Using 3D Printers to Create Teaching Materials and Support Tools for Children With Physical Disabilities

• Published in: The Japanese Journal of Special Education Vol. 56; no. 2; pp. 105 - 112
• Main Author: NISHIMURA, Kenichi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: The Japanese Association of Special Education 31.07.2018
• Subjects: 3D printer; child with physical disabilities; school for students with physical disabilities; teaching materials and support tools
• ISSN: 0387-3374; 2186-5132
• DOI: 10.6033/tokkyou.56.105

Extensive research has been published on 3D printing. Within the general fıeld of support education, the widest usage of 3D printers has been in the education of students with visual impairment. The present article reports the development of teaching materials and support tools that were designed according to the actual conditions of children and obstacles in their environment at a special support school for students with disabilities. The materials and tools were then created using a 3D printer, and their effectiveness was examined. Based on ideas from the teaching materials and support tools already in use in the school, 3 items were created: a ruler, beads, and a pulling aid. These were then utilized when the pupils were being taught subjects and also in their independent activities. Using the tools, the children began to participate eagerly in learning activities. The time to learn was shortened, and the activities were stabilized. Experience with the new materials revealed that mastery through practice was necessary in order to use these teaching materials and support tools effectively. The development of original teaching materials and support tools by using 3D printers may lead to much more successful learning experiences for children with physical disabilities.