The Peoria-based businesses, Bethanie Couri, the co-founder of We Hear You LLC, has received this national honor and a $25,000 grant. This award recognizes her groundbreaking work in developing technology that supports those with disability. We are disscusing about Peoria Entrepreneur Earns National Recognition and $25K Grant for Innovative Tech Startup.
We are disscusing about Peoria Entrepreneur Earns National Recognition and $25K Grant for Innovative Tech Startup:
The foundation of We Hear You LLC
Bethanie Couri and Pierre Paul own We Hear You LLC, established in 2021 to create assistive technologies for disabled users. Implemented over the past three years, their ideas have started to increase. Couri was recognized as one of the Generation Z Changemakers by The Jed Foundation and Victoria’s Secret PINK With Purpose Project. Such recognition speaks volumes about her commitment and provides a substantial revenue injection to their current venture.
Revolutionizing Accessibility
The Hero Door Opener is We Hear You’s flagship project, a portable door hinge that can transform any door into an ADA door without costly modifications. This is expensive equipment fixed on a wall to make facilities more accessible. It has been instrumental in bringing Couri and her startup into the national limelight and the $25,000 grant.
Beyond the Hero Door Opener
It is also important to note that We Hear You LLC is not only engaged in producing Hero Door Opener. It has also developed “Push,” a cell phone application and wearable device that helps open ADA-compliant doors. This app solves the problem of access control by offering the possibility of opening doors with a few touches on the phone, which is especially important for people who can have trouble reaching traditional push buttons for door opening.
Another pioneering project in the pipeline is the real-time American Sign Language translator. This device is expected to translate between ASL and speech or text so that the deaf and hard of hearing can easily communicate with others. These innovations are in line with the startup’s vision of promoting access and opportunities using technology.
Gen Z Changemaker Award Importance
The Gen Z Changemaker Award, launched by The Jed Foundation and Victoria’s Secret PINK With Purpose Project, is designed to help young entrepreneurs in their projects. The grant of $25,000 to We Hear You LLC will boost the development and market viability of the Hero Door Opener. As Couri states, eliminating the financial barriers and presenting their solutions to a wider population is essential.
Perspective of the Judge
Courtney Knowles, a senior advisor at JED and the competition judge, emphasized that the Hero Door Opener will improve physical accessibility and mental health. The panel appreciated the creativity of the idea and improved the overall quality of life for people with disabilities.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
The support and acknowledgment of We Hear You LLC speak volumes about the role of access in technology advancement. In this way, the startup is solving a fundamental problem and serving as an example for other technology-based companies.
Conclusion
The grant received will help We Hear You LLC accelerate the research, development, and testing of the Hero Door Opener. They are constantly developing new ideas and plan to increase the number of accessibility-related technologies they offer.
