Parker, who was born with a congenital limb difference, is a Junior High student first referred by his teacher to the Illinois Assistive Technology Program in 2021 for classroom accommodations. The following school year, his teacher reached out again to the IATP Assistive Technology Specialist for a more challenging request that would require problem-solving and fabrication services.
Parker’s disability makes him work extra hard at completing tasks requiring two hands. While he often finds alternative solutions to completing tasks like holding books or items in one hand while opening his locker in the other, one important task Parker said he would like to do is being able to carry a lunch tray with both hands. Based on this request, staff from the IATP Makers program were able to visit Parker at his school.
The Makers program began partnering with an online global community, called E-NABLE, consisting of individuals who design and fabricate 3D-printed upper limb devices for children and adults in need at no cost. The Makers staff met with Parker, his mom, and his occupational therapy practitioner multiple times over the next school year during the fabrication and fitting process for the upper limb device. This specific prosthetic arm is activated when Parker flexes his elbow, which allows the fingers to curl inward to grasp items, making it possible to complete tasks requiring two hands.
The upper limb device was carefully measured and fabricated through an open-source file allowing the device to fit comfortably. The device consists of a durable plastic material that withstands high heat, has internal padding to prevent skin breakdown, has Velcro straps that Parker can easily manipulate, and uses gel fingertips for better gripping.
If you are interested in a similar device, please reach out to our Maker team.