Student working on 3D printing project inside the Occupational Therapy Maker’s Lab

Occupational Therapy Maker’s Lab

Explore a collaborative space where you create assistive technology using tools like 3D printers and robotics to improve daily life for individuals with disabilities.

  1. Academics
  2. Labs & Learning Spaces
  3. Occupational Therapy Maker’s Lab

In the Occupational Therapy (OT) Maker’s Lab, you explore how design, technology, and problem-solving come together to support accessibility and everyday living. Through hands-on learning experiences, you create and adapt assistive solutions while developing practical skills that connect classroom concepts to real-world occupational therapy practice.

The space encourages creativity, collaboration, and experimentation as you move through the full design process—from identifying challenges to testing and refining solutions. Along the way, you gain experience thinking critically about how environments, tools, and daily activities can be adapted to better support independence and participation.

Whether working independently or alongside faculty, peers, and clients, you develop a deeper understanding of user-centered design and the role innovation plays in improving quality of life.

Inside the Occupational Therapy Maker's Lab

Students brainstorming in the Occupational Therapy Maker’s Lab

Designing Solutions for Everyday Life

The OT Maker’s Lab is a collaborative learning space where you explore how design, technology, and creativity can support accessibility, independence, and everyday living through:

  • Hands-on learning through designing, adapting, and testing assistive solutions
  • Creative problem-solving focused on real-world needs and daily activities
  • User-centered experiences that connect classroom concepts to clinical application
  • Collaborative project work that encourages experimentation and innovation

Tools & Technology in the Lab

Design & Modeling Software

Digital platforms used to create, adjust, and refine 3D models before anything is built. These tools support planning and precision in the design process.

Testing & Client-Focused Work Areas

Spaces designed for evaluating how devices function in real use. This is where feedback is gathered and designs are improved to better fit client needs.

Electronics & Simple Robotics Components

Includes sensors, switches, motors, and wiring used to add function and adaptability to assistive devices, especially for mobility and interaction support.

OT Maker’s Lab Highlights

3D printed nail polish applicator for OT patients

Supporting the Community Through 3D Printing

Community members, caregivers, and families can connect with the lab to explore adaptive solutions designed around individual needs and everyday activities, including:

  • Customized assistive tools
  • Adaptive grips and supports
  • Accessibility-focused device modifications
  • Practical solutions that promote greater independence

Through collaboration with faculty and students, ideas can be transformed into personalized, real-world supports that help improve accessibility and participation in daily life.

Continue Exploring

The Widener University Occupational Therapy Maker’s Lab offers opportunities to apply design, healthcare, and engineering skills in real projects. You can extend your experience through interdisciplinary collaboration and accessibility-focused initiatives that support real-world problem solving.

View the OTD Program View More College of Health & Human Services Facilities

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