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Design contest challenges students to create assistive tools

A new design contest, called Within Reach, is challenging students to create new assistive tools for the chance to win a 3D printer, touchscreen controller, and other prizes.

Sponsored by  MatterHackers and Enablingthefuture.org [1], the design challenge began July 11th and ends September 6th. Entries are split into two categories: youth (under 18) and adults (18 and over).

Each category will have 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners with prizes sponsored by Ultimaker and MatterHackers. Pinshape will be hosting the challenge submissions, with judging by professional designers, members of the eNABLE community, and Brandy Leigh Scott, who has limited use of her hands.

To enter, contestants must register for Pinshape and upload design files to the Within Reach Design Challenge [2](Youth or Adult). They can also participate in the online conversation and build momentum for the design all summer long by posting photos and video with hashtag #WithinReach3DP and by tagging @Pinshape @MatterHackers @EnableTheFuture or @Ultimaker on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

According to MatterHacks, the contest was inspired by Scott and her relationship with the company:

Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide are living without the full use of their hands, including stroke victims, military veterans, arthritis sufferers, children affected by severe epilepsy, and others with debilitating conditions. Last year, MatterHackers designed a few simple tools to help Brandy Leigh Scott, whose hands have been closing into fists since being diagnosed with a rare condition called Dupuytrens Contracture when she was seven years old. When Jen Owen of enablingthefuture.org saw the Brandy Story video MatterHackers had created showing how impactful these tools have been to Brandy’s life, she was inspired to create the Within Reach Challenge with MatterHackers, Ultimaker, and Pinshape.

Prizes

Grand Prize: Adult (18 and over)

Ultimaker 2 Extended + 3D Printer [3]

MatterControl T10 3D Printer Controller [4]

Three Spools of MatterHackers PRO Series PLA [5]

Second Prize (one per category):

Crafty 3D Printing Pen [6]

$100 MatterHackers [7] Gift Card

Third Prize (one per category):

$50 MatterHackers Gift Card

For more information on the Within Reach Design Challenge, please visit www.matterhackers.com/withinreach [8].