Project Description:
Our project is a hands-free assistive skating device developed in collaboration with Volunteers for Medical Engineering (VME) and the Baltimore Saints, a special needs ice hockey team based in Owings Mills, MD. The goal of the device is to help children with physical or cognitive disabilities safely participate in skating activities by providing a supportive and adjustable platform that reduces the need for direct physical assistance from coaches or volunteers.
The design features a mesh seat suspended from a rigid steel frame using a rope and crank height adjustment system. This allows the seat to be quickly customized to the height and posture of each user, improving comfort and safety while also speeding up setup. Caster wheels mounted to the frame allow for smooth movement and turning on the ice, while front-entry carabiner clips make it easy for users to enter and exit the device without stepping over the seat.
By combining safety, adjustability, and ease of use, this device addresses key limitations of the current equipment used by the Baltimore Saints. It enables a wider range of players to participate independently, enhances the overall experience for athletes and coaches, and contributes to broader efforts to make ice hockey more inclusive for children with disabilities.
