What Are Assistive Tools?

Assistive tools are objects and devices that are made to compensate for pain, discomfort, or limited motion that make simple activities harder than they should be. Many of these assistive tools have been designed to help patrons with arthritis, chronic pain, and other physical ailments. HPL can 3D print an assortment of assistive tools for patrons to use in everyday life.

Requesting an Assistive Tool

Hastings Public Library will print any patron one free assistive tool per month in the color of their choice. If you would like us to print an assistive tool for you, please use this form. 

For any other items you would like printed, please use this form. There are also paper forms available at both service desks in the building.

If you have any questions about 3D printing or submitting a print request, feel free to ask us at the service desks or by phone.

What Assistive Tools Does HPL Print?

We have a variety of tools available for patrons to request. Here is a list of what we currently offer.

Looking for something we are not currently offering? Please let us know.

Bag Carrier Handle	A carry handle with hooks to carry shopping bags.
Can Pull Tab Opener	This tool slides over the pull tab on a can, making it easier to lift the tab.
Bottle Cap Opener	A lever tool to help pop open bottle caps or twist bottle tops.
Handheld Utensil Support Tool	A device that slides onto your hand, with a slot to fit a utensil for grip-free use. This allows you to use utensils without needing to grip them.
Key Turner	A wide grip that makes turning keys easier. May not fit all key sizes.
Door Knob-to-Handle Converter	A handle that can mount onto certain door knobs, turning the knob into a lever. May not fit all door knobs.
Book Page Holder	A small tool with a thumb hole that can be used to hold a book open for easier reading.
Book Page Turner	A handheld, flat rod with round edges. It is designed to help with lifting and turning the pages of a book.
Pen Attachment for Utensil Tool	Compatible with the Utensil Support Tool. This attachment is designed to hold a pen and allow for easier writing. The Pen Attachment is the green tab, which slides into the utensil slot on the Utensil Support Tool.
Signature Writing Guide	A small plate with openings that can help line up signature lines on paper.
Straw Holder	A holder that can be attached to the rim of a cup to hold a straw in place.
Twist Cap Opener	A small opener that can be fit onto the twist top of a bottle. Instead of a lever tool, this opener fits in the palm of your hand and makes twisting the cap easier.