September is Arthritis Awareness Month in Canada. According to the Arthritis Society of Canada, approximately 6 million Canadians have arthritis, and nearly 1 in 2 people over 65 have arthritis. We wanted to highlight some of the newer devices in our Assistive Device Library that are designed with people with arthritis in mind.
Arthritis Typing Aid
The Arthritis Typing Aid is a ball stylus that allows users with arthritis to type without pain. This device is intended for users with arthritis that have difficulty typing due to joint pain. The ball of the device provides an easy grip, while the stylus allows for the user to type.
The device works by holding the ball of the device in your hand like a tennis ball, and using the attached stylus to press the buttons on the keyboard.
Attribution: Design by Alec Stilwell @astilwell – MyMiniFactory (new window); Documentation by Neil Squire Society/Makers Making Change.
Learn more about the Arthritis Typing Aid (new window)
Pill Splitter
The pill splitter is an easy to use device that slices a pill into two. This device is intended for users that need to cut pills into two and have difficulty doing so without crushing the pill.
To use, place a pill over the slot on the lower base, and center it between the two fences. Close the upper half of the device, and the built in razor blade will slice the pill in half.
This device is compatible with compressed, solid type pills. Liquid or powder pills that would spill if cut in half are not ideal for this type of device.
Attribution: Initial design by Aliaksei Petsiuk @apetsiuk – MyMiniFactory (new window); Modifications and Documentation by Neil Squire Society/Makers Making Change.
Learn more about the Pill Splitter (new window)
One Handed Book Holder
The One Handed Book Holder is an inexpensive 3D printed device that makes it easier to hold the pages of a book open with only one hand. Users with limited hand dexterity or use of only one hand my find this device beneficial.
Attribution: Design by Mathis (new window) and posted on MyMiniFactory (new window); Documentation by Neil Squire Society/Makers Making Change.
Learn more about the One Handed Book Holder (new window)
Palm Ball Stylus
If you find it difficult to pinch, or grip a traditional pen stylus, the Palm Ball Stylus will really give you something to hold onto.
This device is intended for users that cannot use traditional stylus pens for a variety of reasons. Instead of a traditional pen style stylus, it ends in a large ball that requires much less strength and dexterity to grip. The device uses a length of wire and conductive foam to allow the user to interact with the capacitive touchscreen.
Attribution: Design by Michael Papp (new window) on Thingiverse; Documentation by Neil Squire Society/Makers Making Change
Learn more about the Palm Ball Stylus (new window)
Knife Guide Arthritis Aid
The Knife Guide Arthritis Aid is a handle that attaches to the back of a knife that allows a user to use both hands while cutting and requires less grip strength for the same amount of control.
To use, place the device over the back of the knife. The new handle can now be gripped at a more natural angle than the original handle, and the knife used as normal. However, at least one hand must remain on the original handle during use. Attempting to hold the knife with just the new handle could cause the knife to fall out of the handle.
Attribution: Initial design by Christopher Thormodson (new window); Revisions and Documentation by Neil Squire Society/Makers Making Change.
Learn more about the Knife Guide Arthritis Aid (new window)
View more devices designed for people with arthritis (new window)
This post originally appeared on the Makers Making Change (new window) website.