Engineering for accessibility: CHS and GRES students build a ramp

Two engineering students from Clover High School (CHS) have made a lasting impact on their community by designing and constructing a ramp to help a disabled student at Griggs Road Elementary School (GRES).
Addison Grant and Ryan McMahon took on the project after discovering that a student who uses a wheelchair had difficulty navigating through the mulch-covered playground.
CHS student Addison Grant highlighted the team’s motivation, saying, “We’re just very passionate about the community, and we really wanted to help this boy. It was a great first project for us, knowing we were making a real difference.”
The team utilized Autodesk Inventor, a 3D modeling software, to design and lay out the plan for the ramp. They planned out the necessary materials, designed it on the computer, and ensured it met the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements before beginning construction.
Safety and accessibility were top priorities for the students. They followed ADA guidelines, ensuring the ramp stayed under six inches in height to eliminate the need for handrails, which helped keep the project cost-effective. The team selected pressure-treated wood and Trex boards for durability and to prevent rotting.
Part of the project involved Grant and McMahon engaging with students at Griggs Elementary, teaching them basic construction skills and giving them hands-on experience with the building process. “Most of the kids didn’t know what a pilot hole was or a screw or anything, so it was nice to get to show them all that,” Grant said.
Although there were minor mishaps, McMahon and Grant remained unfazed, reminding everyone that “it’s okay because it’s a learning process” (Grant).
Students from GRES like Tyler Megorden and Roselee Wilson, who are members of a “What I Need” (WIN) group at their school, were eager to assist. They explained that the idea for the ramp came from their desire to do something meaningful for their friend, whose wheelchair often got stuck in the mulch.
Working alongside the high schoolers was an exciting experience for the younger students. “It’s different from what I’m used to,” Wilson shared, while Megorden added, “They’re really nice, but I feel so small next to them!” Beyond the teamwork, both were excited to see the final result and their friend’s reaction.
Through this project, CHS and GRES students demonstrated the power of collaboration and community spirit. The hard work of the CHS engineering students and the GRES students has provided their friend with a safe, accessible way to enjoy the playground with his peers, proving that even small projects can make a big impact.