Jenna, her mother, and her sister visited the Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) for a tour to learn about new assistive technology options that could benefit Jenna. Jenna was born with a mild form of cerebral palsy that affects muscle movement but that does not stop her from participating in activities she loves. While at IATP, Jenna’s family learned about the Makers program where Jenna asked about a tool that would help her participate safely in one of her leisure activities, using a sewing machine. Due to muscle stiffness and spasms, sewing is considered unsafe for Jenna, as her hand comes too close to the needle.
Jenna came up with the idea of creating a guide that would keep the material in place, and her hand away from the needle, while she safely feeds the material through the machine. Makers designed and developed her idea by 3D-printing a guide with magnets inserted into the bottom. The magnets provide stabilization directly onto the sewing machine base and can be removed as needed. Jenna can now sew without the concern of her hand being too close to the needle.
