Page 102 - The Exceptional Harley Fetterman

JUDY K JOHNSON

The “Innovators” experimented with liquid nitrogen under the
direction of Hoby Wedler, a blind chemist, freezing items like flowers
or balloons which shattered as students tossed them across the room.
All the participants had a chance to check out the experimental
NFB Blind Driver Challenge car and to talk in small groups with
blind drivers. The students got to even sit in the driver's seat and test
the non-visual interfaces. The automobile's robotics technology,
created by Dennis Hong, a professor at Virginia Tech, was designed
with various sensors that signal the visually impaired to command the
vehicle.
The students also took a field trip to a rock-climbing gym where
those who had never considered doing such an activity became
successful at problem solving their way to the top of the wall after
observing the experienced climbers, like Harley, finish the task with
ease.
The Innovation Expo at the end of Project Innovation was the
highlight of the event with students explaining their investigations and
the scientific conclusions they witnessed. The kid's enthusiasm
displayed their pride in STEM. Students expressed the opinion that
problem solving offers the opportunity to overcome unexpected
situations, and that it's much more interesting if they get to make
decisions about their own learning. The students were engaged to
drive their own learning experiences. They got to choose the topic of
their investigation and independent labs. By exposing the students to
these activities, they gained a broader view of STEM and the various
alternative techniques used by blind people in those disciplines.
Harley's interest in technical, engineering projects allowed him to
enjoy and thrive well in Project Innovation.

As President of NFB of Texas, Kimberly Aguillard, frequently
gave tough-love speeches about showing up to help out and get
involved to groups of students at NFB youth conferences. One year,
when she asked if anyone had questions, she heard a voice from the
back of the room.
“Ummm, I do,” Harley spoke up. “What can I do to help?”
At that moment, the whole TABS board cheered. Harley soon
became a member of the mentoring program and then quickly became

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