Recently, Abbotsford Virtual School teacher Mr. Amendt gathered a group of student volunteers from grades 6-8 to build a 3D-printed mobility trainer for Kelowna kindergarten student Prescott, who lives with cerebral palsy and epilepsy.
Photographed: Alessa M, Ayvin H, Tim P, Conrad H, Rowan M, Lyra B, Brenna P, Nora T, Eknoor K, Prescott and her family, and Mr. Amendt
Mr. Amendt was searching for 3D printing projects that would allow his students to see community impact and got connected to the non-profit Make Good, which connects people with 3D printers with people who need mobility assistance devices. For him, it was important that his students could meet the people they were helping, so he chose 5-year-old Prescott from Kelowna.
"I've always been interested in 3D printing, that's why I signed up," said Ayvin H., "and I'm inspired to continue to learn."
The bright pink, purple, and blue colour scheme was requested by the family. Alessa M. said she had a lot of fun picking which colours would go where. Her family also contributed significantly to the project by partnership with a local Meridian Farm Market to raise funds for the materials used in the project.
In total, the students raised $600. "Usually there are donors who contribute to the projects," said Mr. Amendt, "but when there was a gap, it was a great opportunity for students to step up and take initiative."
Prescott and her family (her sister, mother, and father) were thrilled with the brightly coloured mobility trainer, complete with a seatbelt, push handle, and adjustable footrest. For the students involved, the project was an opportunity to apply emerging technology in a meaningful way while making a difference to improve someone's quality of life.
For more information
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Abbotsford British Columbia
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www.abbyschools.ca
