age children with visual impairments do not participate in a
physical education program. This is at odds with the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation for school
age children to engage in an hour of physical activity daily.

4. Solution
My solution is a vest that uses ultrasonic sensors to calculate the distance between obstacles and the wearer in
order to notify them of a nearing object. The signal is transmitted via a computer to a vibration motor that buzzes
for increasing intervals as the person approaches an obstacle or person. With this, visually impaired people can
move around independently and even engage in sports.

5. Market
Acti-Vest is marketed to visually impaired people who, despite their impairment, still want to maintain an active
and independent lifestyle. The vest uses a unique ultrasonic-vibration loop system that provides constant feedback
from their surroundings. Acti-Vest offers the wearer a discreet and hands-free way to interact with their
environment, eliminating the need for a cane or a service dog.

6. Prototype