Woman discusses use of technology and disabilities at TED Talks conference

A former Baldwin resident spoke at recent TED Talks conference in Vancouver.

Holly Eldi Cohen, a 1992 Baldwin High School graduate, spoke at the conference about designing accessible toys for children with disabilities.

Cohen, an occupational therapist and assistive technology practitioner, is program manager of assistive technology and driver rehabilitation programs at New York University’s Langone Medical Center. She teaches rehabilitation courses at NYU Steinhardt’s Department of Occupational Therapy.

Cohen is a co-founder of DIYAbility, a start-up that focuses on using technology to enhance the quality of life and independence of disabled individuals.

Cohen and her partner, John Schimmel, participated in the New York City Next Top Maker Program, a 12-month start-up program that began in September 2014, working to develop a hands-free game controller.