DIY-AT: Add a Handle

In this assignment you take object(s) without handles, and add a handle! You will complete two builds: one where you add a permanent handle to something (possibly using tape, glue, or hardware), and one where you add a removable handle. You are welcome to focus both builds on the same object, or two different objects. 

You will carefully document your build process, include a final photo of yourself holding each solution, and fill out a reflection document that you will upload to brightspace. 

Tutorials / Resources

This week, we draw inspiration from Therese Willkomm’s work in AT solutions in Minutes. She has published her work in two fantastic books, online materials, and videos that demonstrate the potential to easily make custom assistive technology from common objects. 

Deliverables

  • 2 Builds: one object with a permanent handle, and one object with a removable handle
  • Take at least one photo of you holding each solution you made
  • Assignment template 

Photos of Student Builds (Posted with Permission)

White cloth bin being pulled by a red string of yarn by one finger.

BedSlide Buddy: device with permanent handle that helps you slide the cloth bin from under the bed with ease.

 a 4 inches long, 1 inch wide plastic cylinder wrapped in a gray paper, attached to the tip of a tape measure

Tape Measure Grip: supports users to use a tape measure with better grip as they provide more space and weight than a regular tip of a tape measure.

 Two linen rings wraps around the toothbrush, fixed to a strap also made out of linen.

Toothbrush Handle: The device adds a strap to a toothbrush, so that people without grip strength or finger dexterity could hold and use the toothbrush.
An elastic band across the hand and magnetic paper clip attached to an uno playing card.

Magnetic Card Holder: an easy removable solution where paper clips can be attached to any playing card and does not require holding cards with fingers at all. 

 A wooden drawer with a neatly arranged knitted basket resting on its surface, and a hand pulling yarn handle. Yarndle: knit handle to replace plastic drawer handle. The knit handle can be any width and color.  A hand holding a glass mason jar with a permanent strap made by braiding wires in the colors green, red and yellow and a wrapping red wires around the jar to connect it to the holder

Gift a Mason: device allows people to use carry a mason jar around with a permanent strap perfect for people who struggle gripping the jar or just as an aesthetic to gift.
Cheerios celeral box with cord wrapped around it being held by one hand.

Cereal Handle: It is a removeable handle made by string and connection pieces that stick at the bottom of a cereal box. It is reusable, and make the box very easy to carry around with one hand.  

 A black hydro flask water bottle is encased in a white satin ribbon and silver wire cage. It is unfinished but has braided components and looks a little bit like a dream catcher.

Dream Catching Water Bottle: A water bottle handle made from ribbons. 

 Luv Michael granola bag with two adhesive hooks attached to open it when pulled. Hook Bag: I glued two hooks to both sides of the bag so that the bag, which would otherwise be inconvenient to open, can be opened easily with the help of the hook handles.
 
Cardboard box hanging in air via a handheld string and cardboard holder.

Comfy Pick: a removable handle that can be put around any box or cartoon which makes carrying boxes easier.