Since 2007, Al Sigl has partnered with Rochester Institute of Technology and other community partners to help connect engineering and design students with individuals, families, and providers to help create possible solutions to access technology challenges.
Past examples include:
• toys that can provide sensory feedback to help improve motor skills
• ways that games can promote social interaction and skill-building
• an outdoor lift to help individuals transfer into adaptive ski equipment
Student teams meet with individuals in the community to learn more about a particular challenge. Then students work on different possible solutions and build prototypes. Finally, they meet with their community volunteer again for feedback.
The goal is to help real people in the community by identifying solutions that are affordable and possible to be implemented in real life.
New project ideas are always needed. There is no wrong way to submit a challenge – all ideas are welcome!
Volunteers Needed
Can’t think of a challenge idea right now but interested in learning more and working with project teams?
Please let us know! Meetings can be with one-on-one or as a group. The goal is to provide background on a particular challenge, pros and cons about any existing tools or solutions, and help inspire new innovations.