Baker College partners with Muskegon Area Intermediate School District

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Baker College has partnered with the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District to build devices to help toddlers with mobility challenges gain mobility and independence.

According to an article on Baker College’s website, Cassie Kregger, MBA, COTA/L, Director of the OTA Program, was quoted as saying of the partnership and the project, “This project embodies Baker College’s mission of empowering students to create a meaningful impact. We are creating opportunities for our OTA students to recognize the needs within their community, enabling them to connect with leaders and organizations working to bridge the gap. Through these interactions, students can contribute to solutions. By demonstrating advocacy and empathy, they experience the transformative education Baker College provides, equipping them to create lasting change in the world around them.”

The project will see Baker College OTA students working in a hands-on capacity to build ten Toddler Mobility Trainers, which are assistive devices for young children with mobility challenges. Muskegon FabLab, CJ Woodworking, and AllRoute, all local businesses, are contributing to the project via providing materials, workspaces, and their own knowledge. Students will be involved in each step of the process, ensuring they leave the experience with knowledge about assistive devices and the process of building them.

Kregger explained the type of mobility device the students will be building, as well as the importance of the availability of such a device for families. She said, “These mobility trainers bridge the gap for children whose families may not have access to multiple mobility devices. Kids grow fast, and insurance often only covers one device, leaving many families without the right tools at the right time. By offering them through the school system like a library, children can use the trainers for as long as they need and return them when they outgrow them. This ensures children develop the skills they need while alleviating financial stress for families.”

Of the collaborative nature of the project, she added, “Our partnership is building wheelchairs, relationships, and empathy while strengthening Baker College’s connection to the community we serve. This collaboration is a beautiful example of how everyone benefits when a community comes together.” 

For more information about Baker College, visit the school’s website.