Individuals from the community suggest projects, often related to barriers to inclusion that they have faced in their daily lives. Agency staff offer ideas for new items or digital tools for use on campus or by an individual or family they serve. College students take part in Co-Op experiences observe program activities across Al Sigl’s six campuses and suggest ideas.
Once a project idea is identified, there are several opportunities throughout the year for further development. While projects are in this stage, individuals receiving services at Al Sigl Member Agencies, as well as providers and community volunteers, play an important role in testing prototypes and providing feedback.
We seek to help real people in the community by identifying solutions that are affordable and able to be implemented in real life.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Frank, an Al Sigl volunteer has worked with project teams since the beginning of the partnership. As a child, Frank received his first wheelchair from our collaborative’s namesake, journalist and radio broadcaster Al Sigl.
When asked why he loves working with students, Frank says, “Al Sigl, the individual, always looked for ways to help others in the community. He would be proud of how these students are working to create change for people with disabilities. The innovation, ideas developed right here in our community—to think of where we started, it is truly amazing. But there is still much more that needs to be done.”
PAST AND CURRENT PROJECTS
You are invited to learn more about past project work via these links or on RIT’s web site.
Sensory Therapy Devices
Therapy
Problem Statement: The sense of touch is utilized in sensory therapy for children with developmental disabilities. At Mary Cariola their sensory board is attached to a wall, making it inaccessible. The goal of this project is to make a sensory experience that is easy to transport and use. Current Solution: Texture tiles (Each tile has […]
Problem Statement: Children with Autism have the tendency to become overstimulated by their surroundings and daily activities, making these activities more challenging for them. They can become easily distracted with simple activities such as moving from one classroom to the next. Current Solution: a system of wireless modular tiles (maybe different shapes and textures) to […]
Kitchen Knife/Cutting Device for Individuals with Fine Motor Limitations
Kitchen
Problem Statement: Manipulating a kitchen knife to slice or chop can be difficult and unstable for someone with limited fine motor function, grip strength, or finger dexterity. Current Solution: Steady Slicer increases stability and control to provide a more independent, enjoyable cooking experience. Next Step: Test both prototypes with the target market; Explore a variety […]
Problem Statement: The main idea is to design a low-cost, portable, configurable activity capture system. It is a principle installation and use will be in the Livability Lab. Its first application will be involved with the assessment of effectiveness and usability of the MO:KI modular kitchen system. Because MO:KI’s preset kitchen system can be applied […]
Problem Statement: The relatively small size and complicated control methods of Fisher-Price Wild Thing make it difficult for children with limited mobility to drive. Current Solution: a safer and more comfortable vehicle with modified Power Wheels, which adapts to children with different figures and physical conditions.
Problem Statement: Pediatric standers became a crucial tool for children living with cerebral palsy (CP) Ffrom both a therapeutic and socialization perspective. Unfortunately, the majority of these standers require a caregiver or family member to move the stander from place to place. For a variety of reasons there are no motorized pediatric standers that would […]
Problem Statement: Currently, accessible public lavatories at healthcare facilities, although functional in aiding people with mobility impairments, are alienating to users. They highlight the user’s disability more so than their abilities with bulky attachments resulting in a rather odd appearance. This causes the targeted users to feel disheartened even in the most basic activity. So […]
Problem Statement: Sudden muscle spasms and excessive contractions inhibit individuals with cerebral palsy(CP) from dressing independently. We seek a solution that would help people with CP to dress independently with the most efficiency possible. Current Solution: gathers pants before dressing and provides support for legs when putting on pants in a sitting position with adjustable […]
