In our Biomedical Engineering 8/9 option at the SW Junior High, students have been learning about empathy and how it connects to design and problem-solving. Some of our BioMed classes even extended this experience through the entire school day, where appropriate, in an activity called “Empathy All Day.”

For this activity, students will spend the period experiencing altered abilities. For example, they might wear a sling to simulate limited arm mobility, use ear plugs to reduce hearing, or wear glasses that restrict peripheral vision or Diabetic Retinopathy. The goal is for students to notice how these changes affect their daily routines, interactions, and participation in class. By doing so, they gain perspective on the challenges faced by people with different abilities.

This experience is part of helping students think critically about design, accessibility, and how to create solutions with empathy in mind.