The term “outcast” covers numerous demographic categories. It can represent the 54 million Americans currently living with a disability. It can refer to patients who live in isolation during long-term rehabilitation. It describes those living in economically disenfranchised neighborhoods. And it covers anyone who relies on a product or service for basic life functions, but are prevented access by poor design.

This presentation will detail three real world case studies of digital outcasts – members of disenfranchised populations who transformed their communities through a “grass roots” approach to technological innovation. Individual examples will include: a young man living with traumatic brain injury whose customized iPad app aids his treatment; the use of virtual reality as a form of pain distraction, and a mobile nutritional support program assisting community leaders living in urban "food desert" neighborhoods.