In Lehi, Utah, 13-year-old Zac Waters has taken a unique approach to his summer vacation by dedicating his time to a meaningful project: creating a 3D-printed custom wheelchair for a 21-month-old girl. Inspired by a YouTube channel about 3D printing and the work of the nonprofit organization MakeGood, which produces assistive devices for those with disabilities, Zac decided to contribute his skills to help others.
The project spanned approximately 300 hours, during which Zac designed, printed, tested, and assembled the wheelchair. His excitement stemmed from the assembly aspect of 3D printing, where he enjoyed piecing together the various components. The custom wheelchair is adorned with pink accents, the little girl’s favorite color, and features a removable cup holder, a tray table, and space to accommodate heavier medical equipment. Additionally, it includes adjustable straps for comfort, along with adjustable footrests and headrests for when the child grows.
Zac highlighted that combining his interests in 3D printing and aiding people inspired him to take on this project, stating, “It just makes sense!” He expressed gratitude for his family’s support, comparing them to bowling ball training rails that help him stay on track while brainstorming ideas.
His grandmother, Charlotte Waters, praised Zac’s initiative and character, emphasizing that making a difference in others’ lives should be a cornerstone of his future endeavors. Zac hopes to harness his 3D printing skills further to assist more individuals, aspiring to pursue a tech-oriented career as he grows.
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