The Paralympic Assistive and Adaptive Device Make-a–thon is an event aimed at designing and developing new technologies, equipment, and devices to help athletes with disabilities participate in cycling, swimming, and running competitions. The goal of the Make-a-thon is to increase accessibility and inclusion in sports for El Pasoans with different abilities while fostering creativity, innovation, and STEM skills for the innovation community.
This year, we will be working for and joined by end-user Juaisca Rodriguez, a double amputee para-athlete who represented the Venezuelan Paralympics team in water polo, and who is now hopeful in qualifying to represent the United States as a Triathlete. The winning overall design will be developed, refined, and potentially used by Juaisca during national and international para-athletic competitions.
Overview
Teams of students (18 and over) and professional designers, developers, engineers, and individuals from various fields will come together to brainstorm, create, test, and present their inventions over a three-day period. The Make-a-thon comprises of several stages including ideation, prototyping, testing, and presentation with opportunities for feedback from Juaisca and Fab Lab mentors that will provide guidance and technical support throughout the event. Participants will also hear from professional guest speakers in the fields of Bike Fitting and Kinesiology. At the end of the Make-a-thon, each team presents their invention and competes for recognition and awards based on criteria such as functionality, innovation, creativity, and impact on the athlete’s life. The winning overall design will be developed, refined, and potentially used by Juaisca during national and international para-athletic competitions.
Prizes
$1000 Best Overall
$500 Best 3D Modeling/3D Printing
$500 Best Use of Customization
$500 Best Storytelling and Presentation
Thank you to generous sponsor
Agenda
Thursday – Kick off event
6:30p Welcome and event overview, meet and greet with Juaisca Rodriguez
7:30-8:00p Mixer and group selections
8:00-10:00p Brainstorming and ideation
Friday – Working day
3:00p Lab opens
6:00-6:45p Dinner break with Joseph Garcia, Owner of Cycling Gains
6:45-9:00p Working session
*8:00p last call to send files to 3D printers for overnight printing
Saturday – Working day
12:00p Lab opens
1:00p Lunch and learn with Dr. Bryan Boyea, Assistant Clinical Professor for UTEP Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
2:00p-6:00p Working session
*5:00p last call to send files to 3D printers for overnight printing
Sunday- Presentations and Awards
12:00p Lab opens
2:00-3:30p Introduction to guest judges, presentations and judging
4:00p Awards ceremony
5:00p Event ends
Register