In the Spotlight: 3DP4ME
3DP4ME: Helping Children to Walk, Move, and Hear
At DELRAY Systems, we believe innovation has the power to transform lives. That’s why we’re proud to shine this month’s Delray Difference spotlight on 3DP4ME, a U.S.-based nonprofit that empowers children to walk, move, and hear with 3D printed prostheses and hearing aids.
Jason Szolomayer, founder of 3DP4ME, is using 3D printing technology to bring hope and healing to children in the Middle East. According to their website (www.3dp4me.org) and an article by 3DPrinting.com (2023), Szolomayer’s journey began through his humanitarian work in Jordan, where he observed a critical need for hearing assistance among children and recognized 3D printing as a solution.
The Hearing Express: The Gift of Custom Hearing Aids
Hearing loss is one of the most overlooked challenges in developing regions. According to the World Health Organization, fewer than 3% of people in developing countries who need a hearing aid actually have one.
3DP4ME is working to close that gap through The Hearing Express, an innovative program delivering custom 3D printed hearing aids to children in need. 3DP4ME uses a mobile 3D scanner to create precise ear moldings for each child. The process takes just two minutes and ensures a perfect fit for the hearing aid.
In addition to the hearing aids, each child receives speech therapy sessions, enabling them to better engage in school and make developmental progress.
Nearly two years after launching their initial pilot in Jordan, 48 out of 52 children are thriving, wearing their hearing aids daily, and participating more actively both in school and at home. Recently, 3DP4ME hosted a Hearing Express Party to celebrate the children and their families. Their social media platform shows a joyful gathering filled with smiles, laughter, and gratitude.
A Story of Impact: Meet Toleen
On the 3DP4ME website, you can read testimonials of children who were positively impacted by 3D printing technology. Toleen is a 12-year-old, sixth grade girl from Jordan who loves to draw. As a child with hearing loss, she struggled to keep up with schoolwork and found it difficult to communicate with classmates.
Thanks to her new 3D printed hearing aids and support from 3DP4ME, Toleen is now completing her schoolwork more independently, and her social interactions have improved. She’s making steady progress and gaining confidence with her improved ability to communicate. Her dream for the future? To one day help other children with hearing loss.
Step by Step: Helping Kids Walk Again
Building on their success with hearing aid delivery, 3DP4ME launched the Step by Step Project, which provides custom 3D printed lower-limb prosthetics along with physical therapy and psychological support. This project plan provides a comprehensive, compassionate care model for mobility.
The project began with a successful pilot in Jordan, where five children received custom-designed prosthetic limbs. Each child also received individualized support and physical therapy. This helped to ensure they not only learned to walk again but also felt empowered every step of the way.
Now, 3DP4ME is preparing to launch a new pilot in southern Syria, aiming to deliver prosthetics to more children in need. Their long-term goal is to scale operations to reach even more young people affected by conflict in the area.
In one of the most challenging humanitarian settings, 3DP4ME is also planning a pilot in Gaza, where the need is especially urgent. It’s estimated that between 3,000 and 5,000 individuals require prosthetic solutions, yet many rehabilitation clinics have been destroyed. It is reported that only nine trained prosthetists remain in the area. This pilot project could be lifechanging for children and families affected by displacement, conflict, and limb loss.
With each new initiative, 3DP4ME continues to prove that 3D printing can do more than make products, it can restore hope to young children.
Want to Learn More?
Visit www.3dp4me.org to learn how you can support their mission, volunteer, or donate to help bring 3D printing technology to more children in need.
At DELRAY Systems, we are honored to spread the word about innovators like 3DP4ME. This organization is using the tools of tomorrow to heal the world today. Their work embodies what The Delray Difference stands for: a commitment to using 3D printing not just for industry, but for impact.
References
3DP4ME. (n.d.). https://www.3dp4me.org
Keane, P. (2023, December 22). 3D printing restoring hearing for children in Middle East. 3DPrinting.com. 3D Printing Restoring Hearing for Children in Middle East - 3D Printing
