When Tech Gives A Hand

Please excuse the pun but this story is about how one kid and her pursuit of a special tech allowed her to build a new hand for herself. This endeavour led to a learning experience that also educated many of her peers.

She had part of a hand and the assisted limb she was using had been made years before. She was looking for something more updated and for her age. This 13 year old was Lois Agnello who attends a school in Australia in Port Macquarie.

This interest attracted other children in the school and it became apparent that they could help her by learning about what was needed to make a 3D hand built for her. The process started by adopting a pattern from a charity that dispersed 3D hands for free in Australia.

That is when many experiments led to various results using different designs and fibres. Early success that offered some movement encouraged the group to carry on. They got so good at this that they could offer the charity improved design options.

After that, they decided comfort for Lois was important too. The charity and group continue their association in a cooperative atmosphere. But the kids did not stop there. They entered their project in an international competition with other developers.

The Be The Change Summit in Japan allowed them to participate with other students who are interested in helping the planet and making changes for the better. Lois is up for it and holds her own when it comes to explaining how she uses her hand and what they have been doing at the school.

She is an inspiration since she wants other kids to be adventurous too and to learn this skill. Not only would it help other amputees, it would teach students something they can fall back on to show off their talents. It could later become part of their resumes in a tech-centred world.