BME Students Are Helping Brighten the Holidays for Children with Disabilities

With the holiday season nearly upon us — and the spirit of giving in full force — Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME)students and student groups 3D PATH (Printing and Assistive Technology for Health) and VIP BEAR (Bioengineering Education, Application and Research) teamed up with local nonprofits to create an extra measure of joy in our communities this year.

Specifically, they put their talents to good work, adapting donated toys to make them accessible for children with disabilities.

For a few hours (and with more sessions to follow), SAC Ballroom B was transformed into Santa’s Workshop in early November, with busy elves working with faculty from BME and these organizations — Makers Making Change (New York City Chapter), The Viscardi Center, Sartorius, Johnson & Johnson MedTech, and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (ASPIRE Disability Inclusion Employee Resource Group). 

All of these companies make, promote and distribute more affordable, disability-accessible toys for children. The toys will be available for families before the holiday season.

BME Assistant Professor Mei Lin (‘Ete’) Chan said she was “thrilled with the level of participation and energy in the room. It’s all about mixing talent and passion, and doing something really good for the community while promoting our students’ professional networking for career development.”

As one BME student said, “Why not help someone?” Why not, indeed.

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Azhar Muhammad presenting “Go Baby Go,” for kids too young for a mobile wheelchair but ready to start moving around to explore and learn. Photo by John Griffin.

— Ellen Cooke