Tactile Bicycle Trails Map
The Educational Center for the Visually Impaired (ECVI) partnered with the YMCA of Springfield, IL to create the Tandem Bicycle Project. The program provides an opportunity for those with low vision or blindness to reserve and borrow tandem bicycles at no cost. Participants can now ride Springfield’s bicycle trails with friends and family. You can learn more about the project on the ECVI website Tandem Bike Project.
ECVI reached out to IATP requesting a 3D-printed tactile map of the bicycle trails to provide users with trail information including the location of intersecting roads and certain pitstops. The Ride Illinois program granted permission to the IATP Maker program to adapt their bicycle map. Pictured is one of the early prototypes. The final design was larger and provides a key for symbols, and coating with resin to withstand outdoor temperatures and durability.
Inhaler Adapter with Universal Stand
The purpose of this project was to enhance the independence of an individual with functional limitations due to differences in her upper arm and hand. Before this adaptation, the individual was given maximal assistance to use her inhaler due to her lack of strength and ability to simultaneously steady the canister, push down, and activate the medication. With this unique, fabricated device, the individual can now independently self-administer her medication.
The device consists of a removable, molded grip and velcro attachment to hold the canister in place, positioned snugly in a tripod stand. The stand is held in place by a micro-suction tape on the bottom that can be reused across different surfaces. This design was printed in Nylon Carbon Fiber for maximal strength and durability.
Michael – Wheelchair Cup Holder
This device was individually fabricated for Michael, a Permobil F3 wheelchair user who also drives, and was seeking an alternative solution to carrying 16oz bottles along. Currently, there are no devices readily available that mechanically and easily slide in and out under his armrest and can also collapse to accommodate the tight space between inside his van and the wheelchair when Michael is driving. This device was printed using a universal style cup holder, Nylon Carbon Fiber for durability, and a flexible, plastic material that provides the ability to collapse when not in use.
Long Handled Cooking Utensils
Myshaun has a rare condition called TAR Syndrome, which impacts his ability to use his hands safely and complete most tasks independently. Myshaun is a Vocational Rehabilitation customer who was referred to the Tech Kitchen program to learn how to safely cook using assistive technology. Many recipes that interest Myshaun require him to use cooking and baking utensils, however, there are no current tools that exist offering extended handles.
Myshaun requires handles that are at least 18” in length to offer a safe distance when cooking on the stove. The Tech Kitchen staff, IATP occupational therapists, and Myshaun are working closely with the Makers program to design and fabricate multiple adapted handles that will attach to cooking utensils by providing the additional lengths needed. This collaboration demonstrates how the option for fabrication and design through 3D-printing, can readily assist someone in having the tools that best meet their needs.
Ted – Adjustable Phone Stand
Ted is an older gentleman who frequently visits the Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) to browse the Demonstration Center for new assistive technology options. Ted was very interested to learn about the Makers program and 3D-printing. Ted was assisted by one of the Makers’ team members to browse the available products. He noticed that Makers have tablet stands in their inventory, but he wanted a device that will hold his small phone during FaceTime calls with his family members and friends who communicate through sign language.
Makers located an open-source file for an adjustable, small phone stand and quickly printed it for Ted. The phone stand can hold the phone at either a horizontal or vertical position, and it is lightweight and easily accessible for Ted to adjust as needed. The phone stand allows for hands free calls so that Ted can easily communicate with family members and friends!
Jenna – Sewing Machine Guide
Jenna, her mother, and sister all visited the Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) for a tour to learn about new assistive technology options that Jenna could benefit from. Jenna was born with a mild form of cerebral palsy that affects muscle movement but that does not stop her from completing tasks she loves. While at IATP, Jenna’s family learned about the Makers program where Jenna expressed a safety need for participating in one of her leisure activities which is sewing. Due to constant muscle stiffness and spasms, sewing is deemed unsafe as her hand comes too close to the needle.
Jenna came up with the idea of creating a guide that would keep the material in place while she safely feeds the material through the machine. Makers designed and developed her idea by 3D-printing a guide with magnets inserted into the bottom. The magnets provide stabilization directly onto the sewing machine base and can be removed as needed. Jenna can now sew without the concern of her hand being too close to the needle.