Microwave Door Opener
The IATP Makers were contacted by a therapist about creating a device that could help their client open their microwave door. Luckily there was already a file that existed online available for anyone to use. The original designer had worked with a client who had no usable fingers, so they designed the microwave door opener with this in mind. Most microwave door opener buttons push in about an inch, so the slider will push in making it easy to open the door. The IATP Makers printed the device and tested it on multiple microwaves to ensure proper operation. Once it was vetted the device was shipped out.
Parker’s Story
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.
Special Tomato Cup and Headphone Clip Attachments
The IATP Makers were approached by an individual requesting something to hold their water bottle and headphones that would attach to the tray of their special tomato chair. The chair is used daily and the individual would benefit from these accessories. Our designer developed and trialed a few prototypes to match the needs identified by the recipient. Modifications were made based on feedback provided by the user. He now uses the clips daily which provide better use of his tray space and some ease of access to his water bottle and headphones. If you are interested in these devices please visit the device page below.
Domino Stands
Linda had reached out to the Makers team after an IATP presenter came to their facility. Linda was very interested in 3D printing, and was curious if we could help her gaming group. She and some of her friends were having a hard time holding domino pieces while playing. So the Makers team, looked around and found a good design that fit her needs. The Makers printed out a few stands for her group, leading to some happy faces.
Table Mounted Vegetable Peeler
IATP’s Tech Kitchen program requested that the IATP Makers create a vegetable peeler that could be used by someone who only has use of one hand. Multiple designs were considered, but ultimately the Makers decided to go with a design that utilized Airstick to adhere the device to a tabletop or other surface. The blade for the vegetable peeler was purchased online and is made of stainless steel.
Adjustable Hairbrush Handle
The IATP Makers were contacted by an occupational therapist that they had worked with on prior projects asking if they would be able to make something that would allow the user to brush the back of their head. The person who would be using the brush had limited arm and shoulder mobility, meaning that the extension handle needed to be long enough and light enough to work properly. The Makers program was able to find an already designed file online, and with minimal modifications the device was adapted to work for the individual.