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• Touching Movement: 3D Tactile Poses for Supporting Blind People in Learning Body Movements

  Kengo Tanaka, Xiyue Wang, Hironobu Takagi, Yoichi Ochiai, Chieko Asakawa · 2026 · Proceedings of the Twentieth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction (TEI '26)

  Tanaka and colleagues investigate whether 3D-printed tactile models of whole-body poses can help blind learners acquire physical movements that are normally taught through visual demonstration. Verbal descriptions are notoriously inconsistent and struggle to convey nuance, while…

  tactile graphics · 3D printing · blindness and low vision · visual impairment · physical activity

• Grassroots Maker Perspectives on Participation in Do-It-Yourself Assistive Technology Development

  Saquib Sarwar, David Wilson, Khairul Mahbub · 2026 · Proceedings of the 2026 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI '26)

  Sarwar, Wilson, and Mahbub interviewed 20 grassroots DIY assistive-technology (DIY-AT) makers in the U.S. between July 2021 and December 2023 to build a maker-centered account of the DIY-AT ecosystem. Participants were recruited from social media (Reddit r/AssistiveTechnology,…

  DIY assistive technology · assistive technology · 3D printing · digital fabrication · makerspace

• The Blind Leading the Blind: Designing a Co-Creation Workshop for Visually Impaired and Sighted Participants by a Visually Impaired Researcher

  Peter A. Hayton, Alexander Wilson, Ben Morris, Jayne Dent, Clara Crivellaro · 2025 · ASSETS 2025: 27th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility

  This short paper presents a first-person reflective account from a severely sight impaired researcher (the first author, registered with the UK NHS as severely sight impaired, with approximately 3 metres of usable vision) on the experience of planning and delivering co-creation…

  co-creation · visually impaired researcher · participatory design · tactile materials · 3D printing

• Small Devices, Large Changes: Investigating the Impact of a University-Government 3D-Printed Assistive Technology Program on Residents with Disabilities

  Krystal Yangmengzi Zhang, Erin Higgins, Agnny Vannessa Morant, Foad Hamidi · 2025 · ASSETS 2025: 27th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility

  This paper investigates a DIY Assistive Technology (DIY-AT) program created through a collaboration between a university makerspace at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the Maryland Department of Disabilities Assistive Technology (MDOD-AT) program. Using an…

  DIY assistive technology · 3D printing · action research · makerspace · university-government collaboration

• Exploring AI-Fabrication in Shaping the Future of DIY-AT Design: Insights from Makers

  Leila Aflatoony, Mixuan Li, Yiyun Zhang, Irene Jacob, Shujian Xu, Ziqi Tang, Andre Grossberg · 2025 · ASSETS 2025: 27th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility

  This paper investigates how generative AI can support Do-It-Yourself assistive technology (DIY-AT) design and fabrication. The researchers developed a web-based GenAI interface that combines text-to-image generation (via MidJourney) and image-to-3D model conversion (via Meshy…

  assistive technology · generative AI · digital fabrication · 3D printing · DIY assistive technology

• Making and Accessibility: A Systematic Literature Review on the Multilayered Dimensions of Accessible Making

  Saquib Sarwar, David Wilson · 2025 · ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing

  This systematic literature review examines the intersection of making/fabrication and accessibility through analysis of 113 papers published at ACM conferences between 2010 and 2023. The authors investigate three research questions: which disability communities are represented,…

  systematic literature review · making · fabrication · DIY assistive technology · makerspaces

• An Ecosystem of Support: A U.S. State Government-Supported DIY-AT Program for Residents with Disabilities

  Erin Higgins, Marie E Sakowicz, Foad Hamidi · 2024 · ASSETS '24: Proceedings of the 26th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility

  This paper documents an Action Research study in which the authors collaborated with the Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD) to launch and study a state-level Do-It-Yourself Assistive Technology (DIY-AT) program. The program connected people with disabilities who needed…

  assistive technology · DIY · digital fabrication · 3D printing · makerspaces

• Designing Accessible Adaptations for an Electronic Toolkit with Blind and Low Vision Users

  Jacqueline Johnstone, Madhuka Nadeeshani, Hanmin Chen, Mohith Vemula, Erica J Tandori, Kate Stephens, Hashini Senaratne, Kirsten Ellis, Swamy Ananthanarayan · 2024 · ASSETS '24: Proceedings of the 26th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility

  This paper presents the co-design and evaluation of accessible adaptations to an existing modular electronic toolkit (Bricktronics) to make electronics learning accessible to blind and low vision (BLV) users. Computational and electronics toolkits are widely used in STEM…

  blind and low vision · electronics education · co-design · digital fabrication · 3D printing

• BentoMuseum: 3D and Layered Interactive Museum Map for Blind Visitors

  Xiyue Wang, Seita Kayukawa, Hironobu Takagi, Chieko Asakawa · 2024 · Communications of the ACM

  BentoMuseum proposes a novel museum map format designed to help blind visitors access the multidimensional information of a complex, multi-floor museum before and during a visit. Unlike conventional tactile maps that depict a single floor layout and struggle to convey volumetric…

  museum accessibility · blindness and low vision · tactile map · audio-tactile interaction · 3D printing

• A Gallery In My Hand: A Multi-Exhibition Investigation of Accessible and Inclusive Gallery Experiences for Blind and Low Vision Visitors

  Matthew Butler, Erica J. Tandori, Vince Dziekan, Kirsten Ellis, Jenna Hall, Leona M. Holloway, Ruth G. Nagassa, Kim Marriott · 2023 · Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS '23)

  This paper presents findings from a longitudinal collaboration between researchers and the Bendigo Art Gallery, a major Australian regional gallery, to develop accessible and inclusive experiences for blind and low-vision (BLV) visitors across two flagship exhibitions: Mary…

  museum accessibility · blind and low vision · tactile graphics · 3D printing · inclusive design

• Towards a Social Justice Aligned Makerspace: Co-designing Custom Assistive Technology within a University Ecosystem

  Higgins, Erin, Oliver, Zaria, Hamidi, Foad · 2023 · Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS)

  This paper explores how university makerspaces can serve as sites for co-designing custom Do-It-Yourself assistive technology (DIY-AT) while simultaneously engaging with social justice issues faced by students with disabilities. Conducted at the University of Maryland, Baltimore…

  DIY assistive technology · 3D printing · digital fabrication · makerspaces · co-design

• Multimodal 3D printed urban maps for blind people. Evaluations and scientific investigations

  Malgorzata Telesinska · 2023 · ASSETS 2023: The 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility

  This poster paper presents a multimodal 3D printed urban map prototype that embeds capacitive touch sensors directly into the map body to provide location-specific audio descriptions when touched. The research, conducted at Wroclaw University of Science and Technology in Poland,…

  tactile maps · 3D printing · blind and low vision · multimodal interaction · audio-tactile

• Creating 3D Printed Assistive Technology Through Design Shortcuts: Leveraging Digital Fabrication Services to Incorporate 3D Printing into the Physical Therapy Classroom

  Erin Higgins, William Berkley Easley, Karen L. Gordes, Amy Hurst, Foad Hamidi · 2022 · Proceedings of the 24th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS)

  This paper investigates how to integrate 3D printing into physical therapy (PT) education without requiring PT students to become experts in CAD or digital fabrication. Previous research showed that while 3D printing has great potential for creating customized assistive…

  3D printing · assistive technology · digital fabrication · physical therapy · education

• BentoMuseum: 3D and Layered Interactive Museum Map for Blind Visitors

  Shi-Jie Wang, Tao Yang, Jia-Le Gao, Zhi-Yuan Tang, Meng-Xi Chen, Cheng-Yue Jia, Yue-Han Wang, Jian Zhao, Wei Zeng · 2022 · Proceedings of the 24th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS '22)

  This paper presents BentoMuseum, a novel 3D-printed interactive museum map system designed to help blind visitors independently explore and navigate museum spaces. The system addresses a significant gap in museum accessibility — while museums increasingly provide accommodations…

  tactile maps · blind users · 3D printing · museum accessibility · audio-tactile interaction

• The Global Care Ecosystems of 3D Printed Assistive Devices

  Saiph Savage, Gabriela Marcu, Karina Caro, Hilda Chavez, Rosa I. Arriaga · 2022 · ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing

  This study examines the global care ecosystems that have emerged around 3D printed assistive devices, focusing on upper limb prosthetics. The researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 31 stakeholders from 10 different care ecosystems spanning seven countries: Brazil,…

  3D printing · assistive technology · prosthetics · maker movement · care ecosystems

• Value beyond function: analyzing the perception of wheelchair innovations in Kenya

  Giulia Barbareschi, Sibylle Daymond, Jake Honeywill, Aneesha Singh, Dominic Noble, Nancy N. Mbugua, Ian Harris, Victoria Austin, Catherine Holloway · 2020 · Proceedings of the 22nd International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2020)

  This study evaluates a novel wheelchair service provision model called InnovATe, developed by Motivation UK, that uses Computer Aided Design (CAD) and 3D printing to manufacture bespoke wheelchairs in Kenya. Over five months at the Bethany Kids rehabilitation centre in Joytown,…

  wheelchairs · assistive technology · 3D printing · emotional design · service delivery

• Smooth Sailing? Autoethnography of Recreational Travel by a Blind Person

  Kate Stephens, Matthew Butler, Leona M Holloway, Cagatay Goncu, Kim Marriott · 2020 · ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS)

  This paper presents the first autoethnographic study of a blind traveller, documenting Kate Stephens' (the first author) experience planning and undertaking a 28-day cruise around Australia with her vision-impaired husband. Kate, a 63-year-old who has been blind all her life, is…

  visual impairments · travel · autoethnography · orientation and mobility · tactile maps

• Haptic and Auditive Mesh Inspection for Blind 3D Modelers

  Sebastian Lieb, Benjamin Rosenmeier, Thorsten Thormählen, Knut Buettner · 2020 · Proceedings of the 22nd International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS)

  This paper addresses a critical gap in accessible 3D modeling for blind users. While constructive geometry programming languages like OpenSCAD allow blind modelers to write text-based code to create 3D objects (accessible via screen readers and braille displays), there has been…

  blindness · 3D modeling · haptic technology · sonification · 3D printing

• Design Guidelines for an Interactive 3D Model as a Supporting Tool for Exploring a Cultural Site by Visually Impaired and Sighted People

  Barbara Leporini, Valentina Rossetti, Francesco Furfari, Susanna Pelagatti, Andrea Quarta · 2020 · ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing

  This paper presents a methodology for creating low-cost interactive 3D printed models combined with audio descriptions to enable both visually impaired and sighted people to explore cultural heritage sites autonomously. The prototype reproduces Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa, Italy…

  3D printing · tactile graphics · cultural heritage · museum accessibility · audio description

• Write-it-Yourself: Empowering Blind People to Independently Fill-out Paper Forms

  Syed Masum Billah, Shirin Feiz, Vikas Ashok, Roy Shilkrot, I. V. Ramakrishnan · 2019 · Proceedings of the 16th International Web for All Conference (W4A)

  This demonstration paper introduces WiYG (Write-it-Yourself Guide), a system that enables blind people to independently fill out printed paper forms such as bank checks, consent forms, and restaurant receipts — a task that has until now been impossible without sighted…

  blindness · assistive technology · computer vision · 3D printing · writing assistance

• 3D Printed Maps and Icons for Inclusion: Testing in the Wild by People who are Blind or have Low Vision

  Leona Holloway, Kim Marriott, Matthew Butler, Samuel Reinders · 2019 · Proceedings of the 21st International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2019)

  This study investigated the use of 3D printed maps at a real-world public event — the 2019 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show — to evaluate their suitability for people who are blind or have low vision (BLV). Conducted in collaboration with Guide Dogs Victoria (GDV),…

  tactile graphics · blind · low vision · 3D printing · orientation and mobility

• A Demonstration of Molder: An Accessible Design Tool for Tactile Maps

  Lei Shi, Yuhang Zhao, Elizabeth Kupferstein, Shiri Azenkot · 2019 · Proceedings of the 21st International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2019)

  This demonstration paper presents Molder, an accessible design tool that enables teachers of the visually impaired (TVIs) and orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists to create 3D printed tactile maps without requiring professional 3D modeling skills. The problem Molder…

  tactile maps · tactile graphics · 3D printing · visual impairment · orientation and mobility

• shapeCAD: An Accessible 3D Modelling Workflow for the Blind and Visually-Impaired Via 2.5D Shape Displays

  Alexa F. Siu, Son Kim, Joshua A. Miele, Sean Follmer · 2019 · Proceedings of the 21st International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2019)

  This paper presents shapeCAD, an accessible 3D modelling workflow that enables people who are blind or visually impaired (BVI) to author, explore, and modify 3D models using a combination of declarative programming (OpenSCAD scripts) and a 2.5D tactile shape display for…

  3D printing · blind · low vision · tactile displays · haptic technology

• StateLens: A Reverse Engineering Solution for Making Existing Dynamic Touchscreens Accessible

  Anhong Guo, Junhan Kong, Michael Rivera, Frank F. Xu, Jeffrey P. Bigham · 2019 · ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology

  This paper presents StateLens, a three-part system that makes existing dynamic touchscreen interfaces accessible to blind users without requiring any modification to the touchscreen hardware or software. Blind people routinely encounter inaccessible touchscreens on coffee…

  touchscreen accessibility · blindness · computer vision · crowdsourcing · reverse engineering

• Visually Augmented Audio-Tactile Graphics for Visually Impaired People

  Timo Götzelmann · 2018 · ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing (TACCESS)

  This paper presents a novel system for creating visually augmented audio-tactile graphics using 3D printing and standard tablet computers, designed for people with visual impairments including those with residual vision. Traditional tactile graphics (raised-line drawings on…

  tactile graphics · 3D printing · audio-tactile · visual augmentation · low vision