​Making a Difference All over Westchester!



Through a combination of volunteerism and invention, three students from Pace University have created a way for those with disabilities to comfortably approach technology.



A project for Nicole Morandi, Jennifer Simon and Janelle Wallace’s class, “Computers, Hardware and Troubleshooting” inspired them to give back to people in need.



These women wanted to help those who are physically impaired and decided to do this by making tablet and electronic reading devices more accessible. They replaced the usual metal or plastic stylus pen cover with a soft exterior. The pointers, called “Smile Gear” come in multiple colors, are flexible and accessible for people with limited hand mobility.



“Not only are they an aid to these individuals, but it will also boost their confidence by putting a smile on their faces and making them feel ‘cool’ about using it,” Simon and Wallace said in a joint statement.



Morandi and Wallace have also been visiting the Kensington Assisted Living in White Plains. Each week they meet with four residents with early to moderate stages of dementia for one-on-one computer lessons. The students have been teaching these elderly individuals how to use their iPads and send emails to relatives.



Another group member, Simon volunteered with Cerebral Palsy of Westchester, N.Y., where she helped to resolve hardware problems for an attendee having troubling using his wheelchair-adapted iPad. Previously, the iPad would easily fall off the chair, but Simon and CPW staff secured the device by adding an additional part. Simon then found and donated the piece, so that the problem would be resolved permanently.



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