Instead of developing prototypes, entrants were asked to prepare compelling presentations that clearly explain how their solutions would solve the persistent accessibility issues they chose to tackle. In his contest submission, Chodos, who wears braces 24 hours a day, noted that the orthotics currently available are very uncomfortable, take a long time to mold to one\u2019s body, don\u2019t allow for growth and are prohibitively expensive. What\u2019s more, they spotlight his condition and keep him from doing the things he loves.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen my CIPD flares up, I can\u2019t ride or play basketball with my friends, and I can never sit on the ground in class or during assemblies, because I can\u2019t stand back up in my braces,\u201d he explained. \u201cI don\u2019t like feeling different, and I wanted to create an orthotic that would provide me and others living with CIPD, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida and other conditions with the support we need, just without all of the unwanted strain and attention.\u201d<\/p>\n Upon reading Chodos\u2019s presentation, the contest\u2019s judges\u00a0\u2013 which included members of ADI\u2019s professional staff, innovation journalists and specialists in the field of accessible design \u2013 were overwhelmed by the young inventor\u2019s maturity, creativity and attention to detail, and inspired by his desire to draw from his own experiences to change the world.<\/p>\n \u201cTo be honest, Henry\u2019s presentation left us speechless. We work so hard promoting our ADI Bechinuch disability inclusion programming and helping students develop an empathetic worldview, but Henry flipped the script and became our teacher. His life experience has molded a passionate and compassionate educator and innovator, and he put on a masterclass in perseverance, perspective and vision throughout this competition,\u201d said ADI\u2019s North American director of advancement . \u201cWe are thrilled that we were able to provide Henry with a stage upon which to shine, and we truly believe that his brilliant design has the potential to become a reality and make the world a kinder and more accessible place.\u201d<\/p>\n Nearly 50 Jewish schools across North America \u2013 including many affiliated with JNF-USA \u2013 used the ADI Bechinuch programming last year, employing the in-class activities and disability simulations, virtual tours and STEM contest to encourage the next generation of Jewish leaders to see the world through the eyes of others.<\/p>\n As February ended, ADI\u2019s panel of experts met with the contest\u2019s top five finalists, their parents and their teachers via Zoom to discuss the entries in greater detail. Following some discussion, the proceedings concluded with Chodos being crowned the contest winner and presented with the $1,000 grand prize, a gift from the Avraham and Esther Klein Young Entrepreneurs Fund.<\/p>\n The \u201cFinal 5\u201d also included entries from students at the Ramaz School in New York, NY; Brauser Maimonides Academy in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Hochberg Lower School (Posnack East) in Hallandale, Fla.; and the Bornblum Community School in Memphis, Tenn.<\/p>\n![\"poster](\"https:\/\/www.jewishindependent.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/mar-13-wearable-tech.13.Chodos-win_NeuroStride.jpg\")
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