Both my toileting stick and my dressing stick were made just the right size for me. Both also fold so that I can carry them wherever I go. It means I can travel by myself for the first time ever!
Unique 3D-Printed Disability Aids
If you’ve searched for an aid to make your life easier, better or
simply more fun but cannot find it, contact us. It’s our job to help you.
First, we’ll try to find an existing solution that meets your needs. If that’s not possible, we’ll work with you to see if a printed solution is possible.
Manex SNS is a volunteer organisation. We only charge to cover essential materials and running costs.
Who we are
Manex SNS is a small, highly focused volunteer organisation with 3D design and printing capabilities.
Inspired by personal experience of disability, for over 40 years Manex founder Richard Barber has been helping people solve unique personal disability needs whenever and however he could.
In the past he has relied on his engineering and technology skills. Now the power of CAD and 3D printing means that customised one-off solutions can be easy, fast and cost-effective.
The Manex SNS mission is to use the power of 3D printing technology to help people to chase their dreams.
What we do
We solve disability aid challenges using 3D printing.
We listen to you, to understand your situation and the disability aid challenge(s) you face.
Using our experience and our networks we’ll look for hidden solutions already out there. If they exist, we’ll help you to make contact. No charge.
No solution out there? We’ll work with you to see whether and how a simple 3D printed design could do the job. If so, that’s when the fun really starts.
And if we don’t have the necessary design or 3D printing capability, we know who does!
Our existing disability products
Unique disability aids often need to be custom designed and built in collaboration with the person who needs them.
However, Manex SNS has a small and growing selection of products already available. If one suits your needs or can easily be adapted, it makes it super easy for you and for us. Here are some examples (note, each can be customised):
Toileting stick
We think this is an amazingly simple yet effective ‘backside’ wiping device. It’s one piece, no moving parts, easily carried in a bag. Amazing but true.
Car seatbelt stick
Imagine how hard it can be to lock and unlock a standard seat belt if you can’t reach or your hands can’t hold the buckle? Again, an amazingly simple device that can be adapted for any vehicle.
Fidgets
Some people struggle to concentrate without something to play with in their hands. There are hundreds of 3D printable ‘tactile’ objects that might suit you – or maybe you need something special?
Portable table stand
Make your keyboard, screen or book just the special height you need. This light, small desktop stand is strong, stable and super easy to adjust in height. No screws, clamps or other challenges.
Dressing Stick
Developed for a person with very short arms it enables them to put on and take off trousers and pants. The design can be adapted for anyone with difficulty reaching or holding their lower garments.
Remote Flush Adaptor
A client’s remote controlled toilet flushing device did not fit their cistern. This adaptor took just a couple of hours to design and print.
WHO WE HELP
We support people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds
We work:
- Directly with any individual regardless of age or background
- With family members
- With carers
- Community groups, schools, and workplaces
- NDIS providers looking for solutions
OUR NETWORK
Having a support network is vital for Manex SNS to be the best it can be
Our network can be anywhere in the world and can include:
- Individuals who volunteer expertise and experience (engineers, technicians, health professionals, designers, 3D and CAD specialists, and more)
- Ethical, caring organisations that we can confidently refer people to
- Existing disability service and support networks that might benefit the people who come to us for help
Volunteer with Manex
You don’t need to be an engineer to make an impact. Volunteers of all backgrounds and skillsets share their time, energy, and heart, to help us test, design, and build solutions.
If you have skills in design, engineering, prototyping, or manufacturing, we’d love to connect.
Sponsor an aid
Our people are volunteers, but we do charge fees to cover unavoidable costs.
Sometimes those costs are more than we or our clients can bear. That’s where sponsors come in.
You can help by providing essential funds for specific projects where you know exactly why and where your money is going.
Join our networks
We’re building a trusted network of disability aid problem-solvers and solution providers.
If you like that idea, contact us.
Nothing to lose, everything to gain.
Access our IP and designs
We openly share our designs, whether 3D printed or otherwise.
Our only caveat is that the designs remain free to use by us or anyone else, including for commercial production.
The more available they are, the better.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Why choose Manex Special Needs Services
We’re here for people, not profit
Manex isn’t about dollars, it’s about purpose. Every aid we design or provide is created to help someone live more freely and feel more included. We just cover unavoidable costs, no profit.
It’s personal to us
Disability isn’t an abstract concept in our world. It’s our family, our friends, and our community. We know the frustrations and the small wins, and we pour that understanding into our work.
Small but mighty
We’re mighty because we are small, experienced and determined. We think outside the box and engage with you personally. We aim to provide simple, effective, tailored solutions that larger organisations are not set up to deliver.
True innovation is simple
We refine every aid until it’s as simple and practical as possible, stripping away unnecessary complexity to create solutions that are intuitive, effective, and never clunky.
Driven by hope
At our core, we believe in giving people the chance to thrive. To ride the bike, to join the game, to achieve big things, to live with agency and pride.
Collaboration
We’re building a network of people and organisations willing to support us with their time and experience. From engineers, to CAD experts, disability organisations and occupational therapists. And if your needs can be better met by someone else rather than by us, we’ll happily refer you.
TESTIMONIALS
Our stories
Names are withheld to preserve privacy.
A young teenage boy
Richard made me a small jointed dragon, just the right size for me to hold and play with in one hand as I work in class or study at home. I fidget with it all the time. It’s fun too – so my friends all want one.
A teenager at high school
This stand is so easy to use and even to carry around! I mostly use it to make my computer screen higher above my keyboard, but its so adjustable that I use it in many different ways.
An older person with flexibility issues
For me, my toileting stick has been a godsend. At home I can use a bidet, but that doesn’t help me in public places. I can travel anywhere, even on planes, confident that I can safely and reliably go to the loo.
Young adult with short limbs
CONTACT US
Every solution begins with a conversation
Tell us about the challenges you’re facing, big or small, and we’ll work with you to explore if and how we can create a practical solution.