While assistive toys and adaptive technologies exist, more often than not these types of products are expensive and not optimized for individuals’ needs. With tools such as web-based cloud modeling and 3D printing becoming increasingly more accessible to individuals outside traditional design fields, new and potential solutions emerge. These tools can be used to drive meaningful change in local communities; however, barriers to entry still exist for non-designers.

In this case study, we provide a framework for how occupational therapy students can apply their clinical experience to introductory 3D design and printing activities over a 15-week graduate-level course. Students utilized open-source 3D printable designs to adapt existing market toys, adding functionality and increasing accessibility for all children. Additionally, they collaborated with local organizations and donated the toys to local charities specializing in outreach to children with disabilities.

Equipped with these tools early in their careers, occupational therapists can develop affordable, customized solutions for their clients and work synergistically with designers, given their knowledge of the technical language, to further impact the design community and to continue to drive innovation. Reflections from this course model will help other interdisciplinary educators explore ways to integrate emerging technologies and open-source design into their classrooms.