Our Giveback
The “Plus”
TOP Engineers Plus was launched to provide turnkey Communications Engineering services in the Electric Utility and Critical Infrastructure industries. Our vision is to make a difference in the Electric Utility and Communications Engineering industries by turning complex challenges into simple, actionable solutions and empowering utilities, cooperatives and municipalities to provide services that enhance the quality of life of its members.
At TOP Engineers Plus, we also recognize that the same creativity, ingenuity and problem-solving we employ in the Communications Engineering sphere may be leveraged to enhance the quality of life for individuals with challenges in physical mobility. This additional endeavor is signified in the “Plus” or “+” in our name.
The “Plus” in TOP Engineers Plus represents our desire to bring inventions to reality. The same people that are experts in applying technology to critical infrastructure can also be the catalyst to the development of inventions. The relationships we have forged with people who can build anything, fix anything and skilled in the use of complex craft processes is quite remarkable! Just as we bring our real-world experience into the process of simplifying complex Communications Engineering challenges, we are inspired by our firsthand experiences to foster ingenuity and inventions that can make a real and practical difference in people’s lives. We can help with patent registration, prototype development, and the extensive documentation that goes along with that process.
By removing the constraints of corporate thinking, policy constraints, artificial limitations, and supporting an active practice of thinking outside the box, our organization seeks to develop an incubator for new ideas. This freedom to create continually asks the question “What if?” and encourages a space to develop inventions, fresh applications and a limitless thought process.
The Goal
Our goal in developing an invention incubator is to procure equipment and software to develop mobility tools for individuals with disabilities to enhance their quality of life. These tools may include tools for conducting physical therapy, occupational therapy, devices for transferring surfaces, communication devices and innovations in accessibility.
In order to achieve these endeavors, specific equipment and software is required to develop these types of inventions and innovations to current mobility devices. The required equipment and support includes:
- Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machines
- Computers for 3D Modeling
- Funding for Materials Development
- Funding for the Expertise and Organizational Support to Create the Needed Solutions
Our experience in the Communications Engineering industry has taught us that we are more effective when we cross bridges and forge relationships with other entities to provide robust solutions to critical infrastructure challenges. Our approach in our “Plus” Invention Incubator models this perspective in that we believe by joining with other resources, we can develop solutions that will greatly impact the persons with disabilities community.
We are seeking donations of funds and/or equipment to bring this endeavor to reality. No one entity will have all the solutions, ideas, funding capability or capacity to enable this effort. We believe if we can team together with resources who share our passion for ingenuity and practical application of life-changing design, we can achieve more than we ever could on our own.
If you would like to make a financial contribution towards the Plus Invention Incubator or provide necessary equipment, click below to contact us or donate via He’s Alive Ministries
Story Behind the Vision
This vision to invent and innovate mobility tools is inspired by our company President and Owner, Stan Torvik’s, grandson, Caleb. Caleb was born with a condition called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) which involves a variety of non-progressive conditions that are characterized by multiple joint contractures (stiffness) and involves muscle weakness through the body at birth. A contracture is a condition where the range of motion of a joint is limited and may be unable to fully or partially extend or bend. According to the Nationwide Children’s Hospital, “This is a rare disorder occurring in 1 out of every 3,000 live births.”
Caleb’s childhood has been marked by numerous hospital visits, surgical procedures, recovery from procedures and countless therapy sessions. Several of these surgical procedures have required out-of-state travel to specialists and even a temporary relocation across country for Caleb and his family due to a procedure to reposition his legs and the extended recovery. Despite all these challenges, Caleb maintains a charm, wit, kindness and loving spirit towards those around him. His parents have done an incredible job helping Caleb weather the storms, advocate for his needs and support him in developing the skills he needs to engage with the world around him. However, the road ahead for Caleb and his family is still riddled with obstacles.
The immediate obstacles include:
- Remodeling their home to develop accessibility for Caleb to be able to interact with friends and family seamlessly in his wheelchair.
- Continued physical and occupational therapy to develop the strength and skills to be able to navigate physical spaces and daily activities.
- Tools for eating and drinking as Caleb is unable to utilize his hands to lift utensils to his mouth.
- Parental training for Caleb’s parents to support his evolving needs.
- Recreational opportunities for Caleb to enjoy with his parents and siblings.
- Emotional and psychological therapy to aid Caleb in dealing with the realities of societal integration and independent support strategies.
As Caleb enters adulthood, some additional obstacles and opportunities he will face include:
- Building an efficiency on the family’s property to provide Caleb independence and privacy.
- Developing strategies for monetizing Caleb’s cognitive capacity that can be a viable contribution to society and allow him to find fulfillment in functioning as an independent adult.
TOP Engineers Plus’s desire is that our development of an invention incubator will produce solutions to the mobility challenges Caleb and other individuals diagnosed with Arthrogryposis (or other mobility-limiting diagnosis) the tools to achieve independence and increase quality of life.
If you would like to make a financial contribution directly towards Caleb’s needs, you may donate via He’s Alive Ministries and add note “CALEB CRIDDLE” to your donation at check-out for funds to be directed toward Caleb. Click the “Donate” button below. Your support in this life-long journey is greatly appreciated!
You can follow along Caleb’s journey with AMC and his latest updates by following his Facebook page: Caleb Criddle