IKEA furniture may be as tricky to assemble, but normal use of their kitchen cabinets and lamps may also be a challenge to homeowners with disabilities—that’s why the company is now offering open-access updates to their furniture.
IKEA Israel recently published a series of free blueprints for furniture extensions that can be downloaded from the internet—aptly named ThisAbles.
Some of the add-ons include a contraption that makes smaller buttons easier to press; an attachable handle that makes cabinet doors easier to open; and door blockers that can prevent wheelchairs from damaging the exterior.
Once the blueprints are downloaded, people with disabilities can then 3D-print the devices and easily attach them to their furniture.
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The 13 different blueprints, which have been dubbed the “ThisAbles” series, were designed in partnership with the Access Israel and Milbat charities for people with disabilities.
“It was important for us to create maximum access in every aspect of the project – from the designated site that we constructed for the project, that was adapted for people with disabilities, to the products themselves, some of which can even be printed independently in a 3D printer based on models that we have made available to the general public,” says the website.
There are currently demonstration videos available on the IKEA Israel YouTube channel.
ThisAbles is also accepting suggestions for additional furniture add-ons that can be designed in the future.
(WATCH one of the demonstration videos below) – Photo by ThisAbles
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