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"Kids with limited motor function need ways to interact with digital systems, and we see potential for the PushnDraw to both assist with occupational therapy and allow personal artistic expression," says Ashley Pigford, an art and design professor at the University of Delaware who's been designing and developing assistive technology for people with disabilities for more than 20 years.
Her latest project is the PushnDraw, a spring-loaded device that allows children with upper limb disabilities, such as arthrogryposis, to draw with their hands, reports the News Journal.
Pigford came up with the idea for the device after her son was born with arthrogryposis, a condition that causes joint contractures in the upper and lower extremities, per a press release.
The device initially allowed children with arthrogryposis to trace letter forms, navigate through mazes, and draw to their heart with a dry erase marker, Pigford says.
But with a $50,000 grant from the Maggie E.
Neumann Sciences Research Fund, Pigford and a team of mechanical engineering and physical therapist students have been able to significantly advance the mechanics of the device and incorporate computer programming and on-the-fly customization to accommodate varying levels of ability and feedback from parents and kids.
Selected Grant News Headlines
A customized collection of grant news from foundations and the federal government from around the Web.
News from Community Foundation of White County: White County Grants Announced.Community Cares Grants, funded by unrestricted donations to the Community Foundation, are designed to address a wide...more
Oti - the Israeli Autism Association, is advancing the development of children and adults on the autism spectrum.Recent years have witnessed a profound transformation in our understanding of autism...more
COPEMA seeks to mobilise parliamentary support to increase domestic funding and ensure effective implementation of malaria control strategies.The disease accounts for approximately 600,000 deaths...more
MP Tourism Unveils Immersive Zone at KidZania Showcasing the State's Top Attractions.The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Experience Center was officially inaugurated at Kid Zania Mumbai.The initiative is...more
Applications are open for the 2025 Emerging Youth Artist Scholarship Program.The program is open to emerging youth artists from Canada and around the world.For more information on the program, visit...more
Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation.Youth culture, streetwear and sports are shaping brand narratives, a panel heard.Inside the Yarn retail pop-up at...more
Emmanuel Umenwa, the Chief Executive Officer, Geneith Pharmaceutical Limited, says combating malaria in Nigeria demands innovation and youth-driven ideas.He said this in Abuja, during a media...more
Velazquez Aims to Recognize National Young Audiences Arts for Learning Week.Velazquez introduced a House resolution in support for the designation of April 13 26.The resolution highlights the...more
The festival includes four themed weekends: handmade crafts; nature and sustainability; youth weekend; and 'A Sweet-Scented Farewell,' which focuses on Al-Balad apothecaries.The Saudi Cultural...more
Volunteers gather at Rhea Valley Elementary each week to assemble bags of non-perishable meals and snacks for food-insecure students at three Washington County schools.The volunteer-run backpack...more
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Community Foundation of Sarasota County
Manatee Community Foundation
Bloomberg Philanthropies
Delaware Community Foundation
Kern Community Foundation
Key Biscayne Community Foundation
American Savings Foundation
Huron County Community Foundation
Becton, Dickinson and Company
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