In New Orleans, innovation takes on a personal mission through MakeGood, a nonprofit organization founded by Executive Director, Noam Platt. With over ten years in healthcare design, Platt recognized the lack of custom assistive devices that address the specific needs of people with disabilities using 3d printing technology. Families in the Latino community were among those most underserved when it came to assistive technology — facing high costs, limited insurance, language barriers, and long wait times for devices that can cost between $2,000 and $8,000.
Established in 2021, MakeGood focuses on creating tailored assistive devices based on community input — at no cost to families. “We start each project with the community in mind. It’s about listening to their unique problems,” Platt explains. A standout example is Ashley, a power chair user who struggled with her seatbelt. The team designed a simple device to help her secure it, saving her 30 minutes each day and demonstrating how innovative designs can significantly improve daily life
MakeGood faces challenges, especially in changing perceptions about accessibility. Many people are accustomed to traditional solutions, but Platt and his team aim to show that affordable, custom solutions made with 3d printing can make a substantial difference, often costing as little as $0.30.
Engagement with the community is crucial. Each design is shaped by user feedback to ensure it meets their needs effectively. Their outreach efforts are particularly important to the Latino community in New Orleans, where many families may not realize the resources available to them. To help, MakeGood is updating its website to include Spanish-language resources, making information more accessible.
In December of last year, MakeGood released the world’s first fully 3D-Printed Toddler Mobility Trainer, developed in partnership with TOM Tikkun Olam Makers and LINK PBC. Designed for children ages 1 through 8, this chair helps them develop independence, build strength, and gain confidence early — all at a fraction of the cost of traditional devices.
It’s essential for individuals to understand that one day they may need a custom device to lead a better life. MakeGood is dedicated to transforming the field of assistive technology and invites people to join its mission to create a more accessible and equitable world.
“When a Latino family sees their toddler moving independently for the first time in one of our trainers, that moment belongs to them just as much as anyone else. We built this device to reach every child, and we built this at no cost to families so that no parent ever has to feel like this world wasn’t made for them,” Platt explains.
To learn more about MakeGood and how you can get involved, visit their website at https://makegood.design.
To request a Toddler Mobility Trainer, you can log on to https://3d-mobility.org.
