When Totara College special needs teacher Sue Rowe saw a design on Pinterest which might help her pupil Keanu Madden's development she looked around for support.
She found it in parent helper Dave Read and a willing bunch of wood technology students follow his instructions in constructing the 'Stimulator' - handles Keanu can turn.
Bits and pieces were donated by the Rusty Nail shop in Palmerston North and in two hours of work had he had the unique structure ready for use.
Keanu struggles to make sense of his world, being non-verbal. He learns about it through play therapy, each activity adding to his experience which he remembers when similar situations occur.
![Keanu sits in front of his "Stimulator" with the girls who helped make it. From left clockwise: Kodye, Charlotte, Jayde, Ashlee, Jordie.](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/MPFJNCKRQNJPAKY5YSYTDI7M2M.jpg?auth=4279020b19353a1fcd2814ac4a9a496dc88ad4239626c97e0570f7930b38c24c&width=16&height=25&quality=70&smart=true)