3D printers unlock endless possibilities, and for everyday design, Ikea Israel is making homes more comfortable for people with disabilities. This initiative is a collaboration between Ikea Israel and the non-profit organization Milbat, which provides technology for people with disabilities, and Access Israel, a promoter of disability-friendly initiatives in the country. The ThisAbles platform offers a range of free 3D-printed "furniture add-ons" for people with disabilities, echoing Ikea's minimalist style from Northern Europe and the Ultimaker 3D printer from the Netherlands, making many popular products more accessible to people with disabilities.
A more user-friendly living space
The ThisAbles collection currently encompasses 13 different products suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and studies. These include "EASY HANDLE" for improving wardrobe doors, "MEGA SWITCH" for expanding the switch range on light fixtures, and "CANE BY ME" for conveniently storing a cane by the bedside, among others. All product designs can be 3D printed using PLA, and most accessories are simple and easy to use, consisting of only one or two components. Some accessories can be used with everyday items, and each item also displays a list of compatible furniture items.
In addition to the current 13 ThisAbles projects, the site also welcomes feedback and questions from the public to help develop more user-friendly tools. It also lists all furniture from the IKEA catalog, such as kitchen appliances that can be used with one hand and shower storage boxes. ( Downloadable here )
Although ThisAbles is currently a regional project and sometimes requires translators to assemble the parts, these resources are easily accessible online. These gadgets are available for global download and can be used for 3D printing anywhere; to overcome language barriers, Ikea Israel has also released a series of demonstration videos on YouTube.
Ikea, a chain store committed to innovation, had already incorporated 3D printing technology into a range of wall decorations and ergonomic chairs for gamers before implementing this accessibility initiative. Ikea Israel's efforts for people with disabilities open up more possibilities for the home environment, even introducing the Ultimaker 3D printer into its stores to produce directly to meet purchase needs.
The plan also emphasizes: "Ikea's corporate philosophy is to improve people's quality of life, which is especially important for the 1% of the world's population with disabilities. We must make efforts to ensure that these people can also enjoy a comfortable home environment."
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