Lianna Genovese, a 25-year-old Canadian engineer and disability advocate, will be honoured with the prestigious 2024 Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award this November in Louisville, Kentucky. Genovese, the CEO and founder of ImaginAble Solutions, created Guided Hands, an assistive device that enables individuals with limited hand mobility to write, draw, and use technology. She will be celebrated alongside notable figures such as Dawne Gee, Nile Rodgers, Bryan Stevenson, and Shaquille O’Neal.
“It’s an honour to be recognized and to celebrate Muhammad Ali’s incredible legacy as an athlete, artist, activist, and humanitarian,” said Genovese. A renowned disability advocate and decorated inventor, Genovese has won over 44 awards, including Forbes 30 Under 30 and the James Dyson Engineering Award. “This recognition raises awareness and supports the disability community. Limited hand mobility impacts 58 million people in North America, including those with Cerebral Palsy, arthritis, and Parkinson’s Disease. The more people know about our product, the more we can help.”
The initial prototype of Guided Hands was developed in 2019 when Genovese was a first-year biomedical and mechanical engineering student at McMaster University. During this time, she met Elissa, an artist with cerebral palsy who had tragically lost her ability to paint. This chance meeting was transformative for Genovese. “As I watched Elissa paint again, I knew this device could help others like her,” she said.
“It took two years of market research and close collaboration with the disability community, occupational therapists, and rehabilitation specialists to finalize the design of Guided Hands,” said Genovese. “Designing for the disability community requires compassion, deep listening, and patience. The process requires care and cannot be rushed.” This award holds special meaning for Lianna. “When I learned that Mr. Ali was an artist who lost his ability to draw after his Parkinson’s diagnosis, I was deeply touched. Self-expression is beautiful and also a human right—one that should be accessible to everyone. I believe Mr. Ali would agree.”
Genovese hopes that receiving Mr. Ali’s namesake award will help her company, ImaginAble Solutions, reach more individuals and families in the disability community. In honour of Muhammad Ali’s generosity, ImaginAble Solutions will launch a sponsorship program at the awards ceremony on November 9, gifting Guided Hands devices to families in need. “Muhammad Ali once said, ‘Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.’ I intend to keep paying that rent,” Genovese shared.
Source: Newswire
