On Saturday February 15th UCP of NYC and MOUSE joined together at the Cooper Hewitt Design Center to brainstorm assistive technology design projects they will collaborate on over the next year.

The projects include: a mechanical rotating palette for artists with limited mobility so that they can independently change colors and rinse their paintbrush without relying on assistance; an adaptive Wii controller that will enable people with cerebral palsy to play video games; a remote control duster to assist people in cleaning their homes; and a compact wheelchair integrated ramp to help increase accessibility while traveling around the city. 

After spending the day together working on ideas and design schematics, the MOUSE squad students will now begin meeting with their design mentors to make the projects a reality. In the beginning of March, UCP of NYC project team members will visit the MOUSE offices to check in on progress and offer input on the initial stages of design and will follow up throughout the project phases. While some projects may modify over the course of the year, great outcomes and learning opportunities for all will be plentiful.

View on ucpnyc.org: Designing New Tools