Welcome to the 3D-Printed Pediatric Adaptive Equipment Catalog! It was designed to improve access to customizable assistive devices for children with upper-extremity limitations. The catalog features pediatric adaptive equipment designed to support activities such as dressing, hygiene, school, feeding, and play. Each device includes information about its functional purpose, intended users, customization options, and safety considerations. This catalog serves as a resource for clinicians, caregivers, and families to explore 3D-printed solutions that can support children’s independence and participation in meaningful daily activities.
Please browse the catalog below to explore available adaptive equipment for pediatric populations.
If you have any questions or are interested in consulting with the HealthTech Makerspace, please email npnl@usc.edu.
Visit the Resources page to explore free resources for 3D-printed assistive technology!
Purpose:
Allows children to roll dice by pressing the lever instead of grasping, shaking, and releasing small dice. It supports participation in board games and other play activities.
Intended population:
Children with limited hand strength, grasp, or coordination who have difficulty picking up and rolling dice.
Customization options:
The device can be customized by adjusting its overall size, lever height, pressing resistance, color, and dice dimensions.
Safety considerations:
Inspect the device before each use for cracks, sharp edges, loose parts, or damaged components.
Purpose:
Supports a child’s ability to grasp and control a pencil during drawing, coloring, and writing tasks. The holder provides a more stable surface to hold, which reduces the need for a tripod grasp.
Intended population:
Children with decreased fine motor control, weak grasp strength, or upper-extremity limitations that make it difficult to hold and control a standard pencil.
Customization options:
The pencil holder can be customized by adjusting the overall size, grip width, hand opening, pencil-hole diameter, and shape to match the child’s hand size and grasp pattern. It may also be printed in different colors or themed designs to increase child interest and engagement.
Safety considerations:
M3 screw is used to secure and position the pencil, which may present a choking hazard if detached.
Purpose:
Supports a child’s ability to grasp and control a pencil during drawing, coloring, and writing tasks. The holder provides an enlarged handle, which reduces the need for a tripod grasp.
Intended population:
Children with decreased fine motor control, weak grasp strength, or upper-extremity limitations that make it difficult to maintain a functional pencil grasp.
Customization options:
The handle size, pencil-opening diameter, pencil angle, device height, and gripping surface can be adjusted to meet the child’s hand size and motor needs. The device may also be printed in different colors or personalized with child-friendly designs.
Safety considerations:
Make sure the pencil is securely tightened and does not slide during use. M3 screw is used to secure and position the pencil, which may present a choking hazard if detached.
Purpose:.
Assists with turning pages during reading by helping children turn a page without grasping the page. It supports participation in reading and school tasks.
Intended population:
Children with decreased fine motor control, limited finger isolation, weak pinch strength, or upper-extremity limitations that make it difficult to grasp and turn book pages independently.
Customization options:
The page turner can be customized by adjusting the handle length, grip width, angle of the turning tip, and overall size to match the child’s hand size and range of motion. It may also be printed in different colors or child-friendly designs to increase engagement.
Safety considerations:
Inspect the turning tip to ensure it is secure and smooth so it does not tear pages or scratch the skin. If the tip comes off, it may pose a choking hazard.
Purpose:
Supports participation in card games by holding playing cards upright in an organized position. The device reduces the need for pinch grasp to hold several cards in a fan.
Intended population:
Children with weak grasp strength, reduced fine motor coordination, or upper-extremity limitations that make it difficult to hold and manage playing cards independently.
Customization options:
The card holder can be customized by adjusting the handle size, slot width, slot depth, overall height, and number of card slots. It may also be printed in different colors or child-friendly designs to increase engagement and match the child’s preferences.
Safety considerations:
Inspect the device before use for cracks, sharp edges, or rough surfaces. Make sure the cards fit securely in the slot without forcing them.
Functional purpose:
Assists with opening and peeling a banana/citrus by providing an enlarged loop handle that reduces the need for a strong pinch grasp and fine motor coordination.
Intended population:
Children with decreased hand strength, limited finger dexterity, poor fine motor coordination, difficulty using a pinch grasp, or upper-extremity limitations that make peeling a banana/citrus challenging.
Customization options:
The loop diameter, handle thickness, device width, and overall size can be adjusted to accommodate the child’s hand size and grasp pattern. The device may also be printed in different colors or child-friendly designs to increase engagement.
Safety considerations:
Inspect before use for cracks and sharp edges. Wash with mild soap and warm water before and after use, then air dry completely. Do not place in the dishwasher or expose to high heat. Adult supervision is recommended. Discontinue use if damaged.
Functional purpose:
Provides an enlarged gripping surface to make opening and closing zippers easier. It reduces the need for a precise pinch grasp and supports greater independence with dressing.
Intended population:
Children with decreased hand strength, reduced fine motor coordination, difficulty with pinch grasp, or other upper-extremity limitations that affect zipper use.
Customization options:
The size, shape, thickness, color, texture, and cord length can be adjusted to match the child’s hand size, grasp pattern, and preferences.
Safety considerations:
Inspect the zipper pull before each use to ensure that the cord is securely attached to both the pull and the zipper tab. Adult supervision is recommended as needed.
Functional purpose:
Holds clothing fabric in place while the child connects and pulls the zipper. It reduces the need to stabilize the garment with one hand and supports greater independence with dressing.
Intended population:
Children with limited hand strength, decreased fine motor coordination, reduced bilateral coordination, difficulty stabilizing clothing, or other upper-extremity limitations that affect zipper management.
Customization options:
The size, height, fabric-holding opening, grip texture, and overall shape can be adjusted to accommodate different clothing materials and the child’s needs. The device may also be printed in different colors or personalized designs.
Safety considerations:
Ensure that the fabric is securely positioned without being stretched or damaged. Place the device on a stable surface or the child's lap during use. Adult supervision is recommended as needed.
Functional purpose:
Redirects the water flow toward the front of the sink so that children can reach the water more easily. It supports greater independence and safety during handwashing and other hygiene activities.
Intended population:
Children with limited reach, decreased upper-extremity range of motion, or other upper-extremity limitations that make it difficult to access the faucet independently.
Customization options:
The attachment opening, channel length, width, angle, and overall size can be adjusted to fit different faucet designs and sink dimensions. The device may also be printed in different colors or personalized designs.
Safety considerations:
Ensure that the extender is securely attached to the faucet before each use. Check the device for cracks or sharp edges. Avoid using hot water. Use a low to moderate water flow to reduce splashing and prevent the device from becoming detached.
Functional purpose:
Assists with fastening buttons by reducing the need for a precise pinch grasp and fine motor coordination. It supports greater independence with dressing.
Intended population:
Children with decreased hand strength, limited finger dexterity, poor fine motor coordination, reduced bilateral coordination, or other upper-extremity limitations that make managing buttons difficult.
Customization options:
The handle size, shape, thickness, loop length, and loop width can be adjusted to fit the child’s hand size, grasp pattern, and different button sizes. The device may also be printed in different colors or personalized designs.
Safety considerations:
Inspect the button hook before each use to ensure that there are no cracks, sharp edges, or damaged parts. Use the device gently to avoid damaging the button or fabric. Adult supervision is recommended as needed.