3D Printed AT Library for Accessibility Services

3D Printed AT Library for Accessibility Services - open-source assistive technology prototype by the Thomas Jefferson University community

About this project

This is a program designed to fabricate and distribute low-cost, 3D printed assistive technology to students with disabilities enrolled in higher education institutions through their Student Accessibility Offices. Students often do not have access to needed devices once they leave high school and higher education institutions can be limited in what they are able to provide. This expands access to technologies to help students obtain their educations and degrees.

The challenge

The project entails creating a library of available 3D printed devices that can cheaply be created and distributed on a university campus that also includes educational materials to help students and staff choose the right devices for them. It will also be connected to the occupational therapy department on campus to provide clinical support. Any student needs that are not currently addressed by existing devices will be the focus of designs for new devices to add to the library.

This portion includes printing of reading guides, signature guides, number guides, smartphone magnifier stands, and pencil grips for the library in time for the Spring semester and coordinating with occupational therapy services on campus for the distribution of devices.

Who it helps

Students with disabilities at university campuses often are in need of assistive devices but are no longer eligible for many services, including access to assistive technology, once they leave high school. Students served have a variety of diagnoses ranging from physical disabilities, chronic pain, vision impairments, spatial processing impairments, autism, anxiety, ADHD, dyslexia/dysgraphia, and learning disabilities

How it works

This is a toolkit to implement your own 3D printed assistive technology library. The devices currently in the catalog were curated to support reading, writing, and maintaining attention in class. Here is what is in each section:

Reading: one-handed book holder, reading guides (both in large and small windows for flat and curved versions), and a smartphone magnifier stand

Writing: pen finger holders (vertical and horizontal), number guide, assisted writing device, and signature guide

Attention (listed as fidgets): 8 point star, joy stick, and rotating squares

Miscellaneous: Blood Pressure Valve Knob (built up to be easier to turn for a health science student) and Portable Slant Board (3D printed attachments for a clipboard that supports both reading and writing)

Additional files include the base manual and an implementation manual to explain the program and provide blank form templates.

Project details

The build files for 3D Printed AT Library for Accessibility Services are free to download from this page - open source, shared by TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers.

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