QL Plus Named to Inaugural Forbes Accessibility 100 List
MIAMI (June 17, 2025) — QL Plus, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of injured veterans and first responders through student-led engineering design, today was named to the first-ever Forbes Accessibility 100, a new annual list recognizing the top global forces advancing accessibility and inclusion.
Compiled by Forbes in partnership with over 500 global experts and advocates over six months, the Accessibility 100 highlights organizations breaking barriers across technology, education, product design, AI, recreation, and beyond. QL Plus was honored for its unique model pairing university engineering students with veterans and first responders to co-design custom assistive technologies that restore mobility, independence, and quality of life.
“This recognition from Forbes is more than just an incredible honor—it’s a powerful affirmation of our mission,” said Tara Newell, Executive Director of QL Plus. “By bringing together bright engineering students and heroes who face real challenges, we’re showing what’s possible when innovation is rooted in empathy. We’re proud to be part of a global movement making accessibility a priority.”
Since its founding, QL Plus has engaged more than 2,000 student engineers across the country to build over 1,300 assistive devices for injured veterans and first responders. Each project is designed in collaboration with the individual it serves, making the end product as practical as it is personal.
Recent highlights include:
A prosthetic socket cooling system from Virginia Tech students, which won QL Plus’ National Design Competition.
An adaptive fishing rod controller from University of Colorado Boulder, restoring a favorite pastime for a veteran with limited hand function.
Custom mobility devices from San Diego State University students for veterans living with paralysis.
Adaptive climbing, music, and golf tools developed by students at Colorado School of Mines.
“Accessibility is a fascinating space that has never been captured like this before,” said Alan Schwarz, Forbes Assistant Managing Editor who spearheaded the project. “There are lone innovators, juggernaut tech companies, startups. They are revolutionizing how people get around, learn, communicate, work, play sports, travel, and so much more. Their impact on people’s lives is monumental – and will only be getting more so soon.”
See the full Accessibility 100 list at forbes.com/lists/accessibility-100.
About QL Plus
The Quality of Life Plus Program (QL Plus) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of injured and disabled veterans and first responders through innovative, custom-engineered solutions. By partnering with leading engineering programs, QL Plus empowers the next generation of engineers to create life-changing assistive technology for those who have served. Learn more atwww.qlplus.org.
