Teaching at LLU/UNAH Adaptation and Implementation of Devices

I had the wonderful opportunity of teach the Adaptation and Implementation of Devices-course at LLU/UNAH Rehab Tech program this past week. This was a 1 week intensive college level course. The Rehab Tech class had 1 students plus 2-3 previous graduates who came back to learn what I was teaching. I was blessed to have Carlos come along with me for the week to help me train

Monday

I taught cardboard Carpentry and it was a Success. In the morning the students learned all about the history, techniques, and skills. 

Then in the afternoon they practiced making triwall (which we used to make a bench on tuesday), ripping paper for edging, practiced edging, and made wooden nails. The students were very engaged and excited to learn. Big thank you to carlos for finishing teaching lab while I ran to Gressier to get supplies . A Huge thank you to Sally Todd and Ashley Kahila and Haiti Made for saving me with cardboard and PVC connectors, foam, and buckets we desperately needed for the week.

Tuesday

I taught APT (Appropriate Paper Technology) and Cardboard Carpentry

In the Morning the students presented a piece of equipment they would like to make out of cardboard and answered questions related to that piece of equipment. Then they learned about APT followed by finishing the bench they started to make the day before in lab.

In the Afternoon the students brought to life their idea of a piece of equipment and made a mock-up mini version that was made out of single layer cardboard piece of equipment. They worked so hard and were so creative. I am so proud! The projects ranged from wheelchair, chairs, Card, AFOs... Tomorrow they will use APT techniques and cover their projects and reinforce.

Check out their projects….

Wednesday

Carlos taught the rehab students in the morning about making adaptive equipment out of PVC pipe, bucket chairs, and Haitian adapted chairs.  Thursday  the students will use what they have learned the first 3 days of class to run a clinic. The goal is to see and make equipment for 10 children 

Lab- the students covered their cardboard carpentry projects with APT techniques. Some of the students ripped up old paper and the other students made a flour/water paste. They then covered their projects using the specific APT layering techniques.

 

THURSDAY

In the morning the students worked really hard to run a clinic where they evaluated 6 kids, decided what equipment they needed and then made the equipment and educated family on how to use.

Then in the afternoon only 1 of the 5 children showed up for clinic. So all 16 students worked together for 4 hours and blessed this family BIG time. They stayed 2.5 hours late to finish. The students worked together to make a bucket chair, with a stand, tabletop and toy hanger.

He also had 2 custom hand braces made. So much hard work and creativity went into making this chair! This sweet boy totally has the coolest chair in Haiti.

FRIDAY

Friday morning the students reviewed for their final and then took the final. Friday was not just the end of my class but the end of the semester and the end of class for them. When they return after break they will be heading out on their 1^st level 2 clinical placement

These Awsome students worked so hard all week to make these therapy projects using cardboard carpentry and APT techniques. They came up with a piece of equipment they would like to try to make and did it! Unfortunately we didn't have time to do the last 3 steps...prime, paint/decorate and put polyurethane on. But they can do that on their own. They took such pride in their projects!

GREAT Week of Teaching!