Fresh off the heels from a trip to Disney World where she was awarded a Dream Big, Princess award and a visit to the Bay Area Maker Faire, I am pleased to introduce Maker Kid, Jordan Reeves. Jordan was born just right. She proves it every day. Through her activities and opportunities to speak and mentor other kids with limb differences, Jordan is helping change attitudes around physical differences.
Meet Jordan Reeves
Because I’ve been I’ve been online friends with your mom for years, I’ve seen you do all sorts of things- swimming, baseball, dance and CrossFit. And now you’re a Maker! Tell me about Project Unicorn.
It’s about shooting sparkles! I get to tell the world that we can make some really cool things compared to people with two hands.
Ed. note: By cool things, she means a glitter-shooting arm! She designed it as part of the Superhero Cyborg program.
I see that you’ve already developed several prototypes. What is that process like? Exciting? Frustrating? Encouraging? When do you think you will be done?
It’s all of those feelings combined. I meet with my design partner [from AutoDesk] at least once a week. I’ve never met him in person because he’s in San Francisco and I’m in Missouri. We use Google Hangouts to meet. He’s teaching me Fusion 360. It’s pretty cool. You can make some really cool things that aren’t even a real shape! I don’t have a prediction when it will be done. It could take years. But I think we’re on a good track right now.
What do you want to make next? As a mom, I’m thinking an invention to clean up all that awesome glitter, but maybe you have a better idea.
Actually, Sam (my design partner) and I were thinking about a vacuum attachment to clean up glitter. And I’m thinking about a prank arm – something that has whipped cream and feathers.
What advice do you have for other kids who have cool ideas and what to turn them into actual things or products?
Have multiple ideas. Because you probably won’t have the best idea on your first try. Keep on thinking!
You’re not just an active kid, you’re also an activist! Tell me about your Change.org petition and your fundraising for Camp No Limits.
My petition asks American Girl to add limb difference doll options. When I was four, I asked my mom why my Bitty Baby didn’t look like me. We kept on thinking about that. When a new diabetes pump accessory came out, we thought it would be a good idea to start a petition. We got a bunch of signatures. We’re trying to bring the Girl Scouts into it next year when I work on my Bronze Award.
I raise money for Camp No Limits because I think it’s really cool that I get a chance to go to an amazing camp that teaches me how to do things with one hand, like tying my shoes. I want other kids to enjoy the camp. It’s a lot of fun. I’m really lucky that someone pays for me to go to the camp every year. (Jordan’s mom says, “We have a county family resources program that funds our camp registration every year.”) [Ed. note: people can contribute here.]