DSU students create interactive light wall to support individuals with developmental disabilities

July 17, 2026

MADISON, S.D. -- During the past academic year, Dakota State University computer science students partnered with faculty, staff, and fellow students to design and build an interactive LED light wall for Valiant Living, a nonprofit organization that serves individuals with developmental disabilities in Madison.

The project will be integrated into a portable Snoezelen Room, a multisensory environment designed to promote relaxation and reduce agitation for individuals with developmental disabilities, dementia, traumatic brain injuries, and other cognitive challenges. These specialized rooms often allow users to control elements such as lighting, sound, and sensory stimulation, helping create a calming and therapeutic experience.

The idea began when Dr. Jared Soundy, assistant professor in the Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences, approached Dr. Justin Blessinger, professor in the College of Arts & Sciences and director of the AdapT Lab, in search of a meaningful project for students in his software engineering capstone course.

"Jared asked if I had a project for his 400-level capstone class," Blessinger said. "He was looking for something more meaningful that might engage the students more deeply and help them see their work as a contribution rather than simply an assignment."

Blessinger recalled a visit to Valiant Living, where staff shared their vision of creating a Snoezelen Room but faced a common challenge - cost. Commercial sensory rooms can be prohibitively expensive, especially for smaller rural organizations.

Recognizing an opportunity to help, Blessinger and Soundy partnered with Tim Murray, assistant professor of Digital Arts & Design, to create an LED light wall that would combine technology, design, and sensory engagement. The wall uses hundreds of programmable LED lights, along with shape, texture, and color, to create customizable ambient effects.

Blessinger's students embraced the challenge.

The class developed a proposal for Valiant Living, which approved the project and contributed approximately $1,000 toward materials and components.

Meanwhile, Blessinger and student assistants in the AdapT Lab produced hundreds of custom 3D-printed hexagonal covers for the LED units that make up the wall.

Basbo Ayelazono, a computer science major and AdapT Lab assistant, helped model and print the components and assisted with drilling, wiring, and light installation.

"The one thing that makes me really excited to be involved in this project is the fact that it will be used to help people," Ayelazono said.

Beyond the project's community impact, Ayelazono said the experience provided valuable hands-on engineering skills and an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to a real-world challenge.

Throughout the semester, students in the software engineering course worked on the wall's structure and programming while consulting with Eric Holm, a systems engineer at DSU, on electronics, networking, and LED system design.

For senior computer information systems major Seth Gawerecki, the project provided his first opportunity to work on a real-world client project.

Before joining the effort, Gawerecki knew little about Valiant Living and its mission. Learning more about the organization gave the team's work additional purpose.

"It was great learning about what they do, and that made me extra motivated to help them," Gawerecki said.

Gawerecki and his classmates tested multiple approaches to connecting hardware and software systems, adapting as they encountered challenges and refined their design.

"I take a lot of pride in having a hand in something like the Hex Lights," he said. "My mom is a high school special education teacher, and I got to see how much goes into that area and just how necessary it is."

The project continues to evolve. Murray's digital arts & design students are adding artistic elements to the installation, while software engineering students continue developing new interactive modes and features that can be updated over time.

For DSU faculty, the light wall demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the value of performance learning experiences that connect students with real community needs.

The project also serves as an example of the vision behind COMPASS - Collaborative Opportunities in Modeling, Projects, AI, Systems, & Solutions - a new DSU initiative that connects industry and community partners with students and faculty mentors to address real-world challenges through emerging technologies.

By combining technical expertise, creativity, and a commitment to service, DSU students are helping create a resource that will improve the quality of life for Valiant Living residents while gaining valuable professional experience of their own.

Organizations interested in partnering with DSU through COMPASS can learn more by contacting [email protected].

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