Gyeonggi Province Actively Supports Technology Development for Assistive Devices Using 3D Printing

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Park No-hoon] Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Province Rehabilitation Engineering Service Research and Support Center announced this year's 'Research Support Center Priority Projects' on the 10th to support the development of assistive devices to help with the daily lives of people with disabilities.

The Gyeonggi Province Rehabilitation Engineering Service Research and Support Center is a specialized agency for assistive device services established by the province to enhance convenience for people with disabilities in the region.

This year's center priority projects include: ▲Specialized education in the use of augmentative and alternative communication devices (Smart AAC) ▲Establishment of a platform for developing assistive devices using 3D printers ▲Expansion of eco-friendly DIY assistive device development and distribution.

Augmentative and alternative communication is a method in which people with developmental disabilities and cerebral palsy who have difficulty expressing themselves communicate their thoughts and feelings through smart devices instead of speech. As the distribution of augmentative and alternative communication devices has increased recently, the center plans to develop device usage manuals and conduct specialized training targeting users, families, activity assistants, and welfare service providers.

Establishment of a platform for developing assistive devices using 3D printers will also be promoted as a priority project. The center will develop a platform that enables the use of design drawings capable of manufacturing assistive devices. Through manuals within the platform, it is expected that various customized assistive devices such as cutting aids, brake extensions, key guards, numeric keypad joysticks, and finger stretching boards can be created.

The center will develop and distribute eco-friendly DIY assistive devices using corrugated cardboard instead of wood, which was the main material for existing assistive devices, thereby lowering assistive device prices and enhancing usability. Two types of eco-friendly DIY assistive devices (posture maintenance chair and therapeutic training assistive device) completed in development last year will be expanded in distribution to children with disabilities and welfare institutions in the province.

A provincial official stated, "This year is an important year for the center to advance the projects it has pursued thus far, and we will do our best to support the center in implementing its priority projects well."

Meanwhile, inquiries regarding assistive device support for people with disabilities or other consultations can be directed to the Gyeonggi Province Rehabilitation Engineering Service Research and Support Center (031-295-7363) or the Gyeonggi Province Government's Disability Welfare Division (031-8008-4318).