As I was working on a master’s degree in special education with a specialization in assistive technology, I happened to purchase a 3D printer and immediately saw the opportunity that 3D printing created for low-cost, one-off (personalized) manufacturing. Better yet, the technology is simple enough that it can be used by people close to the individuals with disabilities – OTs, PTs, SLPs, ATPs, and even families.
Putting the implementation of assistive technology close to the people who will use it ensures that the needs and preferences of those individuals will be considered.
After graduation, I began working on the design of an open source, low cost assistive technology switch that could be 3D printed and easily assembled from off-the-shelf parts. The result is “The Volksswitch” and this website.
Since then, I’ve designed several other customizable, personalizable, 3D-printable AT devices. These, along with The Volksswitch are the “Volks-Devices” and they’re just the tip of what’s possible.
Volksswitch (“The People’s AT Devices”) was loosely inspired by the original Volkswagen (“The People’s Car”):
In April 1934, the German government asked Ferdinand Porsche to design a Volkswagen (literally, “people’s car” in German). The government requested a basic vehicle that could transport two adults and three children at 100 km/h (62 mph) while not using more than 7 liters of fuel per 100 km (32 mpg). Everything had to be designed to ensure parts could be quickly and inexpensively exchanged. The “People’s Car” would be available to citizens of Germany through a savings scheme at 990 Reichsmark, about the price of a small motorcycle. – Wikipedia
The Volkswagen clearly achieved its goal of being an inexpensive, highly functional, and highly reliable automobile for the average person – and was also my first car back in 1976.
Volksswitch has similar aspirations in terms of cost, functionality and reliability for all its designs, but simultaneously aspires to high levels of customization and personalization – a capability which is only now possible via the technology of 3D printing.
If you believe in this vision, like I do, please contact me by submitting some information about yourself on the “Contact Us” page. All designs developed by Volksswitch are provided free of charge to the public.
Power to the People!
Ken Hackbarth
P.S. If you’ve come to Volksswitch.org looking for our keyguard designer, follow the link in the navigation bar above to our “Volks-Devices” or click on the image below.
