Suzy the Hygiene Circle was created by students for a 12-year-old girl named Mia with Down syndrome. Mia needed help with daily tasks like brushing teeth but had low reading levels. The students built Suzy, an interactive tool using a wooden lazy Susan, cups, switches and a singing greeting card to help Mia brush teeth, wash face and hands independently through fun interactions like high fives. They detailed the building process which involved woodworking, circuits and switches to create Suzy and demonstrated it for Mia, discussing pros, cons and possible improvements.

1. Suzy: The Hygiene CircleEDGE Program 2011Erica Choi, Crystal Fernandes, Felicia Long, ShielaRoyama

2. Road MapProject ResearchProject DecisionBuilding ProcessLive DemonstrationResult – Discussion

3. Pre-ProjectAssignment: to create a tool for a disabled childVisited Altamont Elementary School and were introduced to MiaAfterwards, returned to class and did research on the internet

4. MiaMia is 12 years oldShe has Down SyndromeLimited responsesCannot read wellLikes to give high fivesVery active – swims and plays soccerParents help her carry out daily tasks

5. Down SyndromeDown Syndrome occurs when an individual has three, rather than two, copies of the 21st chromosome.The additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated.Definitions taken from the website of The National Down Syndrome Society1:600 babies

6. Project DecisionMia At the age where she needs to be more independentORLow reading levelsGoal: To build a fun, motivating tool that would let her be more independentSuzy the Hygiene Circle

7. MaterialsWooden Lazy SusanWoodshop tools (wood, machinery, etc,)Morse code toolCups2 SwitchesCircuitsSinging greeting card

8. Building ProcessBreak the Lazy Susan and Morse code tool apartInstall the switch to the singing greeting cardTrace circles on base where the holes will beIn the woodshop, cut out the holes out and and build the handBuild and prepare the circuitsPaint the hand, Morse code tool, bases, and dowelsPut all parts together

9. WoodworkingMachinery used for:Cut out the holes that would hold the cupsCarved the handCut out the hole in the Morse code tool for the switch to be insertedSandpapered all wood

10. Circuits and SwitchesCircuitsTwo simple circuitsSwitchesTwo on and off switches

11. ResultLive DemonstrationDiscussionPros and Cons

12. Possible ImprovementsUse more preferable toolsMake it more aesthetically pleasingDetermine a better way to situate the motorLower the volume of the rotating motorBetter buttons

13. Thank you!Questions?