Printing Possibilities

by C. L. Stambush

FOR A FEW years now, students in USI's Occupational Therapy (OT) program have used 3D printers (purchased by a former faculty) to help improve the lives of individuals. "Students choose a person for whom they would like to design a 3D printed item, based on their knowledge of disability and disease. Many of them choose a certain design based on someone they know, or a family member," said Kristi Hape '99, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy. 

Second year OT student Abbie Dart and two classmates used the printer to create a bottle cap opener for someone with limited grip strength and/or arthritis. "It gave me handson experience with the design process, from ideation to prototype creation, and taught me the importance of precision and adaptability in crafting functional tools," she said. "A cool aspect of this technology is its potential for quick, cost-effective solutions that can significantly enhance clients’ independence. It was exciting to see how creativity and technology can directly impact someone's quality of life." 

OT faculty incorporate a variety of tools to prepare students in their approach to improving the lives of their future patients. "We have certain standards to ensure we are teaching students everything they'll need to know in their careers, and one of those is technology—using technology to modify the environment for people who have different abilities," Hape said.