MakeGood unveils low-cost, 3D-printed toddler mobility trainer to expand access to early childhood mobility devices

Written By Alicia Vial

NEW ORLEANS — MakeGood, Inc., an award-winning disability design nonprofit, has announced the launch of the 3D-Printed Toddler Mobility Trainer, a low-cost, open-source mobility device designed to increase independence, coordination and social development for young children with mobility challenges.

The device, which functions similarly to a pediatric wheelchair, can be produced on a consumer-grade 3D printer for about $150. MakeGood developed the design to address a critical global shortage of affordable early mobility devices—an issue compounded by limited commercial options and frequent insurance denials. The mobility trainer is suitable for children ages 1 to 8 and is intended to be manufactured by families, hospitals, schools and community organizations around the world.

“This important mobility chair combines the culmination of knowledge of disability design and 3D printing into a device that anyone can make at home for a low cost,” said Founder and Executive Director, Noam Platt. “The extremely low cost, for such a high-quality assistive device, is unheard of. Our clinical partners tell us that this will change early childhood mobility outcomes for generations. We estimate there are more than two million kids in need of this device in the U.S. alone. There are hospitals, schools and individuals on six continents excited for this device, and we cannot wait to see the impact.”

The 3D Toddler Mobility Trainer is intentionally colorful and playful, designed to blend seamlessly into children’s everyday environments at home or school. Its low height allows children to engage with peers at eye level, supporting social interaction and reducing stigma. The device serves a wide range of users, including children with Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida and those who experienced underdevelopment during NICU stays. Many young users ultimately progress from the mobility trainer to crawling and walking.

MakeGood collaborated with industrial design firm LINK PBC and partner nonprofit TOM Global to create the design. Companies including Bambu Lab and Cookiecad sponsored 3D printers and materials used during prototyping and testing.

The project has generated broad appeal among families, clinicians and disability advocates. New Orleans rapper Master P recently assembled one of the chairs for a local family and is featured in MakeGood’s assembly video. His participation highlights the device’s community-centered mission and the joy it brings to children and families.

The 3D Toddler Mobility Trainer joins MakeGood’s growing roster of free, open-source assistive devices. Files for all the devices are available on the Bambu Lab MakerWorld website. The nonprofit is seeking donations to continue developing new designs that expand access to functional, affordable disability technology.

For more information or to support MakeGood’s continued efforts please visit the website at MakeGood.Design or follow MakeGood on Instagram @makegoodnola.

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About MakeGood: MakeGood is a New Orleans based nonprofit dedicated to providing innovative design and manufacturing to the disability community. MakeGood is a resource locally and nationally for anyone who needs an assistive technology solution, utilizing the latest design tools and technology to deliver life enhancing devices to people of all ages. MakeGood also provides licensed architectural design services to individuals and partner nonprofits. Since its founding in 2021, MakeGood has delivered over 3000 assistive devices and impacted hundreds of students through its design and educational programs and has been internationally recognized for excellence in assistive design and technology.

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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