IChallengeU team solves problem for Power Mobility team

The IChallengeU team that was based at the Meijer Campus in Holland proposed a real-world solution for engineering students to increase their interaction with participants in Grand Valley's Power Mobility Project.

The team of four Ottawa County high school students spent two weeks working to solve a problem: How can we better prepare engineering students to interact with and empower people with various physical and communicative disabilities? They and other IChallengeU teams pitched their ideas before judges July 17 at Haworth in Holland on the last day of the two-week program. Teams received a real-world problem from their host organization; each winning team member received a $1,000 college scholarship.

Lisa Miller, director of the Meijer Campus, said Team GVSU proposed a three-part solution designed to increase awareness of the issues Power Mobility participants face and increase interaction among engineering students and participants and their families. Engineering students, under the direction of professor John Farris, build mobility devices that enable children and others with disabilities to become more independent. The Power Mobility team also includes physical therapy doctoral students and Lisa Kenyon, associate professor of physical therapy.

The IChallengeU team proposed a workshop facilitated by the Disability Network Lakeshore, client check-ins and a family fun night hosted by the Lincoln Development Center, where many participants attend school. Miller said IChallengeU team members met with numerous community organizations and members of the Power Mobility Project before proposing a solution.

Team GVSU members were Samantha Krepel, from Coopersville High School; Katalina Anongdeth, from West Ottawa High School; and Brennen Latchaw and Emily Smith, from Grand Haven High School. They were led by Renee Fay, Coopersville High School teacher, and Tamika Henry, principal at New Options High School in Allendale.

IChallengeU, sponsored by Ottawa Area Intermediate School District, is a free program open to juniors and seniors in Ottawa County.