Good News Friday!

Twice a year, at least for the past few years, I have had the privilege of posting videos and stories about University of Colorado Engineering students who work on projects designed to enhance the lives of individuals served by Imagine!. These posts are among my favorites.

Some short background: the students are members of Professor Melinda Piket-May’s Engineering class. A few years ago, she began collaborating with Imagine! to provide engineering projects for her students. Each semester, students form small groups and select projects that have been identified by Imagine! staff members as something that will meet the needs of a specific individual served by Imagine!. The collaboration has truly been “win-win.” The students get real, hands-on experience on a unique and challenging engineering task, and people served by Imagine! get a piece of adaptive equipment designed specifically for their needs.

So today, I am delighted to share some videos demonstrating the final projects produced by students in Professor Piket-May's 2013 Spring Semester class. Please check them out below. You’ll note that several of the projects talk about teaching “cause and effect.” These projects were designed for some adult individuals we serve who I like to call “emergent learners.” These are folks who, because of a combination of significant developmental and physical disabilities, have spent the majority of their lives unable to really control anything in their own environment. By teaching basic cause and effect, as in “if I do this action, then this thing happens as a result,” individuals are taking the first step toward making their own decisions and taking control of their own lives.

Enjoy!

Game Changer – this project uses an adaptive controller and game so individuals can play simple, computerized versions of baseball, football, and rugby.



Can’t see the video? Click here.

Party Cube - this fun and accessible piece of equipment can assist in teaching cause and effect.



Can’t see the video? Click here. 

Jelly Fish Lamp - another fun and accessible piece of equipment that can make any room instantly awesome, and also has the potential to assist emergent learners.



Can’t see the video? Click here.

Artist’s Light Board - an accessible and fun piece of equipment which can assist in creative exploration.



Can’t see the video? Click here.

LED Floor Lamp - an accessible and fun piece of equipment that can also be used to teach cause and effect and provide a sense of control over an individual's environment.



Can’t see the video? Click here.

Interactive puzzle - an accessible and fun way to reinforce cause and effect relationships.



Can’t see the video? Click here.

Accessible Universal Remote - puts environmental controls in the hands of individuals with disabilities that make using standard remotes difficult, if not impossible.



Can’t see the video? Click here.

Interactive Surround Sound Touch Pad - which will help improve cognitive skills with auditory and visual processing.



Can’t see the video? Click here.