Taylor hosted the state competition for Unified Robotics on Nov. 22.
The competition consists of students from local schools, both with and without intellectual disabilities, who have been preparing for the competition with the help of coaches. These students work together in teams to build and operate LEGO® robots. The robots perform tasks including navigating obstacle courses and moving and knocking over objects.
"I just remember being really, really, impressed with the robot that they built, and all the things that it did, and all the challenges they completed,” Grace Travis, a sophomore elementary education major who volunteered at last year’s event, said. “It’s really cool.”
Melissa Jessup, department chair and associate professor of education, said that Lisa Graham, director of the Grant County Special Education Cooperative, reached out to her in 2021 about hosting the Unified Robotics state competition.
Jessup was excited about the event, saying it “aligns with [Taylor’s] mission of developing servant-leaders marked with a passion to minister Christ’s redemptive love, grace and truth to a world in need.”
“Unified Robotics is a part of Unified Athletics, which is under the "umbrella" of Special Olympics,” Jessup said.
She said their core aims are to empower participants through training and experiences, foster friendships and reduce stigma, enhance social acceptance by breaking down barriers and develop communication and problem-solving skills while providing a platform for skill development.
With the support of her colleagues, Jessup reached out to different departments to build connections and support young student participants.
The event now unites professors from five departments at Taylor — special education, engineering, kinesiology, psychology and social work — as well as their students and community partners.
The event has been very impactful for participating students. Jessup shared feedback from the parents of participants with disabilities. Parents reported that their children grew in communication skills, friendship, confidence, teamwork, belonging, patience, social skills and interest in STEM.
The event not only benefits the students that it is put on for, but also those who help. Jessup said volunteers get to learn about students with disabilities, how to interact with them and how to help create an inclusive environment.
College engineering and computer science students who volunteer help with the technical side of things. Education students, as well as some from various other majors, provide encouragement. Education students with a special education concentration lead in a sensory area when participants need a sensory break.
Travis was especially impacted through her time volunteering at the event. She had some previous experience working with students with disabilities. That, combined with volunteering at last year’s Unified Robotics competition, prompted her to add a special education concentration to her major.
“For me personally, it is a powerful experience to see our young participants working together to accomplish the robotic mission,” Jessup said. “ It is an equally powerful experience to see many Taylor students from across various disciplines serve in a capacity that not only aligns with their field of study, but demonstrates the heart of our mission, truly being the hands and feet of Jesus to a world in need.”
