3d printing model sharing site extends reach of assistive technology devices

 By creating customized solutions for Veterans in need of assistive technology (AT), OAM helps individuals maintain, increase, or improve their functional capabilities. AT helps Veterans perform a variety of tasks, from complex movements like driving and playing sports to everyday tasks like using a phone or turning on a light.

A new library of VHA OAM hosted on the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) 3D page currently contains a collection of design packages, which include CAD files and detailed instructions available for use within a clinical setting. Specific areas of interest include Assistive Technology, empowering individuals with disabilities to improve their independence.

“The website is a design library of files for assistive technology devices that we've created here at Richmond [VA Medical Center] that came out of two things:” said Melissa Oliver, assistive technology program director at Richmond VA Medical Center.  “One, a patient need, a Veteran need, but then we were hearing from people across other VA sites that said, ‘hey, we would love to be able to have this Item.’”

The idea for the library began as a link on Shopify through VA’s Innovation Spark, Seed, Spread project where someone could order the actual AT product before moving to the current setup before the proliferation of 3d printers became widespread.  

“When everybody Started getting 3D printers, they just wanted the files and so then that's how we got to the design library, and we partnered with NIH,” said Oliver.  “We already had a platform for the design files and so we partnered with them to have a place to manage it and house it for us.”

There are currently 31 designs on the site with plans to expand and grow the number of design packages available for download, according to Oliver.  The library's second goal of connecting VA clinicians with engineers is also incredibly important. By fostering collaboration between these two groups, the VHA OAM Design Library is helping to drive innovation in the field of assistive technology. These innovations have the potential to greatly improve the quality of life for Veterans with disabilities.

“That covers the primary goal of it, but I think it also serves as a sort of a portfolio of or starting point of ideas for other VAs to look at and say, hey, if we, you know, modify this existing design a little bit, you know maybe we could meet the need for another Veteran,” said Brian Burkhardt, Richmond office of advanced manufacturing hub site lead. “So, it's a nice way to not only share the designs, but to be a jumping point of, you know, for creativity.”

The impact of OAM's AT digital library is profound, with many Veterans experiencing life-changing benefits. For example, 3D-printed toothbrush holders aid in independent personal hygiene, while 3D-printed stylus palm grips make it easier for Veterans to write. These tailored solutions make a significant difference in the lives of Veterans, enabling them to perform tasks that were previously difficult or impossible. OAM's innovative approach to healthcare transforms the way VA approaches patient care and sets a new standard for the industry.

The VHA OAM Design Library is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in assistive technology. Its commitment to providing detailed instructions and fostering collaboration between clinicians and engineers is helping to drive innovation and improve the lives of people with disabilities.

“The traditional method for sharing out things that we produce in VA is tech transfer. So that's great and works for many things, but this is a way to share things that either maybe aren't appropriate for tech transfer, or there's just not a big enough market for,” said Burkhardt. “So, we're sharing something that might help a few people out there but there's just not a big enough market for.”

The new online library provides access to a vast collection of CAD files for use in clinical settings. The library is primarily focused on assistive technology and improving the independence of individuals with disabilities. By providing detailed instructions on how to uniformly fabricate and use these devices, the VHA OAM Library is helping to ensure that these designs are accessible to as many people as possible.

“Anybody, whether you're a federal employee or Joe Schmoe, can get to the NIH site. It's a public open facing outward facing site than anybody can do that. So, it's not only accessible for our Veterans to be able to utilize, but the public at large,” said Oliver. “It has the general picture, then it has a description, then you also have the PDF here and you also have more pictures too, so they can see what it looks like,” Oliver said.

“I think it's also a way for smaller VA's that are making things to be able to share what they're doing because I think a lot of times, they don't feel like they can get that word out to other people, but it might benefit of a Veteran or any therapist that is looking for a potential solution,” she said.

Check out the collection at:
https://3d.nih.gov/collections/oam/at