Youth Activity Archive

Activity Description: Design and build an assistive device that helps someone with difficulty gripping hold a paintbrush or crayon.

Items Needed:

• Small paintbrush or crayon
• Cardboard, foam, or plastic pieces
• Rubber bands or Velcro straps
• Tape or glue
• Scissors
• (Optional) String, pipe cleaners, or other craft materials
• (Optional) Unneeded supplies to increase the challenge

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 20–30 min):

Note: Provide only the challenge and supplies to the youth so they can create their own designs, using the steps below merely as a guide to offer hints if they get stuck.

1. Understand the goal and brainstorm. (5 min)
   • Explain that the challenge is to design a device that helps someone who has difficulty gripping hold a paintbrush or crayon.
   • Think of different ways to attach the device to a hand or wrist.
2. Build the device. (10–15 min)
   • Use the provided materials to create a design that securely holds the tool.
3. Test it. (5–10 min)
   • Try using their device to see if it works as intended.
   • Prompt them to make changes to fix any problems and improve their design.

Step-by-Step Tutorials:

• Alternate Instructions: Wrist Helper by Teach Engineering.org
• Alternate Instructions: Writing Aids by Equip 2 Adapt

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