For a third year in a row, a project submitted by Crann for MTU’s Innovation Challenge has won over the judges.
An innovative group of students from Munster Technological University – Patryk Gasiorowski, Clare Clancy, Saoirse O’Brien, Jakub Byrdziak, Hua (Watson) Sheng, Iffah Shah, Jack O’Leary and Maksim Mrdanov – were one of two winning groups at this year’s challenge, having taken on the Mobility challenge posed to them by Maura Kelleher, Crann’s expert Occupational Therapist.
The team used surveys and interviews with wheelchair users to determine the challenges faced, the injuries respondents incurred using their wheelchairs and what respondents would like to see in a circuit like this.
They then went on to research wheelchair skills training programmes around the world to inform the practical elements required to build a well-rounded skills based approached to wheelchair skills training.
The team used 3D modeling software to create a number of iterations of their proposed circuit before deciding on their suggested final model, which includes kirbs, textures, ramps and uneven surfaces including loose bricks.
In addition, the team developed an assessment plan, bespoke to their design, which allows an occupational therapist to track and measure the progress of each client.
We were impressed with the depth of research and the range of skills the team displayed.
A big congratulations to the winning teams from Crann!
