Print, Fit, Communicate: Creating Personalized Keyguards with Free Tools and a 3D Printer

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)

Format:

lecture

Subject Level:

intermediate

Age Span:

infant / toddler
preschool
kindergarten - grade 6
grades 7-12
adult

Target Audience:

AT specialist
consultant
educator
family member / caregiver
occupational therapist
paraprofessional
physical therapist
special educator
speech language pathologist
teacher of the visually impaired
vision impairment specialist

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

.01 CEU

ACVREP CEs:

1 CE

Presentation Length: 1 hour

Location:

Plaza 4

Description:

This session will demonstrate how 3D-printed, custom-designed keyguards can provide affordable access to AAC systems. Presenters will outline the limitations of commercially available keyguards and introduce free software that enables you to design keyguards without requiring CAD skills. Attendees will see how multidisciplinary collaboration between SLPs, OTs, and families results in tailored solutions for individuals with motor and cognitive challenges. The session will include step-by-step design guidance and case studies illustrating successful use of masked keyguards for vocabulary scaffolding in different AAC applications. Participants will leave with practical resources for producing keyguards via their own 3D printers or low-cost services. This session will empower attendees to create highly customized keyguards to meet evolving client needs—at a fraction of the commercial cost.

Learning Outcomes:

As a result of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Design a 3D-printable keyguard using Volksswitch software, following a step-by-step process demonstrated during the session.

• List two sources for obtaining low-cost or free 3D-printed keyguards and compare their benefits and limitations.

• Implement two key design features of the keyguard customizer to produce masked keyguards used for scaffolding AAC vocabulary development.

Disclosures:

Gemma receives a salary WIHD as the assistive technology department and speech department clinical coordinator. She receives a salary from a Spoonful of Sugar for practicing in New York. I produce AAC-focused items and sell them through a small ETSY store. Gemma is affiliated with ASHA and the Royal College of Speech Language Pathologists and runs a volunteer inclusion program in Riverdale NY. She provides free STL designs on printable signs for keyguards and other AAC-focused items.
Ken Hackbarth is the founder and president of Volksswitch. This session will present the use of the free, Open-Source Volksswitch Keyguard Designer to create highly customized, 3D-printed keyguards at a fraction of the cost of commercial keyguards.