Bruce Simons has volunteered for 11 summers in the assistive technology lab.

Bruce Simons is CPD 2009 Volunteer of the Year

Bruce Simons is a great fit for the Assistive Technology Lab at the Center for Persons with Disabilities. After serving there for 11 summers, he is the CPD 2009 Volunteer of the Year.

A resident of Sun City, Arizona, Simons has come to the CPD on the Utah State University campus every summer to help out in the AT lab. There, he finds solutions that help people with disabilities and their families and builds them.

Simons is a knowledgeable woodworker who knows his way around a lab, said AT Lab Coordinator Stan Clelland.

Educated in his father's hardware store in Detroit, Michigan, Simons was also involved in a research and development project during World War II. He flew with a B17 G bomber crew, working with engineers to improve the plane. Today he designs his own remote control airplanes, drawing up plans and making his own kit.

With all that experience behind him, he speaks the lab language.

"He and I brainstorm really well together," said Clelland. "We have a standing agreement, he and I. He can't quit or die until he finds me a replacement."

In a room next to the lab, Simons walked through his completed projects: tiny tables and chairs that will be used in the homes of families participating in the CPD's Up to 3 program; a "reward toy" for children who say a word for the speech therapist. Most of his work is in the homes of people who have benefited from his expertise.

His biggest project was for the family of Michael, a young man who was born with a virus that affected many of his functions, including his sleep center. Michael could not sleep, and while the family had a modified bed at home where he could stay contained and safe at night, it was difficult for them to take family vacations together. Usually one parent stayed at home with Michael while the rest went on a trip.

They asked for a special playpen where Michael could stay during the night. Bruce and Stan brainstormed, discarding options that would not be durable enough or that would be too heavy or too big for the family van. They came up with a design that was lightweight and strong, made of PVC and Baltic birch. It folded into a compact travel bed.

The project took 150 hours to complete. Later, the family sent a letter to Simons, telling him it really worked for them.

"I don't want to be a hero," said Simons. "I just want to contribute something and have it work out for them."

A student wraps a duct tape ball, adding layers of texture and weight to make the toy more stimulating to a young child's senses.

On the way back to school, incoming freshmen provide service for the CPD

During freshman week at USU, students participated in the student orientation, advising, and registration (SOAR) session before registering for classes. Students received advice about registering for classes and learned information about student services and campus life.

Each of the SOAR classes was required to do two service projects, which brought some of the students to the CPD's Up to 3 Early Intervention program. Up to 3 works with infants or toddlers who have developmental delays. The program also works with their families.

One of the goals of this program is to provide the families with the tools to enhance their child's growth and development. Twenty-nine SOAR students helped the Up to 3 staff create materials that the therapists and parents could use with the children to help improve their developmental skills in different areas. Read the whole story on the CPD website.