Whitesboro High School Partners with Upstate Cerebral Palsy on Technology Project

Representatives from the Upstate Cerebral Palsy TRAID Program (Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities) recently went to Whitesboro High School to meet with technology students who, for the past year, have been designing devices to improve services for individuals with disabilities. The students were participating in “Project Lead the Way,” a joint venture with Rochester Institute of Technology, using a 3D modeling software called Inventor by AutoDesk. Whitesboro High School Technology teacher, Christopher Jensen, had contacted the TRAID Program regarding the possibility of partnering with the agency to design these devices. Mr. Jensen wanted the students to be able to approach this project as they would a real-life engineering problem, which they could then solve through design and development of the devices. After consultation with Upstate Cerebral Palsy therapists, Mr. Jensen took ideas back to his students and they decided to focus on equipment that would either promote balance and coordination or facilitate transferring an individual. 

At the presentation of the finished products, each group of 3 students presented the device they had designed and developed and explained the process by which they came to the final product.  The students creatively used everyday construction materials to achieve the performance they anticipated from the devices.  The materials had been donated by local businesses, were scrap, or in some instances, purchased.  All student devices have been donated to the Upstate Cerebral Palsy TRAID Program. According to Jeremy Earl, Associate Vice President for Therapy Services at Upstate Cerebral Palsy, “The students learned that what they originally thought might work often had to be modified in order to actually perform the function for which the device was intended.  They gained much insight into the demands of a career in engineering while helping their community. The TRAID Program and Upstate Cerebral Palsy were very pleased to participate in this endeavor and are proud of the students for their achievements.”