An innovative project is giving students the opportunity to use advanced technology, combining skills like creativity, and problem-solving to create learning tools for visually impaired children. WIth the support of a grant from the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Innovation program, students are designing and building custom learning tools for the Colorado School for the Blind and Anchor School for the Blind.
The goal of this project is to mix traditional woodworking with modern technology by using high-tech tools such as laser engravers, 3D printers, and CNC machines. Making possible to create interactive materials that can help visually impaired students engage more effectively with their education. This is a great opportunity, because these materials are expensive, and a lot of people cant afford it, but now, this project will change this. This initiative is inspired by a previous nonprofit project that worked with children’s hospitals to design custom toys for long-term patients.
“Our goal is to give students meaningful, hands-on experience with both high-tech and low-tech tools while also teaching them problem-solving skills,” said Mr. Brian Jernigan, the instructor who is leading the initiative. “We’re preparing them for future careers while giving them an opportunity to make a real impact.”
After spring break, students will visit the Colorado School for the Blind to present their prototypes and gather feedback. Also, some students will represent their school at a state conference, sharing their work with educators and professionals across Colorado.
“This project is about more than just learning new technology,” said Jerningan “It’s about using creativity and skills to help others in a meaningful way.”
With creativity, technology, and a passion for helping others, this project is showing what’s possible when students put their skills to work for a great cause. Keep up the amazing work. Go Lions!
Examples of the prototypes:
