Robot Allows Edgewood Boy To Attend Class

By Katie Wiedemann, Reporter

Tools

By Jaime Sharer

Story Created: Feb 16, 2012 at 12:30 AM CDT

Story Updated: Feb 16, 2012 at 12:30 AM CDT

EDGEWOOD, Iowa - The latest technology dominates many classrooms in Eastern Iowa. But for one boy in Edgewood, advanced technology is his only way to be inside a classroom.

Edgewood-Colesburg Elementary school is a typical school building. Inside is a typical classroom full of students embracing the latest technology. But in one second grade classroom, one piece of technology is anything but typical. This technology is a friend.

Aidan Bailey is one of 19 kids in his classroom, but he’s interacting with his teacher and classmates through a V-GO Robot. Aidan participated in class from his home, 15 miles away. That’s where he controls the robot’s movement.

Aidan’s Grandmother, Lori Gerhart said, “He is expected to do every single thing as every other kid does in his class. ”

Aidan was born with several health problems including a bad set of lungs. He’s had two lung transplant surgeries. The most recent was just a few months ago.

Gerhart said, “Aidan is very immune suppressed. And he is even more so now because he just had this major surgery. His body is weakened by that. ”

He’s too weak to leave the house.

Last year, the community held a fundraiser to raise the thousands of dollars needed to purchase the robot.

Aidan’s health issues don’t stop him from being a kid. He loves pretending to be a police officer. He’s also fascinated with vacuum cleaners.

Gerhart said, “I don’t imagine Aidan’s path is ever going to be an easy path. But school takes the focus off that medical stuff. ”

But Aidan’s path is paved with another kind of riches. A dedicated Grandma who’ll do anything for him. And a community of friends who love him for everything he is.