Handicapped Accessible Potters Wheel

At Hempstead High School in Dubuque, IA the welding department worked with the art and special education departments to create a potter's wheel that is wheelchair accessible. The potter's wheel is able to be raised and lowered to accommodate for a student's height.

Students had the opportunity to use 21st Century Skills to design and fabricate the final potter’s wheel. This was an opportunity to have the welding students learn what it’s like to be an independent contractor. They had to get all of the details for the project by talking with other students/departments. Then they designed and re-designed until the end product was not only functional but on time and under budget. Finally they were required to use specific welding and fabrication skills to produce the finished product.

The most important lesson learned from this project is the importance of communication. "Communication is key when doing any project and this one was no exception with aligning schedules, creating meetings, arranging for photo shoots, and purchasing materials. I had to personally rely on other departments and teachers for the implementation (purchasing of materials and welding). Students were part of almost all portions of the process so communication was vitally important to ensure students had the support they needed to complete the project."

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High school welding and fabrication classes will work with the special education department to create a wheelchair accessible pottery wheel.