Punahou’s Assistive Technology Club was recognized at the Kapiʻiolani Children’s Miracle Network All-Partner Celebration on March 11 at the Sheraton Waikiki, highlighting student-driven efforts to improve the lives of children facing medical challenges.
Seniors Alex Woo ’26 and Liam Snyder ’26 presented several projects designed to support pediatric patients. Among them was an Arduino-based memory game that helps children recovering from concussions and other cognitive conditions rebuild memory skills through a Simon Says–style activity. The team also developed a 3D-printed adapter for infant blood pressure cuffs – an item currently in short supply on Oʻahu – and a prototype motorized wheelchair trainer for children with cerebral palsy. The latest version incorporates proximity sensors to detect head movement, allowing for hands-free control and greater accessibility.
Woo shared that the club’s work was inspired by the UH Mānoa MIND Hawaiʻi Program and its director, Professor Scott Miller. “Seeing the joy on a child’s face and the rehabilitative impact of these devices inspired me to continue this work,” he said. “Ever since witnessing his smile and hearing his laughter as he drove on his own, our team hasn’t looked back.” He added that the group hopes their projects will continue to “bring children independence and allow them to live their lives to the fullest.”
Students contributing to the wheelchair prototype include Ryder Kawachika ’26 and Max Shinno ’26. Additional team members are Trevor Hirano ’26, Julian Williams ’27, Daniel Lin ’26, Kalaʻi Kelekolio ’26 and Tyler Wee ’26.
The club extends its gratitude to Kapiʻiolani Children’s Miracle Network for its support and for inspiring students to apply engineering skills in meaningful, community-centered ways.