🎙️ Guest: Philip Dunham Director of Design, MakeGood What happens when 3D printing, creativity, and assistive technology come together to solve problems that traditional manufacturing often can't? In Episode 21 of the Assistive Tech Today Podcast, I sit down with Philip Dunham, Director of Design at MakeGood, to talk about how 3D printing is changing the way adaptive equipment can be designed, customized, and delivered to people with disabilities. Philip shares his own journey into assistive technology, from his background in finance and experience as a C5 quadriplegic to connecting with MakeGood founder Noam Platt and becoming deeply involved in the company's design work. We dive into MakeGood's innovative approach to creating adaptive devices, including their 3D-printed Toddler Mobility Trainer, designed to give young children with mobility challenges more independence and opportunities to explore their environment. But this conversation goes far beyond the technology. Philip explains how customizable mobility devices can help children interact with their peers, participate on the playground, and reduce some of the stigma traditionally associated with mobility equipment. We also talk about MakeGood's open-source philosophy, which encourages people to download, modify, and improve designs so they can help even more people. We discuss how the growing availability of affordable and reliable 3D printers is opening the door for individuals, schools, hospitals, PTs, OTs, makers, and families to create solutions that previously may have been too expensive or impractical to manufacture. Philip also explains how 3DMobility.org connects makers with families who need these chairs, how people can become makers themselves, and the different ways supporters can help fund these projects. And we look ahead at what's next—including experiments with motorized versions of these mobility devices and the potential for 3D printing to continue transforming assistive technology. This episode is a great reminder that assistive technology isn't just about the device itself. It's about giving people more independence, freedom, dignity, and opportunities to participate. If you're interested in assistive technology, 3D printing, adaptive design, AAC, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or simply finding creative ways to make technology more accessible, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Connect with Philip Dunham & Make Good: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pcdunham https://makegood.design https://www.linkedin.com/company/makegoodinc/posts/?feedView=all https://www.instagram.com/makegoodnola https://www.facebook.com/MakeGoodNOLA CONNECT WITH US: • Subscribe to Assistive Tech Today: [https://www.youtube.com/@AssistiveTechTodayPodcast] • Follow Vinny Livoti on LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-livoti-46912767] “Welcome to Assistive Tech Today Podcast — where innovation meets inclusion. I’m Vinny Livoti, an assistive technology specialist with over twenty-four years of experience supporting children, teens, and adults with special needs through technology. This is Assistive Tech Today Podcast — empowering lives through technology.” "Please note: Many people in the neurodiverse community prefer identity‑first language and describe themselves as “Autistic,” which is also the language our guest typically uses. At the same time, there are individuals, families and professionals who grew up with or prefer using person‑first language (“person with autism”). We want to acknowledge these differences and honor the full range of perspectives within the community." "The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this program belong solely to the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of any agency, company, or entity they represent."
