The Adaptive Tech Club (ATC) at Lick-Wilmerding High School is making technology accessible to differently-abled children—one toy at a time.

Founded last year by Ilana Z. '26, and with support from the Tiger Fund, the club transforms ordinary electronic toys and games into accessible learning tools. One of the main ways club members do this is by modifying the toys' circuitry to work with external, larger buttons that are easier for children with physical or cognitive disabilities to use.

"It is both super fun and super fulfilling," says Ilana, who first discovered this need while working with the Oakland Unified School District's Special Education Department through an LWHS independent study. During that experience, they adapted over 100 toys and realized there was significant demand for these simple tech solutions. "The skill set necessary to adapt these toys is abundant at LWHS," they explain, "so I created a club that could expand and continue my work."

In just its first year, ATC has already adapted over 200 toys, creating an entire library of items that families in OUSD can check out and use. The modifications include large buttons, joysticks, and other ADA-approved interfaces—dramatically reducing or eliminating the high costs typically associated with adaptive technology.

For Ilana, the most rewarding moments come from seeing the direct impact. "Every time I have been able to visit a classroom or deliver a creation in person, I am so happy to see the joy on the kids' and teachers' faces and to hear the stories of how the products that I created have genuinely made an impact on the lives of these children."

The dedication paid off recently when Ilana, along with club members Avery B. '27 and Sean C. '27, presented their work at the YMCA's Youth Empowerment Fund grant program. Their excellent presentation earned them an $8,000 award—funding that will allow ATC to bring adapted toys to San Francisco youth with physical or cognitive disabilities. Congrats, ATC members, for this significant expansion of your work!

By combining technical know-how with compassion, these students are ensuring that all children have access to the educational tools and toys that make learning engaging and fun.

Click here for video about the Adaptive Tech Club, created by students Julia H. '26 and Zoe W. '27!