School kit for children affected by Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

TOOLS AND MATERIALS

• FDM 3D Printer — PLA for structural prototypes,

• Rhino for component modeling

• magnets for the ruler: https://amzn.eu/d/01X3o13M

• scissors: https://amzn.eu/d/0eC7QDmE

Steps to Create the Kit :

Step 1: 3D Print the Kit Print the kit using either the provided pre-sliced file (kit finale_0.4n_0.2mm_PLA_MK3.9S_1h55m) or the standard 3D model (kit.stl).

Step 2: Purchase the Hardware Buy the scissors and the ruler magnets using the links provided in the "Materials and Components" section.

Important: Please purchase the exact components listed in the description. Alternative items may not fit correctly into the kit's designated slots.

Step 3: Assemble the Components Place the scissors into their designated compartment. Next, insert the magnets into their slots on the ruler, securing them in place using any standard plastic or PLA glue.

Step 4: Watch the Video Tutorial Watch the provided video tutorial to clear up any doubts and learn exactly how to use your newly assembled kit.

Theme: Designing for children and teenagers with neuromotor conditions who attend regular schools.

WHY IT EXISTS - problem/opportunity

The collaboration with Fondazione TOG (a specialized pediatric neuromotor rehabilitation center in Milan) has highlighted a significant issue: children and teenagers with neuromotor conditions attending mainstream schools face difficulties with standard school materials, which are not designed for their motor needs.

• fatigue that reduces learning capacity

• loss of autonomy compared to peers

• constant support from the support teacher for basic actions

• exclusion from class activities due to tool-related difficulties

DESIGN QUESTION

How can we design school aids that allow children with neuromotor conditions to perform daily classroom activities with greater autonomy, without stigma, and without giving up on integration?

In Italy, 2.5% of students are certified with a disability, but the share of those with special educational needs (SEN) is much higher. Existing aids on the market are either too expensive, too conspicuous, or designed for therapeutic use.

USERS AND TARGET

• WHO - children and teenagers with neuromotor conditions attending mainstream schools.

• CONDITIONS - Mild/moderate cerebral palsy, dyspraxia, hypotonia, hemiplegia, motor coordination disorders.

• NEED - To perform basic school activities (writing, cutting, drawing lines, opening the backpack/pencil case) independently.

WHAT IT IS

We have created a Kit of integrated school aids, designed as a unified modular system: a single block that disassembles into three independent yet complementary components. Each component addresses a specific motor obstacle in daily school life.

THE 4 AIDS

PALMAR WRITING AID

• Problem: Many children struggle to grasp pens and pencils with a precision grip (thumb-index-middle finger). The grip gets tired, the writing becomes illegible, the child gets discouraged.

• Solution: The palmar aid allows writing using the palm of the hand, without requiring a precision finger grip. The pen or pencil is inserted into an ergonomic support that is held with the entire hand, using the strength of the wrist instead of the fingers.

EASY CUT

• Problem: Standard scissors require finger strength and coordination. Existing ergonomic scissors are often not enough or are too bulky.

• Solution: The 'easy cut' mechanism replaces the pinching motion with a fist-pressing motion: the child presses with a closed fist instead of squeezing the scissors with their fingers, leveraging stronger and less easily fatigued muscle groups.

STEADY RULER

• Problem: The ruler slips on the paper, the line turns out double or shaky. Holding it steady requires one hand, and coordinating with the other to draw the line is often difficult.

• Solution: The ruler is equipped with a magnetic clip anchoring system: it clips onto the paper and stays still without the need for manual pressure. The child can use both hands (or the single available hand) to draw the line, without having to stabilize the ruler.

EFFORTLESS OPEN AND CLOSE

• Problem: Zipper pulls on backpacks, pencil cases, and schoolbags are small and hard to grasp. Opening and closing the bag can become a moment of frustration visible to all classmates.

• Solution: An element included in the kit as a zipper pull extension system: an ergonomic appendage that attaches to the existing slider without modifying it, transforming the precision grip into an accessible power grip.

MODULAR SYSTEM

The 4 aids combine into a single compact block that disassembles into 3 pieces. This allows for:

• Compact transport inside the pencil case or backpack.

• the kit as a personal object, not a 'medical aid'

• Possibility to use only the component needed at the moment

HOW IT WORKS

PALMAR WRITING AID

The user inserts the pen into the slot of the palmar support. They grip the body with the palm of the hand, wrapping all fingers around the support's body (power grip, not precision grip). The wrist guides the movement on the paper.

EASY CUT

The mechanism is operated by pressing down with the fist or palm. The vertical pressure is transmitted to a blade that goes down a guide, cutting the paper. The release is guaranteed by an integrated spring system. The required gesture — pressing from top to bottom — is one of the most accessible for children with reduced finger strength but preserved strength in the forearm and shoulder.

STEADY RULER

On the underside of the ruler are two magnetic clips (neodymium) that attach to the edges of the paper. Once positioned, the ruler is stable even without manual pressure. To remove it, it is lifted from one end: the clips release progressively without tearing the paper. The system works on all types of paper.

HOW IT WAS MADE

The project followed a user-centered design approach, in close collaboration with the FABLAB of TOG (therapists and educators of the foundation)

• OBSERVATION - Identification of the moments of greatest difficulty in the school day.

• DEFINITION - Workshop with the FABLAB to define priorities: which aids would have the greatest impact? Choice of the 4 aids for the kit.

• IDEATION - Sketching and brainstorming sessions. Evaluation of different approaches for each aid.

• PROTOTYPING - 3D printing in PLA for the main bodies. Testing with real users at Fondazione TOG.

• VALIDATION - Functional tests.

KIT USAGE TUTORIAL :

PROJECT BY :

• Maldonado Patrizio

• Ocarino Alessandro

• Stefano Zhou

• Pianezza Jacopo

• Enrico Piccioni

  Design students at N.A.B.A Milan in collaboration with Fondazione Tog Milan.