Challenge: Enhanced Walker Challenger: Phillip Swinford, Army Veteran University Partner: Virginia Tech Student Team: Blake Adkins, Christopher Agud, Emily Graziani, Sophis Hatcher, Jason Hurley, Katelyn Kleinschmidt, and Rachel Maile Faculty Advisor: Genevieve Gural QLPlus Program Manager: Janet Papazis
Project Summary:
The project Challenger, Phil Swinford, is a retired U.S. Army Veteran and Virginia Tech Parent who experienced an injury while mountain biking with his son, who is a cadet at Virginia Tech. The accident caused a spinal cord injury, and he is now a C-2 incomplete quadriplegic. Phil attends physical therapy several times a week where he is regaining his ability to walk. Commercial walkers that are readily available on the market do not suit his needs and are thus making learning to walk again more challenging. IMG_5670[5350] phil and the gang.JPG940.92 KB In order to assist Phil in safely learning to walk again, the team set out to design, build, and test an enhanced walker that the challenger can use at home and take to physical therapy. The improved walker will have the off-pavement capability and enhanced lateral and fore-aft stability in addition to several attachments that meet his specific needs. The team intends to design, build, test, and present prototypes meeting the established design requirements while ensuring the safety of the challenger. A successful outcome for the team is to deliver a walker that meets the challenger’s needs and ultimately improves his quality of life. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the team’s efforts have been temporarily postponed. However, the team still strives to achieve a successful outcome. The team hopes that Phil will be able to use this walker for many years to come, especially as his walking ability continues to improve.
QL+ is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.