Rachel Zimmerman

In the mid-1980s a twelve-year old Canadian female inventor developed an invention that greatly helped people who have difficulties communicating.

For a school science fair project, Rachel Zimmerman created a software program called Blissymbols that allows those with severe physical disabilities, like cerebral palsy, to communicate. Her invention gained worldwide exposure and won several prestigious awards, including the silver medal at the World Exhibition of Achievement of Young Inventors.

Zimmerman went on to study physics in college and now works on tailoring NASA innovations to fit the needs of people with disabilities.

Young women inventors like Zimmerman prove that age is not a prerequisite for innovation.