More than 70 students at Stony Brook University participated in the third annual Toy Adaptation Event, organized by the 3D PATH (3D Printing and Assistive Technology for Health) Club. The event, held on October 24 in the Student Activities Center Ballroom, focused on modifying toys to make them more accessible for children with disabilities.
Participants worked together to adapt toys such as Bluey plush dolls, dancing cacti, and interactive giraffes by replacing small buttons with large, easy-to-press switches. This modification allows children with limited hand mobility to play independently.
“This is an event where we take toys typically meant for able-bodied children and make them more accessible by modifying them for children with hand disabilities or difficulty with fine motor skills,” said Angee Diaz, a junior biomedical engineering major and president of the 3D PATH Club. “It’s a good opportunity for students — not just from biomedical engineering, but from any major — to learn new skills, apply what they’ve studied, and connect with professionals who may one day be their employers.”
Now in its third year, the workshop combines technical training with community engagement and professional networking. Last year, about 30 adapted toys were distributed to local nonprofits including United Cerebral Palsy of Long Island, AHRC, and Angela’s House. “Holding it near the holiday season means we can deliver the toys when they’ll have the most impact,” Diaz said.
For many students, adapting these toys provides practical experience beyond classroom learning. Sam Crane, a senior biomedical engineering student, described how hands-on work helped reinforce their sense of purpose in the field: “The highlight was being able to take a toy and fully adapt it in one sitting so that it’s accessible to more kids,” Crane said. “You open the toy, solder in an extra wire, and attach an external button so a child who can’t grasp small objects can still use it. It makes what we learn in class feel meaningful.”
Crane added that experiences like this influenced their goal of developing low-cost assistive technology: “I want to make technology that’s accessible and affordable, especially in underserved areas,” they said.
Industry partners from companies such as Johnson & Johnson MedTech, Regeneron, and Brain Lab attended the event alongside representatives from government offices including those of State Senator Monica R. Martinez, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, and Suffolk County Legislator Dominick Thorne. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office also participated.
To recognize the initiative’s impact on Suffolk County’s community members with disabilities, Legislator Dominick Thorne presented a Proclamation honoring both 3D PATH and Stony Brook’s Department of Biomedical Engineering.
“The mix of students, professionals, and policymakers creates a dynamic environment,” said Mei Lin (Ete) Chan, assistant professor of practice in biomedical engineering and club faculty advisor. “Students are contributing to the community while gaining exposure to industries connected to their studies.”
Jeff Cardillo—vice president at TAP Electric—praised both students’ efforts and their broader implications: “It’s a great program and a great thing these students are doing,” he said. “They’re not just learning engineering; they’re learning to apply it in a way that helps people. That’s exactly the kind of mindset employers look for.” Cardillo emphasized that such involvement demonstrates qualities valued by his company: “When we hire we look for people who have the degree and skills but also a sense of purpose… Seeing students who are giving back tells you something about who they’ll be in the workplace.”
Kirby Schneider represented Children’s Center at UCP Long Island—a recipient organization—and explained how adapted toys directly benefit students: “At our school switch-adapted toys are essential — they’re how our students interact with the world,” Schneider said. “The toys made here go directly into classrooms like ours—and they make a real difference for our students.” She noted ongoing collaboration between therapy professionals like herself and engineers through events like this: “It’s a strong collaboration… Students learn technical process but also about human side of assistive technology.”
Chan summarized why such projects matter: “The event really captures what 3D PATH is about… It combines engineering creativity service… Students see that their skills can have an immediate impact on someone’s life.”
Looking ahead Chan announced plans to expand participation through EPICS (Engineering Projects In Community Service), partnering with Vertically Integrated Project Program as well as Stony Brook’s Center for Service Learning.
