Back in July, an assistive device challenge was launched by the 3D printing marketplace Pinshape in collaboration with MatterHackers, Ultimaker, and e-NABLE, which is an open source, community-based prosthetic design organization that has helped thrust 3D printing forth as a viable tool to produce prosthetics and assistive devices. The contest, called the Within Reach 3D Design Challenge, asked participants to design assistive devices for people with limited use of their hands due to conditions such as arthritis, stroke, or debilitating injury.
Although the 3D printed assistive device stands to improve the lives of those who have incurred a hand disability of some sort, Pôle-Ergo has made it a point to offer the object as an informative and educational tool, not a commercial product. Those who could potentially benefit from their Universal Wireless Switch Access should not consider the device to be a replacement for a professional specialist or treatment.
As for the “Within Reach 3D Design Challenge”, the contest is still open for submissions until the end of the day today, September 6 (at 23:59:59 PST). Submissions are separated between two categories: youth under 18, and adults 18 and over. First place winners will receive an Ultimaker 2+ (under 18 category) or Ultimaker 2 Extended+ (over 18 category), as well as a MatterControl T10 3D Printer Controller and three spools of MatterHackers PRO Series PLA filament. Second place winners will receive a Crafty 3D Printing Pen plus a $100 MatterHackers gift card, and third place winners will also receive a Crafty 3D Printing Pen, as well as a $50 MatterHackers gift card. You can design your own 3D printable assistive device and upload it to Pinshape, joining with Pôle-Ergo in the fight to make the world a better and more accessible place for those suffering from debilitating disabilities. Discuss further in the Universal Wireless Switch forum over at 3DPB.com.