What I Used Today: 3D Printer & Thingiverse

While 3D Printing still requires both trial & error and patience, it remains an intriguing emergent way to represent concepts to students with visual impairments. The screenshot below demonstrates the use of a 3D Printer (a MakerBot Replicator Mini+, in this case) to create a model of the DNA double helix concept for biology class for a 9th grade braille user. The file had already been created and was available for free on the Thingiverse website at https://www.thingiverse.com/

Many school districts and public libraries have 3D printers, which is a great way to trial the experience before seeking grants or other funding to purchase one for a department. Read here to find out more about 2018 reviews for different printers, and the links below to find out more about 3D printing specifically for people with visual impairments.

• 3D Printed Educational Models for the Visually Impaired
• 3D Printing for the Visually Impaired

This post was originally published on Our Little Corner of the World.