Brandywine Heights Area School District

This holiday season, nine students from Brandywine Heights, including three from the high school and six from the middle school, participated in the transformative Toy Adaptation Program. Offered through the Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) in partnership with Penn State Berks, this initiative combines STEM skills with empathy and creativity to make a real difference in the lives of children with disabilities.

The program’s mission is rooted in disability awareness and accessibility, focusing on removing barriers through Universal Design principles. Students worked collaboratively with Penn State professors and engineering students to modify toys, creating adaptive switches that allow children with limited mobility or cognitive delays to enjoy playtime.

A Three-Day Journey of Learning and Impact

Day 1: Students kicked off their journey at Penn State Berks, where they brainstormed ideas and collaborated with professors to design adaptive switches. This design day emphasized creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork, laying the foundation for their impactful work.

Day 2: The second day introduced students to hands-on STEM skills, including 3D CAD design, mold creation, and soldering. These technical skills were critical in preparing for the final step: building the adapted toys.

Day 3: Known as “Build Day,” students came together at the BCIU to assemble the adaptive toys. Using everything they had learned, they modified toys to make them accessible, ensuring every child could experience the joy of play.

Spreading Holiday Cheer

Before the holiday break, the students delivered their adapted toys to children in the District with disabilities. The heartfelt smiles and excitement from the recipients were a testament to the program’s success, bringing joy to families and making the season extra special.

Empowering STEM and Inclusion

The Toy Adaptation Program isn’t just about STEM—it’s about fostering empathy, raising disability awareness, and empowering inclusivity. Students learned to think critically about accessibility barriers, developing solutions that could impact lives far beyond this project.

A Big Thank You

Brandywine Heights extends its gratitude to Chris Reed and Daniel Mark, the BCIU, and Penn State Berks for guiding and mentoring our students throughout this incredible experience. Together, they have demonstrated the power of creativity, collaboration, and compassion.