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.
Felicia – Custom Grip Pan Handle
Felicia inquired about a Makers device to assist with her limited hand and wrist function. Felicia lives alone and strives to be as independent as possible. One task that Felicia enjoys is cooking. She learned about the Makers program following a tech kitchen training where she was introduced to a variety of adapted kitchen tools including the 3D-printed adapted pan handle.
The adapted pan handle can help anyone who experiences reduced strength and/or pain and limitation in the wrist. It provides support to the forearm and wrist while cooking. Those with reduced function due to issues such as arthritis or carpal tunnel may find it helpful. The design has a screwed in vertical grip handle that can be adjusted as needed to fit a variety of pans. The pan handle can be customized to fit any individual’s need by extending the forearm support or lengthening the handle. Contact the Maker Team for more information.
Ken – Customized Daily Living Aids
Ken was diagnosed with a rare progressive neurological disease which causes muscle weakness. Ken visited IATP for a tour and AT demonstrations where he learned about the Makers program. He quickly concluded that assistive technology devices created through design and fabrication could help him with daily self-care tasks. Ken has a background in chemical engineering and is very skilled in design and fabrication. He works very closely with the Makers team on developing solutions that best meet his needs.
The Makers have been working on a set of devices to assist Ken in self-care tasks that help him be more independent as his abilities continue to change. Some of these devices include built up and angled silverware, built up and angled handles that fit over a shower brush, and a variety of extended levers that attach to buttons and doors as needed. Makers often meet with Ken throughout the fabrication phase of each design for the prototype testing and improvement process that is necessary in creating customized devices.