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#OneOakHarbor in Action: Robotics Student Designs Vision Assistance Device for Elementary Student

Posted Date: 3/17/25 (4:37 PM)
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A student wearing glasses looks at a tablet displaying text, while another student sits behind them wearing a face mask.
The #OneOakHarbor spirit came to life when Oak Harbor High School (OHHS) student Natalie Perera used her skills from the Career & Technical Education (CTE) robotics program to make a meaningful impact in a fellow student’s life.

After learning that Crescent Harbor Elementary student Elliott Lane required a vision assistance device to access their learning, Perea, a 10th grader, took on the challenge. She designed and built a custom device to support the student's needs, demonstrating the power of innovation and collaboration.

"I find a lot of value in learning how to design, create, and manufacture parts," said Natalie. "It’s even more rewarding when I can use those skills to give back to the community."

The project began when Crescent Harbor Elementary Second Grade Teacher Marisa Coleman reached out to OHHS robotics mentors Logan Ince (an OHHS alumnus) and Edozie Edoga (OHHS CTE teacher) to share the student's story. Inspired to help, Perera applied the advanced skills she developed through her robotics classes and club to develop a creative solution.

The adjustable device she created securely mounts an iPad, allowing the student to maneuver around the room while zooming in on whiteboards and screens to better access their learning. When it was delivered to his class, he wasted no time in putting it into action (and giving it a nickname, "The Claw!") and his fellow students were fascinated with his new device! 

A young boy wearing glasses looks at a tablet held by a flexible arm, while a person wearing a face mask adjusts the arm.
Robotics mentor Logan Ince delivering device to Elliott Lane

"I was happy because I finally had a device that would help me see and learn," said Elliott. He also shared that he plans to provide feedback to further refine and improve its functionality. This project not only empowered Elliott to advocate for his own learning needs but also gave Natalie valuable real-world experience working with a client and implementing feedback.

This project is a testament to the power of collaboration as #OneOakHarbor to improve learning outcomes for all students. Not only did the student receive hands-on experience applying their technical skills, they also saw firsthand how their creativity and innovation can change lives in our schools. Natalie is now working on another device for Elliott's sibling Gregory to put to use in the school! 

The Whidbey Island Robotics Team not only focuses on excelling in competitions, they prioritize supporting community projects like this with the motto "We Say Yes!" To learn more about Whidbey Island Wildcat Robotics, you can follow them on social media on Facebook and Instagram. They regularly reach out to the community needing projects, assistance or participation in their program!