Join us again this November for Sharkvember, an event-filled month-long celebration of accessibility, creativity, and community. Take part in our exciting events, which include:
- November Software Webinar: New Features of JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion 2025
- FSOpenLine, Special Edition
- Second annual Next Big Thing contest
Visit the Sharkvember home page for all the event details, and keep reading to learn how you can take part in our contest (open to residents of the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia). Please visit the Terms and Conditions page for more details.
The Contest
Dive into the “Next Big Thing,” where you can help shape the future of JAWS and ZoomText. What’s more, your creativity could net you a $1,000 Amazon gift card. Yes, that’s right, a $1,000 prize for your idea!
Last year, the winning submission was from Abby Duffy, a former Freedom Scientific Student of the Month Honoree. Her idea for a JAWS feature that would use artificial intelligence (AI) to describe images was subsequently integrated into JAWS as Picture Smart AI.
What We’re Looking For
Is there a feature you think should be added to JAWS or ZoomText? We’re on a mission to find software features that revolutionize the user experience, and we want to hear from you!
From September 5 through October 16, submit your idea in a three-minute video. You can make a submission as an individual or as a team of up to three people, all 18 years of age or older. Watch this video to learn more, and visit the Next Big Thing page for submission guidelines.
What Happens Next?
Entries will be evaluated by a panel of judges based on relevance, creativity, and potential impact on accessibility. We will contact finalists by October 30, 2024. The top three finalists will receive a five-year license of JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion and will have the opportunity to present their ideas at our special event.
The Event
On November 19, 2024, we will hold the “Sharkvember, Next Big Thing” event to select the winner. Everyone is invited.
Join us to see the finalist present their ideas to our live judges. The grand prize winner will be awarded a $1,000 Amazon gift card, while the other two finalists will each receive a $200 Amazon gift card. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to create the next big thing!
We will post additional details about the live event in October, including ways you can contribute to the event as an audience member.
Have questions? Send them to nextbigthing@vispero.com.