Sponsor Spotlight: Hedgehog Technology, LLC

The Hoglet: an innovative fidget created for unique learners.

Parker Lynch’s journey toward founding Hedgehog Technology, LLC is rooted in a lifelong commitment to helping others, particularly those with special needs. Growing up in Birmingham, Michigan, Parker knew from a young age that he wanted to make a difference. His early life was shaped by a personal struggle with ADHD, which led him down a path of exploration and discovery. After moving around for college and graduate school, Parker returned to his home state of Michigan about six years ago. This move marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, one that would eventually lead to the creation of Hedgehog Technology.

Parker’s career began in a somewhat unconventional way. After changing careers, he found himself in a teaching position in Bangkok, Thailand. It was his first job as an educator, and it opened his eyes to the challenges faced by children with learning differences. This experience inspired him to pursue further education, and he was accepted into New York University’s graduate program, where he earned a Dual Master’s degree in Special Education and Childhood Education.

With his new credentials in hand, Parker spent the next ten years teaching in various locations, including New York City, Connecticut, Texas, Detroit, and Thailand. During this time, he worked with many children who had Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These experiences fueled his passion for finding new ways to support kids with learning differences. He observed how fidget devices often helped these children focus, but he also noticed a significant problem: fidgets were frequently banned from computer labs, which left students anxious and unable to concentrate during important learning tasks.

Parker began searching for a product that could combine the functionality of a computer input device with the sensory benefits of a fidget. To his surprise, such a product didn’t exist. The absence of a solution drove Parker to create one himself.

He began brainstorming ideas with the very students he worked with, encouraging them to reimagine what a computer mouse could be if it also served as a fidget. The result was a collaborative design process that involved not only the children but also parents, teachers, occupational therapists, and board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs). Parker immersed himself in research, studying existing tools and strategies for helping children with learning differences. This research and collaboration led to the development of models and prototypes. Parker used various materials, textures, shapes, and colors to craft different iterations of what would eventually become The Hoglet. He meticulously glued materials to computer mice, tested different levels of squishiness (measured in durometers), and experimented with nubby textures and tapered designs. Throughout the process, the children he worked with provided valuable feedback, rating their experiences and offering suggestions for improvement. Parker spent five years refining his design, conducting hundreds of feedback sessions and incorporating insights from experts and users alike.

Ultimately, the final product resembled a baby hedgehog, and thus The Hoglet was born. The Hoglet became a tangible manifestation of Parker’s dedication to helping children with ASD and ADHD thrive in learning environments. It was designed to be both functional and comforting, offering students the opportunity to fidget and focus simultaneously. Bright, vivid colors added an element of fun, making the device not only a useful tool but also an engaging one.

What sets Hedgehog Technology apart is not just the innovative nature of its products but the heart and personal experience that Parker Lynch brings to the table. Having grown up with ADHD himself, Parker understands the challenges faced by children with learning differences. This personal connection to the cause drives him to create products that truly make a difference. His business is unique because it’s born out of empathy, research, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of others.

One of the key pieces of advice Parker offers to others in the specia lneeds community is the importance of building alliances. He believes that listening to feedback from families and clientele is crucial to success. By staying connected to the needs and experiences of the community, businesses can create products and services that genuinely support individuals with special needs. Parker also emphasizes the importance of supporting other businesses that share the same mission. He encourages collaboration and amplification of voices within the special needs community, believing that working together can lead to greater impact.

Outside of running Hedgehog Technology, Parker is deeply committed to giving back to the community. His company has donated over 100 Hoglets to Westfield Academy, an institution dedicated to helping children with special needs. Additionally, Hedgehog Technology has donated numerous other products to organizations in need, extending its reach and impact across different communities.

Parker’s commitment to philanthropy extends beyond his business. He serves as the President of the Born and Raised Detroit Foundation, an organization that has granted over $1 million to various nonprofits supporting Detroit’s youth. This foundation plays a vital role in uplifting the next generation, ensuring that young people in Detroit have access to resources and opportunities that help them thrive. Through his work with the foundation, Parker continues to make a positive impact on his community, both in Michigan and beyond.

The story of Hedgehog Technology, LLC is a testament to the power of perseverance, empathy, and innovation. From his early days in Birmingham, Michigan, to his travels around the world, and finally back to his home state, Parker Lynch has always been driven by a desire to help others. His journey from teacher to entrepreneur was fueled by a deep understanding of the challenges faced by children with learning differences, as well as a determination to create products that could make a real difference in their lives. Through years of research, collaboration, and experimentation, Parker turned an idea into reality. The Hoglet is more than just a computer mouse with fidget capabilities; it’s a symbol of Parker’s commitment to improving the lives of children with ASD and ADHD. Hedgehog Technology, LLC, under Parker’s leadership, continues to be a beacon of innovation and compassion in the special needs community.

Parker Lynch

248-495-7244

www.hedgehogllc.com