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Call for 2003 Entries for da Vinci Awards(TM) Honoring Outstanding Engineering Products, Facilities and Research Related to Accessibility And Universal Design

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., April 8 -- The Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD) and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), Michigan Chapter have joined together in an annual recognition venture. This venture, the 2003 da Vinci Awards(TM) for accessibility and universal design, will honor individuals and/or corporations in the engineering, construction, and technical realm for their creative and innovative design and applied research contributions that aim to benefit not only individuals with disabilities but further empower all people.

There are potentially two types of submissions that can be applied to each nomination category -- Product or Applied Research. Suggested nomination categories include, but are not limited to:

  *  Assistive Technology
  *  Commercial or Public Facility
  *  Information Technology
  *  Materials
  *  Personal Mobility
  *  Residential Facility
  *  Vehicular Mobility

Facility entries must be completed projects. Preference will be given to facilities developed since 2001, products that have recently entered into the marketplace, and applied research that shows promise to reach the market in the near future. Companies and individuals can self nominate. End-users of products, facilities and/or services may also suggest nomination to the manufacturer or developer of the said product or facility.

All award nomination entries must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 13, 2003. Entries must be submitted to ESD at: The Engineering Society of Detroit, 26100 American Drive Suite 500, Southfield, MI 48034, (248) 355-1492 Fax.

Nominations may also be submitted on-line at: www.esd.org/davinci_awards_prog.htm . For more information about specific category criteria and for a listing of frequently asked questions that will be updated periodically, please visit the same web site address listed above.

Winners will be presented with awards during the September 19, 2003, Dinner with da Vinci(TM) held at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. The 2003 da Vinci Awards(TM) event is sponsored by DaimlerChrysler. Dr. Dieter Zetsche, President and CEO of DaimlerChrysler, is chairman of the event's Leadership Committee.

For more information, please contact Nancy Strodl at The Engineering Society of Detroit at 248-355-2910, ext. 152 or nstrodl@esd.org .

Founded in 1895, as the Association of Graduate Engineers of the University of Michigan, the Engineering Society of Detroit has evolved into one of the nation's oldest and largest multi-disciplinary engineering and scientific societies of its kind. With several thousand members throughout the Great Lakes Region, ESD unites engineers, scientists, architects and those in related technical fields. The Society's programs and services are dedicated to enhancing the engineering profession and the community, while fostering the growth and development of engineers and scientists for the future. For membership information or program registration visit the ESD website at www.esd.org or call 1-800-659-2559.

Founded in 1948, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), Michigan Chapter, serves more than 22,000 members, including over 15,000 people with MS and their families statewide. The mission of the NMSS is to end the devastating effects of this disease through the more than 100 programs and services provided to those living with MS. Additionally, more than 300 research projects worldwide are funded by the NMSS in pursuit of a cure. Outpatient clinics, educational, counseling and exercise programs are just a few of the ways in which the Michigan Chapter of the NMSS brings hope to the MS community. Research and these local programs are funded, in part, by the efforts of over 10,000 event participants and 3,000 volunteers in Michigan who support the fight against MS year-round. Please call (800) 243-5767 for more information on programs or events, or visit us on-line at www.nmssmi.org .

Society, Michigan Chapter