In Georgia, a Center for People With Disabilities Doubles as a Google User-Testing Hub

"So I started to scope building one," he said. The result is Champions Place, a residence for young people with physical disabilities that doubles as a user-research center for companies developing accessible products. The facility in Johns Creek, Ga., opened in October to its first 14 residents, six years after Mr. Thompson co-founded the nonprofit Champions Community Foundation to begin financing the project. The space aims to be fully accessible for people with conditions such as spina bifida and cerebral palsy, who often rely on a wheelchair. Alongside providing a shared home for residents, Champions Place aims to be a social hub for members of the Titans, the 80-person strong wheelchair sports group Mr. Thompson created with five other families in 2009.