Learning About Assistive Technology from High School

Area of Science:

• Education
• Engineering
• Disability Studies

Background:

• The STEMBach program integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education with research projects for secondary students.
• Assistive Technology (AT) plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To connect the creation of 3D-printed AT for people with disabilities with the educational training of secondary school students.
• To foster student involvement in research, innovation, and the development of practical solutions.
• To assess the effectiveness and impact of custom-designed AT on users' lives.

Main Methods:

• A service-learning, Learning-by-doing methodology was employed, involving students from eight high schools.
• Students utilized 3D printing and software (Tinkercad, Cura) to design and fabricate AT for ten individuals with disabilities from four NGOs.
• Outcome measurement instruments were used to validate the effectiveness of the developed AT.

Main Results:

• Successful design and creation of 3D-printed AT tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities.
• Validation of AT effectiveness through outcome measurement instruments.
• Identification of new needs and potential areas for future research in AT.

Conclusions:

• The project successfully integrated STEM education with assistive technology development through student engagement.
• The initiative demonstrated the potential of 3D printing for creating personalized AT solutions.
• This collaborative approach not only benefited individuals with disabilities but also provided valuable research and innovation experience for students.