Rachel sits down with the Glenelg High School robotics team - Amitav Kohli, Annabelle McLemore, Tommy Ferrick, and Tommy Hwang. These young innovators share their journey of creating adaptive sports equipment that empowers students with disabilities to engage in athletic activities, boosting their confidence and mental wellness.
The team began two years ago when Amitav developed a soccer device for a student in a wheelchair, igniting a passion that led to a range of projects, including bowling ramps and outreach initiatives. The conversation dives into the personal growth experiences of each team member, including learning engineering skills, winning competitions for funding, and fostering a tightly-knit team dynamic.
About the Glenelg High School Robotics Club:
The Glenelg High School Robotics Club is a team of high school students who design, test, manufacture, and distribute adapted sports equipment free of charge to those in need. They make various attachments and standalone devices to help those with intellectual and developmental disabilities participate in sports such as bowling, soccer, gardening, and bocce ball, with more coming soon. The team also adapts power-wheel cars with remote controls and safety restraints.
The names of participants:
Supervising and sponsoring adult: Raymond Gerstner
Team leader/ Founder: Amitav Kohli
Public Design: Annabelle McLemore
Manufacturing: Tommy Ferrick
Outreach: Tommy Hwang
Outreach: Jack Wolf
Website: adaptiveequipment.org
Episode Timestamps:
- (02:15) Innovating for inclusion
- (05:45) Providing free bowling ramps for students in wheelchairs
- (08:00) Funding and growth; competitions and grants
- (12:15) Team dynamics and future plans
- (14:05) Engineering; learning new skills
- (16:45) Community impact and feedback
- (18:30) Inspirational messages about teamwork and gratitude
Watch this episode on YouTube:
youtube.com/@TheMentalHealthEntrepreneurPod
Connect with Rachel:
Facebook Group: The Mental Health Entrepreneur
Website: traumaspecialiststraining.com
Instagram: instagram.com/trauma_specialist
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796
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