Noah – Custom Gait Trainer Handles
Noah is a young boy who recently benefitted from the Makers program. His occupational therapist continuously works hard at finding solutions for him to be more successful when engaging in daily living activities as well as play. With her input, the Maker Team fabricated an adapted switch mount for him to better access his toys. She then submitted another request for a fabricated device for Noah. He needed to have a resting place for his hands while walking when using his gait trainer which he requires due to the mobility limitations in his legs. Noah’s gait trainer did not have attached handles on each side to provide for hand stabilization which caused his arms and hands to dangle at the side.
His therapist tried other solutions in the past, but his harness and straps would get in the way. Makers designed two, symmetrical, 3D-printed handles, clips, and brackets that attach to cut-don polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. The PVC leg attachments are adjustable, providing the option for additional height as Noah grows. This customized design was prepared all for under $10, although Makers does not charge a fee for devices, but locating attachments that are compatible with Noah’s gait trainer, if any, can get pricey. The Makers program aims to create assistive technology devices that may not already exist and are a cost-efficient solution.
Adjustable Mirror for Viewing inside Pots on Stovetop
This device was fabricated for a wheelchair user who has difficulty seeing inside her pots and pans while cooking on the stove. This angled mirror is mounted to the wall behind the stove. It has a ball and socket joint at the neck of the two attachments, allowing the mirror to be adjusted to either side of the burners. The material used is Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PET-G) allowing the material to withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The Mirror itself is an acrylic sheet that is fog resistant allowing for a safer solution than glass.
When needed, this device is also utilized in IATP’s Tech Kitchen to assist program participants who are trialing assistive technology solutions for cooking.
Geraldine – Big Shoe Horn
Geri is a senior woman living alone in an assisted living apartment. She is independent with most daily tasks but putting on shoes has become difficult for her. Geri’s daughter and son stopped by IATP for a tour of the demonstration center to learn more about assistive technology that can assist their mother.
They mentioned how Geri struggles using her long-handled shoehorn and asked for an alternative solution. They visited with the Makers staff and were able to receive a shorter-length shoehorn that night through the Makers’ donated device inventory. Any Illinois resident who is requiring simple, 3D-printed assistive devices to enhance independence can browse our product page and request one. If you are interested in donating 3D printed devices to be used by illinois residents in need, please contact us.
Custom Signature Guide
Gwyn is a young adult who has been blind since birth. He recently started learning more about assistive technology options and how he can benefit from certain devices. Gwyn attended IATP’s Open House in April where he learned about the Makers program. One task that Gwyn requested to be able to do on his own was signing his signature on different forms.
Gwyn was assisted with submitting a request for the Makers to 3D-print a customized signature guide. The guide contains a one-inch margin and includes a slide in feature. Gwyn wanted to have his name embedded on the signature guide, so the Makers team was able to include both a print and braille option. Gwyn was so excited to be able to use his signature guide, that he quickly used it to sign a photo release, giving IATP permission to show off him using his new signature guide!
iPad Stand for Scanning Documents
Denise lost her full vision following an optic-nerve injury in 2012. She reached out to IATP this past winter to be matched with an assistive technology specialist who could assist her with computer access options including screen reader technology. After receiving services and a new iPad, Denise was then introduced to other IATP services including Smart Home, Tech Kitchen, and Makers. Makers received a request to design a 3D-printed stand that would hold Denise’s new iPad and assist her in accurately positioning items to be scanned.
Makers, Smart Home, and the assistive technology specialist working with Denise all traveled to Denise’s home to provide further services and teach Denise how to properly use the iPad stand. Denise is now using Seeing AI, a free IOS app that offers text-to-speech access. During IATP’s visit, Denise learned how to position her iPad and documents when using Seeing AI.
The stand contains all 3D-printed parts and has both top and bottom borders to position the iPad and documents. The stand is lightweight, and the legs are attached to a portable tray using Micro Suction tape that Denise can move as needed to read documents from anywhere in her house. Denise can now position and scan any text-document, scan barcodes, and scan money for the Seeing AI app to read back to her.
Reacher for Stove Knobs
IATP Makers teamed up with the Tech Kitchen to meet with an individual to assess her needs in her kitchen. Penny is a wheelchair user who enjoys baking in her free time. As a result of the assessment, she was able to be provided with assistive technology items that made cooking tasks safer and easier.
Prior to the visit, she was unsafely bending over from her wheelchair and reaching for the stove knobs positioned on the back of her stove. The Makers team designed and fabricated a 27” Stove Knob Reacher that was printed using our large format FDM 3D printer, to accommodate the length required for Penny to safely turn on her stove burners from a seated position. The Extended Reacher was printed in a strong durable filament that can withstand heat up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, making this AT acceptable for reaching the back of the stove.
This fabricated device is available in our product library for others to print or request.