Disability Resources and Educational Services

Donor Support Funds Groundbreaking Accessibility Technology

Master of Computer Science student Nanma Guru Purushotam is working with DRES to develop a digital helper called “Ala Aloha” for blind and low-vision individuals. The guide will assist people with navigating spaces using intelligent cameras, auditory cues and even touch-based feedback. The core of the system lies in AI’s ability to monitor the 3D environment in front of the user. By making knowledgeable decisions, it prevents them from colliding with overhead obstacles like tree branches or unexpected obstructions at torso level, such as dumpsters. Of her experience working with DRES, Purushotam said, “I’ve come to see firsthand just how crucial inclusivity is when we’re talking about technology, and I’ve been amazed at the sheer potential of AI to close existing gaps. It’s been quite the experience, blending these cutting-edge technologies with real-world challenges. Every day, I’m learning more about how to craft solutions that genuinely make a difference in people’s day-to-day lives. With each project, I’m reminded of the magic that happens when innovation meets a deep understanding of user needs.”

The "Band of Brothers" Legacy

Bonded by their experiences as members of the Illini wheelchair basketball team, 12 alumni were motivated to give back. Establishing the Wheelchair Basketball Alumni Legacy Scholarship Fund and pledging a multi-year donation, Mak Nong, one of the ‘brothers,’ said, “This scholarship is born from people who truly love each other and care about the future of the program at the University of Illinois.” The fund honors what money can’t capture: the enduring teachings from their coaches and tight teammate bonds that have carried far beyond their last plays on the basketball floor. For the alumni who funded this scholarship, it represents a continued commitment to growing the game of wheelchair basketball. Matt Buchi, head coach of the men’s wheelchair basketball team, was pleased and supportive of his former athletes’ commitment to future generations. “Our alumni need to think as soon as they graduate, how do I give back to the guys that are coming up next? Because there’s always going to be that next person who comes up and you want them to have the best experience possible,” Buchi said. Learn more about what inspired these alumni to give.

Scholarships: An Investment in the Future

During the 2022-2023 academic year, DRES awarded more than $215,000 in scholarship awards to 75 students. With scholarship funds that support students with all types of visible and non-visible disabilities, the recipients of the awards in the past year represent high-achieving leaders from colleges across the entire campus. Joshua Steinfink, a B.S. student in Aerospace Engineering, received the Howard Findley Scholarship. Steinfink not only maintains memberships in several Illinois clubs and organizations, but he also volunteers at a local nursing home and led a local team for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Charity drive. Speaking of what the scholarship meant to him, Steinfink said, “This scholarship represents more than just financial assistance; it shows that others believe in my abilities and my potential—they have invested in my future. It is a reminder of the power of community and the importance that scholarships play in the success of others. I am incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement that comes with receiving this award.”