Learning About Limbs: How P&O TNG Inspires Kids

Empowering Young Minds: How P&O TNG is Shaping the Future of Prosthetics & Orthotics

Imagine walking into a classroom where grade-schoolers sit in a circle, eyes sparkling with curiosity as they pass around a prosthetic hand or examine an orthotic brace. This is the magic that P&O TNG (Prosthetics & Orthotics The Next Generation) brings to life: transforming abstract concepts into tangible inspiration.

A Mission in Motion

Founded with a clear vision—to make prosthetics and orthotics accessible, relatable, and inspiring to young minds—P&O TNG goes beyond simple presentations. They normalize these devices, ignite interest in STEM fields, and guide students toward potential careers in healthcare innovation (pandotng.ca).

Meet the Team Behind the Mission

At the heart of P&O TNG is a passionate team, each member bringing unique expertise to the cause :

• Haley White – Teaching & Learning
  Haley designs and leads presentations that engage students of all ages, ensuring each visit is educational and fun.

• Chanda McCool – Team Lead
  As the driving force behind operations, Chanda coordinates logistics, school partnerships, and volunteer mobilization.

• Shahlaa Khalouf – Research Analyst
  Shahlaa ensures that all content and demos are evidence-based, accurate, and age-appropriate.

• Vita Barlett – People & Culture
  Vita cultivates the community within P&O TNG, managing volunteer relations and nurturing a strong organizational culture.

This cohesive team ensures every event runs smoothly, with content that's both meaningful and memorable.

How They Spark Curiosity

Hands-On School Presentations

Whether virtual or in-person, presentations are interactive and memorable. Students not only learn facts—they touch the devices, ask questions, and hear real-life stories.

Career Fairs and Beyond

At fairs and events, P&O TNG showcases the full spectrum of opportunities—from technicians building devices to clinicians fitting them—sparking interest in engineering, healthcare, and beyond.

Age-Appropriate Learning

They adapt content for different age groups:

• Sprouts (K–2): Storytime + interactive props.

• Seedlings (3–5): Clear explanations of prosthetics vs. orthotics.

• Buds (6–8): Career pathway insights and foundational STEM concepts.

• Blooms (9–12): In-depth discussions on fabrication processes and professions (pandotng.ca, pandotng.ca).

Themed Workshops

P&O TNG hosts specialized sessions—for example, during Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month or National P&O Day—complete with real demos and hands-on materials.

Real Reactions, Real Learning

The feedback is heartwarming:

• A Grade 5 teacher shared:

  “The students really enjoyed being able to touch the prosthetics and orthotics!” (pandotng.ca)

• A Grade 8 student proclaimed:

  “To me, this was the best career day presentation!” (pandotng.ca)

• A Grade 3 teacher observed:

  “I liked that they could have a chance to see and touch the material and equipment...” (pandotng.ca)

These reflections show how powerful hands-on learning can be.

Expanding the Learning Experience

To extend impact beyond presentations, P&O TNG offers free downloadable resources (pandotng.ca):

• RoadShow Brochure: Overview of P&O TNG and its offerings.

• Pamphlet: Simple explanation of the field and career paths.

• Flyer: Kid-friendly snapshot for hallways and bulletin boards.

• Infographic: FAQs, book and movie suggestions, and DIY activities.

They’re also creating a P&O-themed storybook and coloring pages to make learning even more accessible and fun (pandotng.ca).

Why This Matters

Breaking Stigma

By introducing students to assistive devices early, P&O TNG helps normalize prosthetics and orthotics—so children grow up seeing them as tools, not oddities.

Sparking Career Interest

Through engaging content and real-world examples, the program inspires students to consider paths in healthcare, engineering, design, and beyond.

Fostering Empathy

Interaction with devices and stories of lived experiences nurture compassion and understanding toward individuals with disabilities.

Get Involved

P&O TNG’s message is simple: there’s a place for everyone—professionals, volunteers, families—to make a difference:

• Professionals & Students in P&O are invited to share insights and hands-on demos.

• Educators and Advocates can collaborate to bring presentations to schools.

• Individuals with lived experience—those who use prosthetics or orthotics—can provide powerful personal stories.

• Volunteers are welcome to assist during events and outreach.

How to Connect

Booking a presentation is easy—scan the QR code on their site or complete the contact form, and the team (like Haley, Chanda, Shahlaa, and Vita) will be in touch (pandotng.ca, pandotng.ca). They’re also keen on sponsorship and partnerships to bring P&O TNG to more communities.

Quick Recap: P&O TNG Highlights

Topic Details Mission Normalize P&O devices; spark STEM & healthcare interest (pandotng.ca) Team Haley White, Chanda McCool, Shahlaa Khalouf, Vita Barlett Audience Students K–12, with age-tailored programs Resources Free brochures, flyers, infographics, with more on the way Participation Professionals, volunteers, lived‑experience stories welcome

In an era where early exposure shapes future careers, P&O TNG stands out as a beacon—bridging the gap between classrooms and career possibilities. With a dedicated team and an impactful approach, they’re not just teaching—they’re inspiring empathy, innovation, and real-world impact.

If you're in Canada (or beyond) and believe in empowering the next generation, reach out to Haley, Chanda, Shahlaa, and Vita through pandotng.ca. Join the movement to make prosthetics and orthotics part of every young child's world.