#PeopleofSTEAM: Meet Haemi
January 8, 2024
The Developmental Pediatrics and Rehabilitation program at Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre (RJCHC) in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada sees close to 6,000 young patients each year. The RJCHC facility, which serves 14,000 young people annually, offers outpatient services focused on child rehabilitation and developmental, behavioral, and mental health. Traditional therapies focus on skill development and helping children and their families to achieve their goals. The children served by RJCHC are all outpatients of McMaster Children’s Hospital and have developmental and/or physical disabilities. In addition to medical care, the recreation team at RJCHC offers motivating enrichment programs that kids choose to participate in such as rock climbing, ICanBike, cheerleading, cooking, art and choir. Participation in meaningful activities promotes holistic care. Being motivated to become part of a team creates an invaluable opportunity to build life skills and prepares our patients for more future independence.
In an effort to expand enrichment program offerings for young patients, the care providers at RJCHC proposed the addition of STEAM programs. They were seeking a robotics program to complement their Technology in Action program which included drones, video editing and 3D printing programs. The care providers were interested in adding an offering that was educational, encouraged children to be social and practice self-awareness, was inclusive, and would help benefit students throughout their lives. The other important prerequisite for this STEAM program was it had to be accessible for all patients, no matter their physical limitations. The care providers who work with the youth patients each day identified FIRST® as the ideal STEAM program offering and then brought this idea to the RJCHC leadership for approval. The proposal was approved, and, soon after, RJCHC staff created FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge Team 61723 “Hammerheads” in 2019.
Implementing FIRST programs at RJCHC has set students up for long-term success. According to Lindsay Bray, Registered Physiotherapist at RJCHC and a mentor of Team Hammerheads, one of the key determinants of successful employment for adults with special needs is having paid employment as a youth. Earlier this year, one of the students on Team Hammerheads was able to secure a job as a result of their FIRST experience. According to Bray, the road to gainful employment is a huge step for anyone, but especially for those with disabilities. For this student, FIRST was a key factor in this exciting new step.
“FIRST offers a unique opportunity to showcase how to integrate aspects of Universal Design into everything we do. FIRST allows us to raise awareness for diversity, and I hope that our involvement motivates the FIRST community of gifted problem solvers and future leaders, to consider how small changes in planning will reduce barriers and maximize the participation and inclusion of everyone,” said Bray.
Team mentor, Mike Berube, said: “For many of these kids, FIRST is their only opportunity to be on a competitive team. And one of the reasons they are so competitive is because they know that if they fail and get back up and try again, they’ll come out on the other side and succeed.”
Team Hammerheads mentor Alex Thersidis noted the students’ problem-solving mentality as one of their many strengths. When Team Hammerheads first saw a FIRST LEGO League game table, they realized it was too low for their team member in a power wheelchair. While the height of FIRST LEGO League game tables may be adjusted to accommodate the needs of each individual team, Team Hammerheads developed a time-saving solution. Instead of adjusting each table's height individually, they found that cafeteria tables are AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) compliant, at the ideal height, and available at most event venues. They placed the game boards on the tables, rearranged the supports underneath, and worked to make sure the tables were stable and secure. This innovative solution provided a quick and easy way to make gameplay accessible for all students competing.
The team’s Gracious Professionalism® sets them apart and is a driving force behind their success. This is evident when mentors see the older, veteran students making space for the younger students and encouraging them to learn, explore and have hands-on experiences.
Parents of the students remarked that they knew their kids would gain STEAM skills through participating in FIRST, but they never imagined how great of a role friendship and community would play in their overall experiences.
“For my child, FIRST LEGO League is a rewarding and memorable experience that will last a lifetime. From the heartfelt inclusion of being a part of the team and the amazing camaraderie and friendships that went along with it. Yes, a robot was built during this process, but my child also built important life skills including (but certainly not limited to) commitment, determination, resiliency, perseverance, collaboration, problem solving and communication skills.” – Debbie, Team Hammerheads parent
Since their rookie year, the team has grown from 11 members to 22 members, creating a need for a second FIRST LEGO League Challenge team to be formed. Next season will be the first year that students on Team Hammerheads will age out of FIRST LEGO League Challenge, so the staff at RJCHC are looking to add a FIRST® Tech Challenge program so these students can continue their STEAM learning journeys with FIRST.
FIRST is for everyone, and Team Hammerheads are a shining example of the magic that can happen when everyone gets to participate.
Are you a person of STEAM? Share your story with #PeopleofSTEAM on social media or send us your story at marketing@firstinspires.org.