LSU Students Creating Beach Accessible Wheelchair to Help Plaquemine Woman

May 2018

 

 

Beach vacations are something 22-year-old Cheslyn Simpson looks forward to every summer, but they’re not easy on her family.

“We have a wagon with big wheels on it. We have a tent set up on the beach. We made a recliner chair, so we put her in that. So, depending who’s on the deck, we have to pull her out. She’s light but by the time you get through the sand and everything, it’s a workout,” said Shannon Simpson, Cheslyn’s mom.

Cheslyn was diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia, a degenerative neuro-muscular disorder.

During speech therapy at the LSU Speech, Language, Hearing Clinic, her therapists suggested she write an essay, asking for help from engineering students through their Senior Capstone Design program.

"The capstone programs within LSU Engineering are the final proving ground for our soon-to-be graduates. The culmination of their hard work through the curriculum is on display for our faculty/staff, alumni, and industry partners. The support provided to the capstone initiatives allows the students to showcase their talents and skills to the community,” said Dr. Judy Wornat, Dean of the College of Engineering.

“It takes you out of just the technical aspect of what you’re learning, and it puts you into a multi-disciplinary team to turn you in a designer. You use the knowledge that you have, as well as acquiring knowledge you don’t have, in order to complete a project that’s not necessarily in your wheel house,” said Blaize Vansickel, a senior from Livingston Parish majoring in electrical engineering.

Cheslyn’s essay was selected and now a group of engineering seniors is creating a beach accessible wheelchair.

The students hope Cheslyn will be able to use and enjoy the wheelchair, but they hope others will also be able to benefit from the design.

 “I feel like if it does work and it is successful, a company could pick it up and mass produce it and it can help a lot more people,” Jordan said.

 

 

This article was adapted from a news release by LSU’s Rachel Holland. For the original article, please visit http://www.lsu.edu/mediacenter/news/2018/03/28beachwheelchair.php.