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I am currently building and delivering 3D-printed Toddler Mobility Trainers (TMTs). These devices are designed to improve accessibility and independence for young children with mobility challenges.
These trainers are part of an open-source project supported by the MakeGood organization and a global network of makers. The goal is simple. Create affordable, accessible mobility solutions for children who would otherwise have limited or no options.
Traditional pediatric mobility devices can cost thousands of dollars and are often not covered by insurance. These 3D-printed trainers give kids the ability to:
- Move independently
- Explore their environment
- Interact with others at eye level
- Build confidence through mobility
This is about accessibility, independence, and giving kids the ability to just be kids.
Project Goal
My immediate goal is to:
Build and deliver 5 mobility trainers
Once that goal is reached, I will continue building as long as funding allows to expand accessibility for more families.
What It Takes to Build One Chair
Each chair is not a simple print. It is a multi-day build that requires a large amount of material, hardware, and time.
Materials Required (per chair):
- ~10 spools of PETG
- ~3 spools of TPU (flexible material)
- Hardware components such as bolts, bearings, casters, and fasteners
- Assembly materials and finishing work
Real-World Challenges
This process is not perfect:
- Large prints can fail mid-print, wasting time and material
- Failed parts cannot easily be recycled, increasing cost
- Reprints add additional filament usage and machine time
- Hardware costs are higher than originally documented
- Delivery can involve 40 to 50 mile trips to families
Because of this, the true cost per chair is approximately $250 to $300 or more
Where Donations Go
All funds go directly toward:
- Filament including PETG and TPU
- Hardware and assembly components
- Reprints caused by failed prints
- Delivery of completed chairs to families
I am not charging for my time. This is strictly to cover the cost of making these builds possible.
Community Effort
I am one of many makers working on this project.
If you come across others building these mobility trainers, please consider supporting them as well. This is a community-driven effort to improve accessibility, and every bit of support helps more children gain mobility.
About Me
Hi, I’m Paul Rice from Made by Rice 3D Studio.
I’m a dad of four, including my son Nicholas, who has Down syndrome and autism. Over the years, we have spent a lot of time at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), where I met many families facing a wide range of challenges.
Seeing firsthand how important mobility and accessibility are for children and their development is what pushed me to get involved.
I have already started building these and have personally covered the initial material costs to get things moving.
How You Can Help
- Donate if you are able
- Share this campaign with others
- Help spread awareness about accessibility solutions like this
Every bit of support helps expand access and independence for children who need it.
Organizer
