Life

Blind And Deaf Mom Receives 3D Print Of Daughter

The world of 3D printing has gotten more expansive in a way that is now benefitting people all over the world. We've 3D printed a heart to save a baby. And now, fortunately, we're also using 3D printing to help those with disabilities. Faith Altheide is a deaf and blind widow whose daughter is headed off to college in the fall. Her social worker, Patricia Ingraham made a request at the local school: That the mother receive a 3D printed model of her daughter, Denise. The teachers, Ron Shaffer and Cory Howard, work at Maconaquah Middle School in Bunker Hill, Indiana, and were thrilled to take on the project.

Faith is trying to get services that will enable her to take classes to help her live as a deaf blind person. Her husband passed away last year, and with her daughter leaving for college, she'll be living alone. Patricia has been working with Faith for 6 years, knows her family history and came up with the 3D model idea to help bring the women closer together even when they spend time apart.

In the video, after Patricia briefs the teachers, they walk us through the process of 3D printing the replica of Denise. And while it's tedious and fairly involved, it could also be done in your own home with the right equipment. Here is the break down of how they made the 3D photo for Faith Altheide:

1. Took photos of Denise

2. Made a mock up

3. Tested to see how it would build in 3D

4. 3D PRINTED!

Watch the full video. Just a warning, you WILL cry when you see Faith's reaction:

Images: YouTube(5)