The sixth-annual NDSU Toy Adaptathon will include a new open house event, scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 12 from 1 to 7 p.m. in the NDSU electrical and computer engineering building (1411 Centennial Blvd.), room 121.
Engineering students at North Dakota State University are putting their skills to the test to make the holiday season more enjoyable for children of all abilities.
Playing with off-the-shelf toys is often not possible for children with physical and motor disabilities, depending on their unique abilities. However, toys can be modified so the original switches are rerouted to a larger switch that is more accessible and easy to operate.
The sixth-annual Toy Adaptathon will include a new open house event, scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 12 from 1 to 7 p.m. in the NDSU electrical and computer engineering building (1411 Centennial Blvd.), room 121. NDSU student leaders from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers – Eta Kappa Nu chapter will modify toys for local children.
“This event is a great way for NDSU engineering students to put practice in the classroom to real life use,” said Cole Rahne, an electrical engineering senior from Hutchinson, Minnesota. “NDSU engineering students are able to modify the toy by using the skills we learned in our electronics and circuit analysis classes. Our ECE labs at NDSU provide the hands-on skills we need in order to do the modification of the toys.”
Parents, family and friends of children with physical and motor disailbities dropped off their switch-activated toys to be modified and donations were requested from the public for families who cannot afford switch-activated toys for their children.
NDSU is partnering with area therapy groups to distribute the donated toys, but also encourages suggestions for any child in need of an adapted toy.
“This year, in collaboration with the engineering department, we’ve had the opportunity to partner with ND Assistive,” said Molly McKinnon, director of the NDSU Center for Accessibility and Disability Resources. “It will be exciting to showcase students in action using the adapted toys, while the engineering department’s ‘elves’ stay hard at work! Our mission and drive is to see people of all abilities enjoying this most wonderful time of the year.”
As a student-focused, land-grant, research university, we serve our citizens.
