A unique interactive teddy bear is helping children with autism and other disabilities.

Students from St Catherine’s School in Melbourne spent a week at VU’s College of Engineering and Science to develop iTed, a bear that can assist children with autism and other cognitive disabilities with communication and learning.

After learning about the children’s needs from staff at Diamond Valley Special Developmental School (DVSDS), St Catherine’s students worked with VU engineering lecturer John Chlond to develop iTed. When the bear’s paw is squeezed, it can communicate a child’s needs such as, “I am hungry”. He can also be personalised with unique messages relevant for the user.

Engineering Students@Work is a program run by Akorn Educational Services in partnership with Engineers Australia, schools and VU to engineer products that help individuals and the community, while providing school students with hands-on engineering experience.

“These programs are amazing, as is John Chlond and his team,” said Georgene Bridgeman, CEO Akorn Educational Services.

“This is one of the ‘Win-Win-Win’ projects that our teams have been able to participate in due to the support of our partners.” 

For more information please contact John Chlond:

• Phone: +613 9919 4701
• Email: john.chlond@vu.edu.au

VU courses in engineering range from short courses and TAFE programs to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

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