Innovative Tech Solutions: Winchester Thurston Students Create Tools to Help Individuals with Disabilities

On a July afternoon, Javere Harriot addressed a packed audience at the Joan Clark Davis Center for Interdisciplinary Learning, unveiling a 3D-printed headrest named “ComforTap.” The 11th grader from Pittsburgh Westinghouse Academy shared the project designed during the Access:Innovation program—an initiative between Winchester Thurston, Youth Enrichment Services, and Pittsburgh Public Schools—as a solution for Keri McKenna, a student with cerebral palsy. Currently, Keri uses a button zip-tied to her wheelchair, which she activates by hitting it with her head. Tatyona Couzzins, a peer involved in creating ComforTap, reflected on the physical discomfort associated with the existing method.Students immersed themselves in CAD technology and 3D printing, focusing on inclusive, human-centered designs. Program facilitator Graig Marx emphasized leveraging community resources for educational enrichment. The innovative experience fostered empathy among students, bridging diverse backgrounds and addressing real-world challenges. The project culminated in designs that enhance accessibility and understanding, illustrating the power of collaborative problem-solving.