2009 Economic Development Award Laureate
Howard Weinstein: Solar Ear
Laureate Country: Brazil
Project Countries: Brazil, Botswana, West Bank Palestine, (Mexico, China, India, Canada 2010)
Website: http://www.solarear.com.br
Solar Ear’s employees, who are deaf, make hearing aid technology affordable to all.
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Untreated hearing loss keeps healthy children from going to school, adults from finding a job and seniors more isolated. 600 million people in the world have a hearing impairment, yet only 8 million hearing aids are sold. Presently, costs start at $750 USD per aid, with batteries costing $1 per week. This cost is far too high, and products inaccessible in developing countries
Howard Weinstein, with workers who are deaf, developed a rechargeable digital aid that costs under $100, as well as a rechargeable battery ($1) which lasts two to three years. Their batteries can be used in any hearing aid. No products were patented and the technology is offered for free. Through the development of new technologies and innovative deaf-to-deaf training programs, Solar Ear creates a sustainable, replicable business venture, and affects how society envisions the special abilities of people with a disability.
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The Tech Museum is a hands-on technology and science museum for people of all ages and backgrounds. The museum — located in the Capital of Silicon Valley — is a non-profit learning resource established to engage people in exploring and experiencing technologies affecting their lives. Through programs such as The Tech Challenge, our annual team design competition for youth, and internationally renowned programs such as The Tech Awards presented by Applied Materials, Inc., The Tech Museum celebrates the spirit of Silicon Valley by encouraging the development of innovative ideas for a more promising future.
