This assistive technology adaptive controller is a completely customizable gaming setup for people with cerebral palsy. After researching current assistive gaming technology on the market as well as learning about life with CP I decided to embark on the journey of creating a cheap, foolproof, and effective device. Using common items in combination with 3D-printed elements, I created a kit for people to recreate at home. Using a pool noodle for a base, the placement and positioning of each button is 100% up to the user themselves.

Supplies

CAD FILES:

Step 1: 3D Print All Components Listed Above

3D print all needed components. You should have 3 side buttons, 1 back button, 4 spirals, and one end stopper.

Step 2: Apply Copper Tape to All Button Faces

Apply a layer of copper tape to each button's face. Only apply the tape to one side of the button (it can be either side). This may take 2 pieces to cover, so be sure to make them touch/ line up.

Step 3: Cover Spirals in Copper Tape

Cut out a piece of copper tape slightly larger than the 3D-printed spirals. Sticky side up, place one spiral on top and cut it out using a Xacto knife (as pictured on the left). Now you should be left with a spiral whose face is covered in copper tape, but not the sides. Repeat this step for the remaining three spirals (as pictured on the right).

Step 4: Cut Out Square of Copper Tape From Button Face

In order for each button to only activate when pressed, there must be a non-conductive section of the button where the alligator clip is attached. In order to do this, simply cut out a small square of copper tape that lines up with the indent in the top of each button. Be sure to leave the copper tape on each spiral.

Step 5: Hot Glue Spirals to Button Faces

Using a hot glue gun, attach each spiral to its respective button. Glue to side of button coated in copper tape.

Step 6: Attach Bubble Wrap Barrier to Back Button

In order for the button located in the back of the pool noodle to be conductive when pressed, it needs a flap of conductive material. First, fold over a piece of aluminum foil the size of your button. Next, hot glue a small piece of foam core to the top of it to act as a spacer. Then, cut out a piece of bubble wrap with an extension on either side of the alligator clip hole. Then, hot glue this bubble wrap piece onto the side of the aluminum foil that does not have the foam core bar. Finally, hot glue these two flaps down to the back side of the button.

Step 7: Slide Buttons & Stopper Onto Pool Noodle

Slide two-three side buttons onto either side of the pool noodle, slide the back button to the back, and finally clamp it into place with the end stopper.

Step 8: Secure Makey Makey

Using zip ties, place Makey Makey on a free section of the pool noodle and attach using zip ties.

Step 9: Wire

Using alligator clips, and the designated holes built into each button, wire your controller. Attach one end of the clip to the hole at the base of the button, and the other end to "earth" in your Makey Makey. Using a second wire, attach one end to the top of the button and the other end to an arrow, or space bar in your Makey Makey. Repeat this process for each button.