Customized Support
Thinking about using your 3D printer for good? 3D modeling and printing provides a great opportunity to get creative with designs for those who have physical disabilities.
We’ve gathered some of the best and most helpful designs to help make things easier for you or the people who have physical challenges in your life.
If you see something on the list that you’d like printed, try Craftcloud by All3DP. Rest assured you’ll be getting the highest quality prints for the best prices.
And now, let’s get to the models!
Using Utensils
This is a multi-purpose simple utensil support that helps those who have limited control of their hands. It can be customized to fit any hand and a fork or spoon. For comfort and cleanliness, it doesn’t use Velcro straps; it’s just a 3D printed part.
The designer recommends printing the model at a layer height of 0.2 mm, which should take about two and half hours to complete.
Who made it? Luca.parmegiani
Who printed it? At least three people have printed this model and more than 3,700 have downloaded it.
Where can I get it? MyMiniFactory
Holding Cards
Do you know someone who likes to play card games but has dexterity challenges? 3D print these hand holders to include everyone, or give them as a gifts. A nice stand has also been included to make it easier to set down your hand while still seeing what’s in it.
The designer recommends using a utility knife to clean the tight gaps after printing and sandpaper for smoothing.
Who made it? kwalus
Who printed it? 41 people have successfully printed this simple and functional model.
Where can I get it? Thingiverse
Gripping Pens
If someone has weak lower fingers that makes writing with pens or pencils challenging, then this is the print you’ll want! It’s basically thickening the base of your writing implement of choice to allows it to be gripped and used more easily. The model was made for the Mutual de Seguridad in Chile, a program for using innovation and development to help those in need.
After printing, the designer advises that the 3D printed model be put in hot water. That way, it’ll be easier to get the pencil or pen in, as it’s a tight fit.
Who made it? GabrielaB
Who printed it? This model has been downloaded almost 100 times.
Where can I get it? MyMiniFactory
Playing Rubik's Cube
It might not look like it, but this device is actually a Rubik’s Cube for the blind or partially-sighted. Instead of colors, sides feature numbers, and the goal is to have all of the same number facing the same direction.
The designer recommends printing it at a layer height of 0.2 mm and a 10% infill. They take about two and a half hours to print.
Who made it? 3Ducation
Who printed it? 220 people have downloaded this model, and we’re pretty confident in its printability because it’s been used in a school project in Greece.
Where can I get it? MyMiniFactory
Allowing Physical Touch
This interesting and creative ring design is great for people who are on the autism spectrum. Wearers can use it as a non-verbal signal to indicate if they are open to physical contact, specifically, hugs.
When printing, the designer recommends positioning the hands away from the build plate so you don’t have to use supports.
Who made it? EnterpriseXDDesign
Who printed it? At least 800 people have downloaded this model, and it has more than 4,000 views.
Where can I get it? MyMiniFactory
Typing & Using Touchscreens
This model is very helpful for anyone who has lost or limited hand control and finger movement. With this aid, it should be easier to use a touchscreen or keyboard. This is another project coming from the Chiliean Mutual de Seguridad program.
The designer recommends a 0.3-mm layer height with 100% infill, but no pattern. It’s also advised to use a heat gun or hot water (but not so hot that it hurts) to shape the design to the hand of the wearer.
Who made it? GabrielaB
Who printed it? At least one person has printed the model.
Where can I get it? Thingiverse
Reaching Toilet Paper
Often special restrooms for disabled persons have complicated mechanisms for dispensing toilet paper. With this simple 3D print, you can attach a roll of toilet paper to the handrail for ease of use.
If printed without supports, the designer recommends cleaning up the locking mechanism with a Dremel or craft knife. It should also be printed with an infill of 20% and a 0.2-mm layer height.
Who made it? GavinLeigh
Who printed it? At least one person apart from the designer has successfully printed this model.
Where can I get it? Thingiverse
Opening Cans
This is a design that makes it easier to open cans instead of pulling super hard or resorting to a knife. It’s not just for those with finger or hand challenges: the elderly, children, or people who have weak grips or arthritis can also benefit.
It’s recommended to use a 0.2-mm layer height, in which case the model should take about 3 hours to print.
Who made it? Luca.parmegiani
Who printed it? Around 2,000 people have downloaded this model so far.
Where can I get it? MyMinFactory
Keeping Water Handy
When you’re in a wheelchair, it’s easy to get thirsty! Now, you can 3D print this bottle holder design and attach it to a wheelchair.
It’s simple and easy to create, customize, and assemble. There’s even an instructional video for additional assistance. The designer recommends using an infill of 20% and supports.
Who made it? SelfCAD
Who printed it? This design was uploaded just a few months ago, and it has 14 downloads so far.
Where can I get it? MyMiniFactory
Showing Love
Show your love for deaf people you know by printing this “I love you” sign in American Sign Language. The model even has a small hole for hanging or making it into a necklace.
The design is super simple; no rafts or supports needed.
Who made it? Adrian1211
Who printed it? This model has been downloaded 128 times.
Where can I get it? MyMiniFactory
Creating Weelchair Ramps
Those having to rely on wheelchairs for mobility are often faced with the challenge of accessibility. Even though many countries have made significant efforts to address this issue, it’s never a bad idea to take some accessibility with you.
This two part wheelchair “ramp” makes it easier for people to get up or down a curb. It’ll take you about 26 hours to print and for more details, there’s a blog post you can check out.
Who designed it? nanonan
Who printed it? At least one person apart from the designer has printed this model.
Where can I get it? Thingiverse
Grabbing Zippers
Never use your teeth (or anything else) to open or close a zipper again! For those who have challenges with their arms or hands, you’ll be very happy with this fast and easy print. Go ahead and add this grip to all your bags, as it fits most zippers.
There’s even a video for more about how the design was developed as part of an assistive technology challenge.
One maker notes the absence of a customizer for the design, so now you’re able to do so. The model is recommended to be printed at an infill of 100%.
Who made it? miginv
Who printed it? At least four people have uploaded their Makes.
Where can I get it? Thingiverse
Lead image source: piuLAB via Thingiverse
License: The text of "12 Great 3D Models That Can Help With Disabilities" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.