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May Howard robotics team adapts toys so preschoolers with limited mobility can play
Summary
Students at May Howard Elementary converted commercial toys with larger switches so children in a local preschool intervention class can activate them with an elbow, head or other body part; the school's PTA agreed to fund the project and Hawks News Network documented the work.
Students in the robotics program at May Howard Elementary School in the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System converted commercial toys to make them easier for children with limited mobility to use, students and the school's news crew said.
The adaptations include larger switches that can be pressed with an elbow or the head so children who cannot use their hands can activate toys, students said. The school's Parent Teacher Association agreed to fund the project, and Hawks News Network student reporters documented the build and dedication, the segment said.
"I think all of our switches are ready to go," one student said. "I wanted them to understand these kids can play with toys just like us." Another student described the recipients as "kids from the local preschool intervention class," and said the team aimed to teach service and inclusivity through the work.
"We are making toys for people that can't really play with the toys how they are intended," a student added. "If somebody with, like, disabilities ... can't use their hands, they could, like, use their elbow and click that, or they could use their head and click it. We're making the toys because it's too expensive to buy accessible toys and most families can't afford them." The segment reported that the PTA agreed to cover project costs after the students proposed the idea: "I approached PTA and I said, I have this idea for a project. What do you guys think? And they jumped on board. They were like, absolutely. We will fund, the whole thing whatever you need."
Hawks News Network identified student reporters Lila Gray and Cameron as producing a documentary of the dedication. "HNN, Hawks News Network. Lila Gray and Cameron are on the spot putting together a documentary of the dedication of these students," the segment said.
Students emphasized the project's educational and social goals. "I've learned about teamwork and how helping people is awesome," one participant said. "I want our robotics team to walk away with that love and that passion of providing that service, giving back, and giving these families and these individuals space in the community that they can grow up with together."
The segment closed with the on-camera sign-off: "For SCCPSS, I'm Ken Slatz."
