For most individuals with disabilities, life is all about adaptation. Narrow scope of imagination when environments and objects are being designed and constructed are, more often than not, the true cause of accommodation needs. As a result, individuals with disabilities are some of the most innovative and creative people you will ever come across. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, it wasn’t very surprising to get a letter from one of California’s AT Advocates, Vincent Lopez, who hails from Center for Independence of Individuals with Disabilities – San Mateo (CID)<\/a>, writing to tell us about his experience creating DIY assistive technology, specifically, with moldable plastics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A few years ago, I attended a workshop on low-tech Assistive Technology using household items presented by Therese Willkomm (Make sure to get her book Assistive Technology Solutions in Minutes<\/a>). She introduced me to low tech solutions for assistive technology including moldable plastic. Moldable plastic is what I call a \u201cPoor Man\u2019s 3D Printer\u201d. Moldable Plastic is an on the fly solution for AT repairs, modifications, and needs and can be used to make a mold for future projects that require more stable products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moldable plastic is what I call a \u201cPoor Man\u2019s 3D Printer\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Moldable Plastic goes by a few names (Instashape-Taps Plastics<\/a>, Instamorph<\/a>, thermal plastic<\/a>, and moldable plastic<\/a>) to name a few. Moldable plastic can come in different forms (Beads and cards<\/a> are most common) and colors can be added for customization. Moldable plastic can be threaded around a bolt and it will shrink around an item, and can be reformed and reused when reheated. Do not use in hot areas (inside car in the sun), Moldable plastic will soften and possibly melt. For instructions, please watch my YouTube video on how to make a key holder<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n