WILSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Several students from Tennessee Tech University spent the semester creating an indoor playground for a Wilson County boy recently diagnosed with autism.
The students are part of the Tech Engineering for Kids course, which “matches a child with special needs to a team of Tech engineering students in Stephen Canfield’s Dynamics of Machinery course for mechanical engineering,” according to the university.
“It was exciting to do because it allowed us to work as a team and troubleshoot problems together as a team,” said Kevin Molina, an engineering student from Madison. “We learned new skills and made a positive impact on a child and family.”
Teammate Sean Borchers, from Lascassas, agreed, saying, “In many previous engineering projects, the work that I’ve done has been for myself, whether it be for getting a good grade or learning a skill to apply to my career. However, this project brought a new perspective to my work, seeing that what the team produced would directly impact the lives of others.”
In this case, the lucky recipient of the project this semester was 4-year-old John. The team from Tennessee Tech built a one-of-a-kind, indoor climbing playground specially designed for John.
When the students delivered their project to the boy’s home in Wilson County at the end of the semester, his mother said he was very excited.
“He loves to climb, and he has no fear of heights. He enjoys being up high, and his new play equipment allows him to do that safely, where we can keep an eye on him,” John’s mother, Jessica Kleveno, said.
According to Jessica, the benefit of this gift will extend to the entire family because not only will it safely accommodate John’s climbing urge and teach him how to play, but it could also help Jessica’s 2-year-old daughter, Raelynn, who is exhibiting some early signs of autism.
“I hope every student on this project got an A for the class, because I think what they’ve done is great,” Jessica said.
The university said others on the team include Aiden Bull, Carter Birdwell, Frederick Heerdt, Mia Duke, and Joshua Matson.
According to Canfield, the team represented “Tech’s core values of stewardship, impact and kindness.”
To learn more about the project, click here.
