Low-Tech, Low-Cost Do-It-Yourself Assistive Technology

PORTABILITY, SIZE, AND WEIGHT A device only works if it can actually get where it needs to go. Consider whether it can be transported easily between settings or if it turns into a full workout every time someone tries to move it. A mount that is so bulky it blocks doorways or so heavy it re- quires its own rolling cart will quickly frustrate the team asked to use it, and frustration often leads to abandonment. The most effective DIY AT is lightweight enough to carry, compact enough to fit into everyday spaces, and sturdy enough to survive the trip without leaving a trail of broken parts behind. If moving it feels like gearing up for a cross-country road trip, it is probably time to rethink the design. SENSORY FEATURES Designs are more successful when they engage the senses. Consider whether the device supports tactile, visual, or auditory needs in ways that make it appealing to use. Covering a grip with a preferred textured material can encourage someone to pick it up, while adding sound or light can spark curiosity and sustain attention. Sometimes a glow or a buzz is the difference between a device that gets ignored and one that becomes a favorite tool. These small sensory details can turn basic DIY AT into something that feels motivating and enjoyable, not just functional. SANITIZATION AND STORAGE A great DIY AT device should be just as easy to clean as it is to use. In shared settings, ask whether the materials can handle frequent wiping, spraying, or even the occasional dunk without falling apart. Smooth surfaces, removable covers, and washable components all make a big difference when multiple people rely on the same tool. Storage matters too. Can the device be tucked away safely without taking over a closet or cluttering every flat surface in the room? A clever design not only works well in use,

it also survives cleaning and fits neatly on a shelf when it is not needed. If it requires its own storage locker, it might be time to go back to the drawing board. SUSTAINABILITY Whenever possible, choose materials that are recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable. A sustainable approach not only benefits the broader environment but also helps keep costs down and reduces waste. Cardboard, corrugated plastic, and re- purposed household items can often do the job just as well as pricier specialty materials, and they give a second life to things that might otherwise end up in the trash. Think, too, about what happens when a device is no longer in use. If it can be taken apart and its pieces reused to make something new, you are supporting the circle of DIY AT tool life. After all, it feels pretty good when a device helps the intended user and saves the plan- et at the same time. EVERYDAY TOOLS AND MATERIALS Think of a good maker’s kit as part toolbox, part junk drawer, and part MacGyver starter pack. With the right mix of everyday supplies, a classroom, garage, or therapy office can instantly be- come an innovation lab. TOOLS Start with the basics: scissors that actually cut, pliers that do more than pinch your fingers, and screwdrivers that match the screws you own. Add in a drill for when you want to feel power- ful, a sander for when things are a little rough around the edges, and a heat gun for when you want to feel like you are wielding a magic wand. Toss in a leather punch, grommet press, snap pli- ers, PVC cutters, and even a coroclaw (because someday you will need to cut corrugated plastic, and you will be glad you have it). ADHESIVES & MOLDABLE PRODUCTS Adhesives are the best friends of DIY AT. Hot glue is quick, ver- satile, and fixes almost anything, though it usually leaves behind those stringy souvenirs as proof. Epoxy delivers a rock-solid hold but can be brittle, so one bad drop might undo a lot of effort. Wood glue is dependable for everyday fixes, while spray glue gets the job done but has a habit of covering more than just the intended surface. Velcro earns its place by making adjustments simple and comes in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and strengths. Moldable glue starts soft like clay and cures into durable rubber that sticks to nearly anything. Thermoplastic pellets and sheets are equally handy since they can be heated, reshaped, and tried again, making them the ultimate second-chance material. TAPES Tapes are the quiet problem-solvers of DIY AT, ready to hold, patch, or reinforce just about anything. Clear and masking tapes cover the basics, while painter’s tape is perfect for tem-

A fingerlight attached to a paintbrush handle illuminates the surface as the user watercolors, with the caption “DIY adaptive light-up paintbrush supporting creative expression.

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