To help people with paralysis play again, we created Adaptoys, utilizing existing technologies designed to help people living with paralysis — voice activation, motion sensors and sip-and-puff (SNP) assistive technology.

We designed and built prototypes of two toys: a remote-controlled car and a baseball pitching machine. The remote control car is powered by a headset equipped with a straw, into which users can exhale to cause the car to accelerate, or inhale to reverse. Motion sensors on the headset steer the car left or right based on the user’s head movement. And a voice-controlled pitching machine throws a ball on the user’s command, tossing pop-ups, groundballs and strikes.

To introduce Adaptoys, former Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand, who was paralyzed from the neck down in a highly publicized game, illustrates the impact these toys can have in a compelling film as he plays with his young nephews.

After several weeks building our prototypes, we hosted an unveiling of the technology to two families with loved ones living with paralysis. We visited their homes and taught them how to use the devices, bringing smiles to their faces as they played with the children in their lives in a way that had previously been inaccessible. We captured the heartfelt moments on video, creating a compelling short film to help us get the word out about the life-changing impact of Adaptoys.

To bring this joy to as many families as possible, we launched a crowdfunding initiative at Adaptoys.org so that we could produce the toys on a larger scale.

The film was featured on Adaptoys.org, on the Foundation’s social channels, and seeded with the press.

As of the Cannes submission deadline, after only three days in-market, the campaign generated more than 450 global media placements and sparked a conversation about the need to utilize technology more in the development of adapted products for individuals living with physical limitations.

FORTUNE: “I would have loved to race cars or toss a ball with my dad, but the technology didn’t exist. Now, thankfully, it does.” — Will Reeve, son of late Superman star Christopher Reeve

PEOPLE: “A necessary innovation. Everyone deserves to play.”

HUFFINGTON POST: “Adaptoys is changing the game for people with paralysis.”

CREATIVITY: “These incredible toys let paralyzed adults play with their families at last."

FOX NEWS: “Adaptoys revolutionizes playtime for families living with paralysis.”

With the support of the public, we aim to produce Adaptoys at scale so that the toys can be delivered to families for the holidays.

For more information visit www.awardmaterial.com/Adaptoys

We spoke with individuals living with paralysis and asked them about their challenges and how technology has helped to improve their lives.

Our research showed that while many of the innovations were useful for managing daily tasks including mobility/exercise, communication, auto, etc., there were few that helped with recreational activities – particularly those that related to adults interacting with young children.

This led us to explore existing technologies currently used by people with limited mobility, and how they could be adapted to toys. We chose to use existing solutions as input devices, because they would already be familiar to those living with paralysis, thus reducing the learning curve.

For our pilot program, we wanted to show the universal appeal of the toys by sharing them with individuals from different backgrounds, and we brought the prototypes to our families’ homes, where they would be most at ease playing with them.

Nearly 1 in 50 Americans are living with paralysis. While advancements in technology have adapted everything from homes to automobiles so that people with physical disabilities can carry out simple daily activities that most of us take for granted, one area of life has been largely overlooked: play.

Play is a universal connector—it improves quality of life, connects people emotionally and wards off stress and depression. But for the 5.6 million Americans who face some form of paralysis, these experiences are difficult, if not impossible, and the inability to fully interact and play with their family is a challenging barrier.

We wanted to help the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis, make it possible for people living with paralysis to rejoin playtime with their families, and ignite a conversation about the need for accessible toys.