The Cerebra Innovation Centre (CIC), a partnership between Cerebra and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), has been shortlisted for a prestigious St David Award.
CIC is a team of engineers based within UWTSD’s Swansea College of Art. They design and build innovative, bespoke products to help disabled children to discover the world around them. Their designs are desirable and exciting as well as functional, promoting social inclusion and peer acceptance for the children they help. Products and advice are provided to families free of charge.
The St David Awards are the national awards of Wales. The team have been nominated for the Innovation, Science and Technology category, which celebrates those who have developed techniques or solutions that meet new requirements.
The ethos of CIC is simple – if they can dream big, they can do big. Never accept it’s not possible. The Team have designed lots of equipment to help children in disabilities participate in activities such as surfing, horse riding and even triathlons. Last Autumn CIC helped six-year-old Imogen, who has cerebral palsy, reach the top of south Wales’ highest mountain in a specially modified four wheeled mountain bike.
Imogen’s mum, Catherine, explained the difference the team have made to her family: “Imogen was so thrilled and excited to have completed the climb. It’s only thanks to the team at Cerebra that she’s been able to have this adventure – she’s never been able to do anything like this before because of her cerebral palsy. There have been so many times that she hasn’t been able to join in with physical activities which leaves her feeling left out. Being able to do things like this is a real boost to her confidence and self-esteem. We really are over the moon that CIC have been shortlisted for this Award.”
Prof Ian Walsh, Dean of UWTSD Swansea College of Art said: “The University is delighted to hear that the Cerebra Innovation Centre has been shortlisted for such a prestigious award. The innovative and inspirational work of the Centre has transformed countless lives over the past 15-years”.
Dr Ross Head, Product Design Manager at the Cerebra Innovation Centre added: “It is such a privilege to be nominated for an award for doing a job that is so fun and rewarding to do anyway. I hope this will draw attention to our work so that we can continue to grow and help more children achieve more amazing dreams!”
The winners will be announced at the St David Award ceremony which takes place on 21st March.
Hello CIC
Congratulations, this award is thoroughly deserved.
We still use the walker backpack holder when my daughter gets tired and needs the wheelchair. It is the only way of being mobile on foot with both walker and wheelchair. I am grateful for this every time as we try to go everywhere on foot and go to a lot of parks. And it helps the environment not to drive!
You also designed a fabulous chariot so my daughter could go ice skating with her friends, and she loves it and can feel included.
Thank you!
Catherine. (Daughter Enna Thea Kul-Want)
That’s great to hear! Thank you!