CHCS - Perspectives Winter/Spring 2016

28 • NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY T he HPD Library and the Occupational Therapy Department hosted a 3-D printed prosthetic hand assembly event in order to assemble five 3-D printed prostheses for children with digital amputa- tions. The interprofessional members that participated included occupational and physical therapy students and was led by the occupational therapy graduate students of Jerry Coverdale, O.T.D., OTR/L, CHT, assistant professor. The prosthetic hands are on display in the HPD Library in order to expose students to this rapidly developing technology. “It was exciting to see busy students donate their time for such an amazing cause and find creative ways to overcome some of the challenges that were presented to them in the prosthesis assembly process,” said Jacqueline Reese Walter, Ph.D., OTR/L, CHT, assistant professor. The 3-D printed hands may also be donated to children in need of a prosthetic hand via the e-NABLE project. NSU is now an approved provider of 3-D printed prosthetic hands for e-NABLE, a nonprofit organiza- tion that matches children in need of a prosthesis with a provider of the printed prosthetics. The organization is made up of a passionate group of volunteers who include engineers, academicians, students, occupational and physical therapists, 3-D print enthusiasts, and others who want to make a positive difference in the world. Since its inception, e-NABLE volunteers have provided an estimated 1,500 free hands around the globe. A hand can be provided for a child at a cost of approximately $50, compared to the thousands of dollars a traditionally manufactured prosthesis can cost. This is invaluable when a growing child may outgrow his or her prosthesis within six months to a year. If you know someone in need of a 3-D printed prosthetic hand, please visit www.enablethefuture.org , complete the intake form on the e-NABLE website, and hit submit. For additional information, please contact Jerry Coverdale at jcoverdale@nova.edu . ■ Event Spotlights Assembly of 3-D Prosthetic Hands Occupational Therapy FORT LAUDERDALE