A Life-Saving Idea: Enhancing Accessibility with Inclusive Life Safety Solutions

Thirty-nine years ago, Mike Ryan, a lead customer support management specialist at Honeywell, experienced a life-changing event.

Just one week before his wedding, he was pushed off a pier and landed in two feet of water, resulting in a broken neck and becoming a quadriplegic. 

"I have use of my arms with limited hand function,” Ryan said. “From the chest down, I'm paralyzed and use a motorized wheelchair."

Since his accident, accessibility and safety have become a priority in his daily life.  

“When I became a quadriplegic, I really didn't know what to expect in regard to life's journey,” Ryan said. “When I came back to the workplace, one of my concerns was not being able to safely get out of a building during an emergency due to my wheelchair, or first responders not knowing where I was located.”

Ryan (pictured above with his family) brought his perspective to the Honeywell All Abilities Employee Network through its accessibility ideathon two years ago. 

The annual ideathon encourages employees to submit accessibility ideas aimed at making Honeywell’s operations and products more accessible and inclusive to those with disabilities.1.3 billion people are a part of the disability community, according to the World Health Organization, which, in a global context, is a larger population than China (by 15%) and growing.

"I was always thinking in the back of my mind how I could create a concept for emergency situations that could help everybody, no matter what their disability is,” Ryan said. 

Ryan’s idea was about enhancing the safety and accessibility of fire alarm systems for individuals with disabilities. His concept, broadly referred to as "find me, help me," involved using the security system to monitor and assist individuals during emergencies. He envisioned a system that could track those individuals in a building who would need emergency assistance, so those individuals could be located and assisted with the proper equipment in the event of a fire or other emergency.

From Idea to Reality

In 2024, Ryan's idea was brought to life through persistence, innovation and collaboration.

In partnership with Anni Lano, Honeywell’s Accessibility Program Director and a leader in Honeywell’s All Abilities Employee Network, Ryan shared his new product idea with leadership.

“Mike’s ‘find me, help me’ idea is a perfect example of how diversity and inclusion leads to more creative solutions for all our customers and the societies we serve,” Lano said. “This solution enables first responders to more quickly support building occupants in the event of an emergency. Not only does this help people with permanent disabilities, but those with situational disabilities, like low vision due to smoke, as an example.” 

Ben Wolf, a product leader at Honeywell with multiple patents in self-test, AI-based technology and innovations supporting people with disabilities, worked with Ryan to bring the fire and life safety enhancement concept to fruition.

He conducted interviews with Ryan and other colleagues with disabilities through the All Abilities Employee Network to understand their needs and concerns, ensuring that the system would truly address their specific challenges. 

"My job is to be a good listener," Wolf said. "It's about really trying to extract what people think and feel from their positions and what they do and what their anxieties and fears are in an emergency situation."

Inclusive Life Safety: How it Works

Wolf enhanced Ryan’s original concept by applying new fire detection technology – specifically, fire detectors with Bluetooth capabilities. These beacons are designed to be strategically installed throughout buildings, emitting signals detectable by other Bluetooth-enabled devices. This setup allows for precise tracking of individuals within the building, helping to ensure that in the event of an emergency, first responders can quickly locate and assist those with disabilities.

Through collaboration with the accessibility team, engineering, research and development teams, Wolf developed a proof of concept quickly, resulting in filing multiple patent applications for the Inclusive Life Safety Systems.

"One of the key features of this system is its ability to allow individuals with disabilities to raise alerts if they need assistance,” Wolf said. “This can be done through personal alert devices, such as pendants or buttons, which communicate with the Bluetooth beacons to understand their precise locations and then to notify staff or first responders.”

The technology integrates seamlessly with existing fire alarm and security systems, providing a comprehensive solution that not only improves emergency response but also has the potential to transform people’s daily experience.

“By allowing them to move freely and safely within the building, the Inclusive Life Safety Systems helps ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can navigate and self-evacuate buildings with confidence and without the requirement to be in a buddy system,” Wolf said. “Or if they are struggling to self-evacuate, it gives people reassurance that they know that first responders know where they are, and that assistance is on the way.”

Reflecting on the Innovation Journey & What's Next

Ryan's idea for the "find me, help me" system has not only addressed his concerns but is also helping to pave the way for a more inclusive and safer environment for all individuals with disabilities.

"I am fortunate to have worked for Honeywell for going on 40 years. The company and leadership have given me many opportunities and the tools needed to be successful in my career. Given the chance, a person with a disability can and will make a difference in the workplace, but we have a long way to go,” Ryan said.

Reflecting on the impact of his creation, Ryan said, "If this can get into every building and save even one life, that would be awesome. The key is to ensure that first responders know exactly where you are and what you need to get out safely."

Ryan's dedication to improving accessibility and safety continues to drive the development of the Inclusive Life Safety Systems. By combining innovation and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, these Futureshapers have created a system that embodies the spirit of inclusivity and safety.

As Ryan looks to the future, he remains hopeful that this technology will be widely adopted and can make a difference in people's lives. 

"It's not just about me," Ryan said. "It's about making sure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can feel safe and secure in any building."

The Inclusive Fire and Life Safety solution is one example of how Honeywell teams and the All Abilities Employee Network are partnering to enhance inclusivity and accessibility in product design. Learn more about Honeywell's commitment to accessibility.