Low-tech Assistive Technology (AT) refers to simple, non-electronic tools designed to support individuals with disabilities complete daily tasks. These tools are typically affordable, easy to use, and highly effective in enhancing functional capabilities within all community living, education, and employment environments.
3D Printed AT
3D printed assistive technology refers to the use of 3D printing to create customized devices that help individuals with disabilities perform daily tasks more independently. A 3D printed object is a three-dimensional, physical object created from a digital file using filaments on a special printer.
Oklahoma ABLE Tech is no longer printing and sending completed 3D-printed devices. You can still access the 3D print files of the devices we previously provided on the Thingiverse homepage.
Dyslexia Reading Bar
The Dyslexia Reading Bar isolates text on a page so readers can focus on reading one or two lines at a time. The Dyslexia Reading Bar is functional on flat documents and sheets of paper. To use the Dyslexia Reading Bar simply place the reading bar window over the text to be read.
Pen Ball Gripping Aid
The Pen Ball Gripping Aid provides an extra-large surface grip for writing utensils. The tool gently rests in the palm while the fingers grip the ball. This writing aid requiring minimal grip effort and decreased wrist movement to write and draw.
Pen Ball Gripping Aid Printer Files on Thingiverse
Signature Guide
A Signature Guide helps individuals properly place a signature or initials on a document. The Signature Guide is the size of a standard ID card and has five different-sized guide boxes. Select the guide box that best matches the size of the signature line on the document to be signed. Then, place the Signature Guide on the paper and sign within the guide box.
Signature Guide Printer Files on Thingiverse
Spoon and Fork Support
The Spoon and Fork Support is a cuff to aid in eating. The cuff is a single-piece structure that fits the shape of the hand with two slots to thread a utensil. The Spoon and Fork Support are beneficial for individuals with limited hand dexterity.
Spoon and Fork Support Printer Files on Thingiverse
Palm Pen Holder
The Palm Pen Holder provides multiple ways to grip and stabilize a writing utensil. A writing utensil is slipped through the pen hole and fixed in place by tightening with a set screw. The Palm Pen Holder is then slid onto the hand of the user or gripped in a comfortable position for the user to perform a writing task.
Palm Pen Holder Printer Files on Thingiverse
Bottle Opener
The Bottle Opener is designed for individuals with limited hand strength or grasping skills. This device has a large gripping surface that clamps onto the bottle cap allowing users to remove or screw-on water bottle caps with a gentle squeeze. The Bottle Opener also features a slight curvature on the end to help pull the tab of a soda can. The user inserts fingers into the top slot of the Bottle Opener to grip the tool, places the ridged slot of the Bottle Opener around the cap, and then gently squeezes and turns to either open or close the bottle.
Bottle Opener Printer Files on Thingiverse
Key Turn
The Key Turn is designed for individuals with limited hand strength or grasping skills. Users loop their fingers through the hole and twist to lock and unlock doors with minimal wrist movement. This device is designed to triple the leverage, allowing one to open a hard-to-turn lock with less effort.
Key Turn Printer Files on Thingiverse
Easy Zipper
The Easy Zipper is designed for individuals with limited hand strength or grasping skills. The Easy Zipper is a generic design that fits most standard-sized zippers. Simply insert the zipper into the zipper cut-out on the 3D print. Secure the Easy Zipper by threading the zip tie through the small holes on the 3D Print and locking the zip tie.
Easy Zipper Printer Files on Thingiverse
Do-It-Yourself AT Downloads (Make ‘N Takes)
Step-by-step instructions are available as Full Sheet and Low Vision word documents for do-it-yourself Assistive Technology. To request a Braille Ready Format file of these documents, please email abletech@okstate.edu.
Community Living
Adapted Playing Card Holder
Handheld Magnifier
Page Turner
Straw Holder
Tactile Memory Game
Universal Cuff
Whisper Phone
Education
Binder Slant Board
Double-Sided Manipulatives
PVC Marker Holder
Handwriting Stencil
Handwriting Tool
Tactile Ruler
Token Chart
Weighted Pencil
Employment
Adapted Stylus
Adapted Visual Organizer
Document Holder
Keyboard Wrist Pad
Mouse Wrist Rest
Disclaimers
Creative Commons
Creative Commons is a nonprofit organization that provides standardized ways to grant copyright permissions to individuals and organizations. ABLE Tech follows all the guidelines from Creative Commons. The procedures to follow are listed below:
- ABLE Tech must give credit to the original creators of the files.
- ABLE Tech does not receive any money for the items printed. ABLE Tech services are funded by the federal AT Act Program that supports efforts to improve the provision of AT to individuals with disabilities of all ages through comprehensive, statewide programs that are consumer responsive.
- ABLE Tech must share any edits made to a file with the same Creative Commons license.
To learn more about the Creative Commons license ABLE Tech follows, check out the Creative Commons Guidelines.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY: I agree to indemnify and hold harmless Oklahoma ABLE Tech and any and all employees, agent or representatives of same, from damages to property or injuries to myself, and/or any other person, and any other losses, damages, expenses, claims, demands, suits and actions by any party against Oklahoma ABLE Tech and any and all employees, agent or representatives of same, in connection with 3D prints from Oklahoma ABLE Tech.
RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY: I understand and agree that I am responsible for the proper handling, storage, use, care, and maintenance of the device(s), component(s), or accessory(ies) given to me hereunder. In the sole discretion of Oklahoma ABLE Tech, my ability to further participate in any such projects, programs, grants, or loans from Oklahoma ABLE Tech and all of its related programs may be suspended for a period of time or indefinitely for failure to abide by project rules.
Helpful 3D Print Resources
- Makers Making Change – Makers Making Change connects people with disabilities to volunteer makers to build assistive technologies.
- Project Core – A Stepping-Up Technology Implementation Grant Directed by the Center for Literacy and Disability Studies provides 3D print files for the 36 words in the Universal Core vocabulary.
- Renee Neuwald Trust Maker Space – Located within the Tulsa downtown Central Library, the Renee Neuwald Trust Maker Space is a hands-on, creator-focused working space for the people of Tulsa County. The Maker Space provides visitors a place to work on new ideas, develop new skills, or learn new hobbies in a supportive environment.