Lawrence Tech Engineering and Studio for Entrepreneurial Design (SEED) students have been working closely with Services To Enhance Potential (STEP) clients from STEP’s Livonia Resource Center and Stonecrest Behavioral Center to develop products to help with various disability related needs in the workplace. On December 5th and 6th students displayed final project designs.Students were given the opportunity to interact with STEP clients to learn about their disability and challenges they face in the workplace. After multiple site visits, the students turned to the lab and designed specific products to meet the client’s needs in different work settings. After the completion of the project, LTU students’ presented STEP clients with the final products. STEP clients can now use these products to aid with workplace barriers.
“Before our partnership with STEP, our students did not have the opportunity to design something that creates value for real customers so the projects always felt a little bit artificial. Having an actual customer that is depending on the success of your design and can offer real feedback on your ideas makes these projects so much more engaging and relevant. We really appreciate STEP being willing to work with us and our students”, said Cristi-Bell Huff, Director- Studio for Entrepreneurial Engineering Design (SEED).
“The students are truly invested in designing a product that will make a positive impact on the jobs and lives of the STEP workers. We are so grateful for our partnership with STEP and for the ability to provide our students the setting to foster real empathy in design”, added Heidi Morano, Project Engineer-Studio for Entrepreneurial Engineering Design (SEED).
“The relationship with Lawrence Tech has been rewarding on many levels. I could not be more impressed with every aspect of the University; from the campus to the faculty and most of all the students. The way the students were able to engage and analyze the needs of the people we serve has been truly inspiring. Many of the designs developed by the students will not only improve the efficiency of our clients’ work but also eliminate barriers that will allow people to perform new types of work. STEP looks forward to continuing this relationship with LTU for years to come”, expressed Steve Slayton, STEP Resource Center Director.
For additional information about Services To Enhance Potential visit https://www.stepcentral.org/. For partnership opportunities with STEP contact: Steve Slayton; sslayton@stepcentral.org
