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Disability Pride Month
July 17, 2024
Celebrating Inclusion and Innovations in Adaptability
- Related Topics:
- Education,
- In the Community,
- Tech Partners
July is a time of reflection and celebration as we commemorate Disability Pride Month at the Tech Interactive. This month serves as a reminder of the strength, resilience, and creativity of the disability community. At The Tech Interactive, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. By recognizing and celebrating the diverse experiences and contributions of individuals with disabilities, we aim to inspire understanding, innovation, and change.
Additional information about our disability accommodations, as well as a sensory guide and social story can be found on our website. Sensory backpacks are also available to guests upon request.
To celebrate Disability Pride month in July, the family reading area next to Tech Studio has a new selection of books and adaptability tools on display that visitors can explore.
We are proud to highlight two adaptive designers, and the tools they have created for themselves and others.
User-centered design: An iterative design process where designers focus on the users and their needs during each phase in the process. Designers use techniques like interviews, observations, and co-design to gain empathy and understanding of the users lived experience.
The designer
Kelly Ferguson graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2000 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Five years prior to that, he suffered a spinal cord injury at the C5 level. He currently uses a manual wheelchair and has limited hand function because of this. In 2015 he purchased his first 3D printer and started to design and manufacture a number of adaptive devices, many of which he uses throughout the day. He also sells these various devices on his website. Through his company, KFK Designs, he also provides engineering advice, performs CAD, designs and builds prototypes for inventors and other clients.
The designs: Kelly has designed a wide variety of assistive tools for adults and kids including writing aids, utensil adapters, gaming adapters, chopsticks, and more!
The designer
Mark Fuglevand is the founder and lead designer at Abilitease. He founded Abilitease because he wants to develop independence solutions for individuals with physical limitations that are not only functional, but appealing. He wants to connect with the disabled community and create avenues of independence through not only product innovation, but product awareness and education through personal experience
The designs: Mark focuses on creating tools to help people do everyday things — like opening cans, putting on clothes, using their phone, or even sweeping the floor!
Assistive Technology: A device, resource, or system that assists a person in performing a particular task.
Check out some of these examples:
Adaptive Drink Holder (from Ablitease)
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There are two designs for this Adaptive Drink Holder. One works with cans and bottles. The other works for glasses or cups. The Adaptive Drink Holder can be used by people with limited hand dexterity to confidently hold their favorite drink.
Adaptive Phone Holder (from Abilitease)
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This Adaptive Phone holder was designed to give people easy access to their phone and camera. The phone holder utilizes a cuff for your hand to support the weight with an attached expandable phone holder. The knob covers on the phone holder make it easier to secure the phone and change the orientation.
Hey Educators! Using a phone requires more fine motor movement than we realize. Engage your students in investigating how to Design for Dexterity with our lesson plan!
Youth Writing Aid (from KFK Designs)
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This Youth Writing Aid is designed with multiple adaptors for different size writing tools or easy to hold it. The flexible material allows it to adjust to young, growing hands. It is designed to provide a natural writing position for any child with limited or weakened hand function.
Quad Game Controller (from KFK Designs)
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This quad game controller provides easy access to every trigger & button on the Xbox1 controller. It includes trigger locks, extension buttons, and removable joysticks and knobs. The Pro Edition even includes programmable "Back Buttons" & adaptive paddles and the ModdedZone app to reconfigure every button on the controller.
Hey Educators! Everyone loves to play! Universal design creates products that are accessible to all people, regardless of ability. Guide your students to collaboratively design a playground for everyone to enjoy in our Project Playground lesson.
Inspired to learn more?
- Visit The Tech Interactive this month and try out some of these Adaptive Devices yourself!
- Learn more about accommodations for visitors including our sensory guide, social story, and sensory backpacks.
- Add these books to your summer reading list:
- Included: A book for all children about inclusion, diversity, disability, equality and empathy by Jayneen Sanders (Author), Camila Carrossine (Illustrator)
- Brilliant Bea: A Story for Kids With Dyslexia and Learning Differences by Shaina Rudolph (Author), Mary Vukadinovich (Author), Fiona Lee (Illustrator)
- Try user-centered design yourself with some of our Design for All activities: