In FIRST Tech Challenge – FIRST Access, teams are composed of students with disabilities with students from the general education population potentially serving as peer mentors (or “partners”) and industry mentors providing technical support.
Materials Needed:
- Laptop or equivalent for programming
- FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Kit (if buying outside FIRST Dashboard, recommended kits: REV Robotics FTC Starter Kit & Control & Power Bundle; other options available)
- Practice Field and Game Set (recommended, not required)
Grants are available to help cover costs of materials!
For more information on FIRST Tech Challenge, visit: https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/ftc
Robot Building Resources can be found here: https://www.firstinspires.org/resource-library/ftc/robot-building-resources
Programming Resources can be found here: https://www.firstinspires.org/resource-library/ftc/technology-information-and-resources
Game & Tournament:
Teams participate in the yearly FIRST Tech Challenge game, (which is reviewed and altered if needed to be even more accessible to students with disabilities).
FIRST Tech Challenge – FIRST Access teams may have the opportunity to participate in local/regional events and/or be invited to participate in a State Championship event against other teams in the program. At the Championship, each team may have the opportunity to present their robot and team attributes to judges and compete in a tournament-style competition.
FIRST Tech Challenge – FIRST Access teams are also welcome to register for and compete in the traditional FIRST Tech Challenge season, however, this participation requires payment of registration fees to FIRST headquarters, additional local event fees, and adhering to all traditional program rules.
2021-2022 Season
During the 2021-2022 Season, teams will participate in FREIGHT FRENZY (game & season materials found here). There will be no rules changes this season, but in future season the game may be adjusted for accessibility purposes.
FIRST Tech Challenge – FIRST Access will be part of the FIRST Access State Event at Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio on July 16th. Information can be found here: https://firstintexas.org/programs/first-access/events/.
Register YOUR FIRST TEch Challenge – FIRST ACCESS TEAM!