“IMPACT Initiative brings diverse fields together through the exchange of applied knowledge of several students to create an IMPACT in the community. I’m excited to be a part of this initiative and be able to contribute to others in our community.”
The IMPACT Initiative is an interdisciplinary collaboration that engages undergraduate and graduate students from Engineering, Biology/Science, Occupational Therapy and Medicine, McMaster Alumni, Community Healthcare Partners, and volunteer clients. Since 2011, the IMPACT team has provided collaborative teaching and learning opportunities that encourage faculty, students, healthcare partners to apply their knowledge to invent customized accessibility devices
The IMPACT Initiative involves a learning process whereby students from different academic disciplines come together to understand, appreciate, and address challenges experienced by our aging population and people living with disabilities. IMPACT co-leaders Dr. Robert Fleisig (Engineering), Dr. Lovaye Kajiura (Biology/Science), Dr. Brenda Vrkljan (Occupational Therapy), Dr. Liz Hassan (Engineering), and Shelir Ebrahimi (Engineering) teach students how to improve the lives of our aging population and that of people with disabilities. The IMPACT Initiative drives student creativity, innovation, and community engagement. The interdisciplinary exchange of ideas successfully creates meaningful learning experiences that lead to positive community change.