Undergraduate Project
Class
Developing Assistive Technology
Completion Date
Key Skills
Prototyping · Soldering
Project Summary
Designed a phone-like communication tool to improve auditory processing and speech clarity.
Created an interactive system to encourage children to focus on listening rather than relying on captions, lip reading, or signing.
Collaborated with StrivRight Auditory Oral School to develop an occupational therapy device for children with hearing impairments.
Goals/Requirements
Develop a device that simulates real-world phone conversations for therapy exercises.
Create a compact and child-friendly design suitable for 4–5 year old users.
Encourage auditory learning through listening-based communication activities.
Allow therapists to guide exercises while preventing visual cues from influencing responses.
Outcome
Integrated walkie talkies, an Elegoo Uno R3, 8x8 LED matrix, IR sensor, remote, and 9V battery into a functional prototype.
Repurposed walkie talkies to provide the speaker, microphone, and antenna system.
Designed separate devices for the child and occupational therapist to enable interactive exercises.
Created a smartphone-like child device with an LED matrix display for therapist feedback.
Reduced the device size by incorporating smaller walkie talkies to better fit a child's hand.
Developed a listening exercise where therapists ask questions remotely and provide visual feedback based on the child's response.
Conclusion
Demonstrated the potential of interactive technology to support auditory-based occupational therapy.
Successfully created a compact communication device designed around the needs of young children.
Identified additional applications, including supporting children with autism who experience anxiety before medical procedures.
Highlighted opportunities for future improvements in miniaturization and pediatric-focused therapy applications.
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