September 30, 2023

Hi, my name is Kaleb Handspur. I’m a third-year EXCEL student at Georgia Tech where I’m learning about careers and independent living. I wanted to share my experiences from working at my internship at the Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation (CIDI).

A Photo of CIDI Building at Georgia Tech Campus

CIDI is located on Georgia Tech's campus and serves as a collaborative workspace dedicated to improving services and conducting research to assist people with disabilities. CIDI's research focuses on how technology can enhance the independence of individuals with disabilities in various aspects of life, including home, school, work, and the community. One of their programs, Tools for Life, assists people been highly positive.

During my initial interview with Karen Milchus, a Senior Research Engineer and my supervisor, I was introduced to CIDI's services. This included their device rental program, which offers tools like Oticon for individuals with hearing impairments. We also discussed my schedule and the fundamental operational aspects.

To ensure I was well-prepared for the semester, I received a thorough orientation of the building, gaining insight into the purpose of each room. For instance, I learned about a room dedicated to translating texts into Braille. Moreover, CIDI is actively developing an online tool to aid people in researching workplace accommodations. For example, I contribute by organizing and formatting lists of accommodation ideas sourced from the internet.

In addition to this, I received training on various software programs, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, as well as basic computer skills like HTML coding, online survey setup, and using the Tools for Life (TFL) website. I also learned how to manage devices by labeling them with barcodes for inventory on the TFL website. Furthermore, I've had opportunities to present projects and research findings at meetings.

One of the remarkable aspects of working at CIDI is the flexibility it offers. I can choose to work remotely or in the office, and I have the freedom to select my preferred workdays. My typical schedule is four days a week, from Monday to Thursday.

The benefits of working at the Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation are multifaceted. These include collaborating with diverse individuals to brainstorm ideas for improving living conditions for people with disabilities, raising awareness through social media, and expanding professional networks. Personally, I find the most significant benefit to be CIDI's dedication to helping EXCEL students enhance their skills and make services accessible for individuals with disabilities, ultimately improving their employability.

In conclusion, the Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation is an ideal starting point for my career journey. Its commitment to assisting people with disabilities, combined with opportunities to share research findings and projects, makes it a valuable and enriching experience.