Document Type (Journals)
Educational Innovations
Abstract
Assistive technology (AT) supports engagement for individuals with disabilities by improving independence in daily living tasks, work and productive activities, learning activities, and societal participation. However, for many individuals, access to AT is limited due to high costs, device availability, and inability to be customized. The Maker Movement and hackathons provide an opportunity to educate health profession students, design students, and community members about AT while engaging these stakeholders in addressing unmet AT needs for individuals with disabilities. The current study examines outcomes from an Intercollegiate Assistive Technology Hackathon. Nine co-designers (community members with disabilities) and 36 students from three universities participated in a seven-day hybrid voluntary hackathon to develop a client-centered and contextually relevant custom solution for a daily living challenge. Students, co-designers, and stakeholders gathered virtually to review the ten project pitches. Student preferences were identified, and event co-chairs curated teams. Hack teams collaborated virtually and in person at university-sponsored maker spaces to further define the challenge, ideate possible solutions, develop a prototype, test the prototype, and, in some cases, create a final product. Each team developed a collaborative solution. Personal and professional growth was reported by 95.2% of the student respondents. Solutions and additional outcomes are discussed and recommendations for future hackathons are shared.
Biography
Kevin Berner OT, OTD, ATP is an occupational therapist and certified assistive technology professional who is an assistant professor at MGH Institute of Health Professions. Kevin specializes in assistive technology, accessibility, and rehabilitation and has worked in schools, hospitals, and community environments. Kevin holds a bachelor, masters, and doctoral degrees from Boston University.
Jennifer C. Buxton, MA, OTR/L, ATP, MEd is an occupational therapist and assistive technology professional within the Augmentative Communication Program (ACP) at Boston Children’s Hospital. She is the Program Coordinator for the Assistive Technology Certificate Program at Tufts University, and presented nationally and internationally at ATIA, ATAAC, ISAAC, RESNA, and WFOT.
Loren McMahon, OT, OTD, ATP is an occupational therapist and certified assistive technology professional within the Augmentative Communication Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. Loren contributes to academic education teaching Assistive Technology graduate courses at Boston University and Tufts University OTD Programs, and teaches students how to switch-adapt toys for donation.
Declaration of Interest
Cecropia Strong, a non-profit organization, provided support for raw materials and gift card awards for selected winners.
Recommended Citation
Berner, K., Buxton, J. C., & McMahon, L. F. (2024). Outcomes from an Intercollegiate Client-Centered Interprofessional Occupation-Based Assistive Technology Hackathon: A Pilot Program Evaluation. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 8 (4). https://doi.org/10.26681/jote.2024.080416
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