Applying innovative engineering solutions to design Dreams for people with disabilities
In June of 2011, Hatch began a project with the Dreamfit Foundation, a not-for-profit-organization in Western Australia which creates a platform for industry, academia, government and community to work together to fulfil dreams and overcome the challenges of people with disabilities. Hatch has been a sponsor of the Dreamfit Foundation for the past two years.
UWA team members with Hatch mentors
This year Dreamfit engaged more than 230 second-year engineering students from University of Western Australia (UWA) to participate in a design challenge that involved engineering design, innovation and disability awareness. The challenge was to work with the Fishers with Disabilities Association to develop custom fishing equipment that will allow users to cast and retrieve their lines and bait hooks without assistance.
Hatch sponsored the challenge and volunteered as mentors to two UWA engineering student teams to develop the fishing equipment. The Hatch mentors were Tao He, mechanical engineer; Joshua De Jong, electrical engineer; Kelvin Say, systems engineer; and Jessica Blackwell, professional development program coordinator.
UWA team members with Hatch mentors
The Hatch ‘Seagulls’ team won the “Best Fishing Design” award; for the best designed fishing product. The second Hatch team won the “Best Project Management” award; for the most comprehensive schedule and greatest commitment to meeting deadlines. Joshua De Jong, received a special mention as a mentor for his dedication to the success of the project.
“It was an absolute privilege to meet and work with young engineering talent as a part of the Dreamfit program. The teams professional attitude and dedication to achieving the projects objectives were truly inspiring,” says De Jong. “I really enjoyed being able to witness first hand how the winning concept matured from a simple prototype through to a very refined solution while remaining within the original project schedule and budget constraints. The whole team is very proud.”
All final nominated teams continued to develop their prototype Dream solutions for the remainder of the year. The final designs were unveiled at the an awards ceremony held on Saturday, December 3rd 2011 at the Dreamfit Foundation Community Festival held in McCallum Park in Perth. The event coincided with the United Nations International Day of People with Disability and Dreamfit’s 8th anniversary.
To check out the other Dreamfit projects for 2011 visit http://www.dreamfit.com.au/
