VME Volunteer News September 2023 Continuing the Legacy Innovation for People with Disabilities

Back-to-School - Designing for Adaptability & Style

Some wear yellow polo shirts with khaki pants - others wear white shirts with black pants. For Baltimore City student Tyson, he sports a navy blue polo and khaki pants to school (pictured above). Tyson was born with phocomelia (shortened limbs), but he does not let his disability get in the way of his appetite for learning, his joy, or his sense of adventure. Tyson is one of six Baltimore City Public School (BCPS) students selected to be a part of VME's Adaptive Uniform pilot project - a collaboration between Stevenson University's Fashion Design Department and six volunteer sewists ("sewists" - the preferred name). The first step required the Stevenson students to design each uniform package and then share the plans with the sewists. Each custom design focused on independent dressing at home as well as care at school. For Tyson, his design included a custom zip-off right pant leg (pictured above) so that his mom does not have to knot up an "over-hanging" pant leg. The new design gives him more comfort, especially during these first few weeks of warmer weather. He describes it as a "cool look" - similar to a design for pro-athletes. For other students, the uniform designs embrace each child's fine motor skills with a goal to improve independent dressing and toileting; such as, elastic loops at the waistline to help pull up pants, velcro closures instead of zippers, and concealed magnets to replace shirt buttons. One design even includes a specialized waterproof bib shirt to catch food spillages and drooling, while another captures reinforced, inside padding and a snapped pant leg for a prosthesis.

This entire project came to life through the observations of Volunteer Occupational Therapist Meghan McCormack (pictured above with Tyson) who works for Baltimore City Public Schools. She teamed up with recent Towson OT grad, Caitlin Berger and Retailer / Sewist Gwen Grant to develop a plan to guide the Stevenson students and sewists on the medical needs of each child. The main goal was for the BCPS students to wear a uniform that conforms to school policies and yet offers the adaptability. We look forward to Tyson and the other Baltimore City students wearing their adaptive uniforms with style, ease and more independence. We hope to gain additional funding so that we can expand the Program next Spring.

Special thanks to: The VME Team: Volunteers - OT Meghan McCormack, OT Caitlin Berger and Retailer/Sewist Gwendolyn Grant The Stevenson Team: Dr. Neil Rothman, Dr. Leslie Simpson, Professor Leah Aronhime & Fashion Design students: Cade Granger, Courtney Johnson, Grace Ahn, Kaiyanna Fleming, Khyecia Hudson-Temple, Phoebe Zaranski The Volunteer Sewist Team: Angela Thomas, Caroline Cerrili, Danielle Civil, Ella Mae Holmes, Mia Baird, Tonae Lee

CAPSTONES - Emerging Engineers Prepare for Real World Challenges

Armed with the some of the best technology, fine instruction and VME mentors, our university teams are ready for their capstone challenges. Each team has been tasked to design a device that will change the life of someone or a group of people with disabilities. One-semester or one-year: George Washington University - Bio-med project: Hospital Bed Controller innovation Johns Hopkins University - ASME - slated for Joy's Bedside Computer Station & Accessible Closet (freshmen through senior team) Loyola University - Sensory lacrosse ball for blind children Morgan State University - Imani's Voice Activated Treadmill UMD - Ice Hockey Signaling Device for two deaf brothers; Kobe's All-Terrain Walker; plus an E-Bike Kit for future e-bike designs UMBC - Avaleigh's Therapeutic Swing; plus, a specialized "Cause & Effect" Learning Tray for a boy with cognitive challenges USNA- Gilbert's Backyard Therapeutic Swing Stay tuned for details in future newsletters.

Pictured above: MIDS from Spring Semester '23 - completed a 3D-printed desk & device organizer for a Maryland senior with cerebral palsy.

Build-A-Bike & Bowl

Thanks to Mechanical Engineer Zeke Salvo for designing a bowling lane that will be used as a fundraising tool during our Big Bike Build Fundraiser (details below). This 24' X 3' custom bowling lane is made of six wooden compartments with a barricade at the end. An accessible ramp will be available too so that all can enjoy!

The BIG BIKE BUILD Fundraiser Saturday, Sept 23 - Stevenson University (North Campus)

"What's your favorite color?" is one of the questions that we asked each one of the 25 Big Bike Build children (ages 8-15). Most are non-verbal so they gestured in some way to let us know including a smile! Join us on Sept 23, as we build bikes in teams - each bike customized. Can you spare 2-3 hours on Sept 23? We could use your help - there are many ways to volunteer - with or without tools! If you can't make it, consider donating to support our STEM Programs! We hope to see you there. Bring your smile! Click the buttons below!

Thanks to the Brain Injury Association of Maryland and HandUp Gloves for donating "favorite color" helmets and gloves.

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STAY CONNECTED in 2023!

September 2023: T, Sept 12 - Student VME Orientation on Zoom - 6:30 - 7pm - featuring UMD Alum & Northrop Engineer - Sophie Roberts-Weigert W, Sept 13 AM - Rollator Clinic - Repairing rollators, canes & walkers for seniors - "Seniors on the Go Expo" @ Shipley Arena - Westminster @ 9-1pm W, Sept 13 - CST (Client Services Team) - We're back from break! Zoom @ 6pm W, Sept 20 - Big Bike Build Safety Orientation for New Volunteers on Zoom - 6pm W, Sept 27 - PRAC (Project Review and Approval Committee) on Zoom! @ 6pm SAVE THE DATE: THE BIG Bike Build - Sat. Sept 23 @ Stevenson University !! (Sign up to volunteer - button / DONATE above) VOLUNTEERS... save this date, too! Sat. Nov 11 - "Brunch, Mentor, & Inspire" @ UMBC - VME Volunteer Engineers, OTs, & PTs, consult VME engineering students on their projects. Clients invited, too! Plus, volunteer recognitions!

Features for next month's newsletter: Community Colleges & High Schools - Engineered Solutions Making a Difference Spotlight on a VME Volunteer Big Bike Build Highlights!

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