Blythedale Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, a renowned leader in developing assistive technology (AT) that enables children to function more independently in areas where they would otherwise have difficulty, need assistance or be unable to participate is collaborating with the students of Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains to develop a device aimed at helping those afflicted with difficulties.
The scope of this project will strive to raise awareness about the need, assist with implementation and financial challenges with AT as well as cultivate a culture of empathy in understanding all have different abilities not disabilities.
Julie Knitter, OTR, director of occupational therapy and assistive technology said, “It’s always exciting to see the next generation of innovators become inspired by what they experience at Blythedale Children’s Hospital. And from an educational standpoint, I love seeing high school students learn about the world of disability and inclusion. That sensitivity and awareness will serve them well throughout their lives.”
The mission of Archbishop Stepinac High School is to offer young men of the Archdiocese of New York a highly competitive academic and extracurricular program that will prepare them for college and leadership roles. The faculty and staff accomplish these objectives by pursuing excellence and creating a supportive, disciplined atmosphere with a strong sense of camaraderie and Christian values that is unique to the Stepinac experience.
The students of Stepinac’s groundbreaking Susan and Daniel P. Mahoney Honors Academy will present their proposed (AT) innovation at Academy’s Sixth Annual Symposium which will be held, free and open to the public, at 6 PM, Monday, June 3 at Stepinac, 950 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains.
