Computer Controller for Individuals With Cerebral Palsy

youtube video of controller set up and demonstration. I created this controller to make the experience of navigating ones computer or playing games a smoother and more enjoyable experience for individuals with Cerebral Palsy. This controller consists of one add on for diplegia and one add one for quadriplegia. The controller is made to be efficient and easy to build, it is made up of a Makey Makey, foam core, hot glue and other materials all of which are linked below under "Supplies". See Steps for detailed guidance on how to build controller.

• "Makey Makey kit
• Foam core 1/8 inch 1/2
• pool noodle (Not necessary)
• tin foil
• hot glue
• copper tape
• 1 inch steal springs
• rubber bands
• mini jumper cables
• metal clips
• painters tape
• Alligator clips
• ruler
• x acto
• 3D printed parts #1
• 3D printed parts #2

Draw out two 1'x1' squares then use x acto knife and ruler to cut out squares.

Draw out two 4"x12" rectangles that will be used as the two side walls of the box. Cut out rectangles using x acto and ruler. Then draw out a 4"x10 3/4" rectangular then x acto and ruler to cut out.

Cut 4 holes in second square as demonstrated in the photo provided, make sure to save the circular cut outs from the holes.

Wrap the cut outs from the holes you cut in the previous step in tin foil. Use photo above for reference. (Do this for all 4 cut outs).

use pencil and ruler to draw a 6"x6" square, then use X-Acto to cut out square. Cut out 4 1"x1" squares in the square you just cut. Cut these small squares so they will line up with the 4 holes you cut in step 3. Use attached photo as reference.

Glue 6"x6" square under holes cut in step 3 (make sure small squares line up with the center of the the holes). Sketch 4 1"x2" rectangles and cut out then proceed to wrap in 3-4 layers for tin foil, once wrapped glue rectangles down over small 1"x1" squares now glued under the 4 big holes (use photo as reference). Once done sketch two 2"x4" on the same square you just glued use photo provided for reference on where to place squares (Does not matter where squares are located). use cut outs from the 2"x4" rectangles and wrap in tin foil then glue into cut out just cut. use photo for reference.

Place Makey Makey in corner of box you created and cut two holes that the ground wire and power cable will go through. Connect power cable to Makey Makey and thred through hole do the same for ground. Push one side of mini jumper cables into the bottom side of the buttons via the holes you created in the 6"x6" square. Then use the included alligator clips and clip them to the up, down, left, right, space, click on the Makey Makey. Connect the other end of the clips to the end of the mini jumper cables of your choosing. Ex. If you clip the left clip to any one of the mini cables the button becomes your left button.

use the included 3D printed parts #2 link to print clips that will hold rubber bands. In the 3d printed clips into the base of the the box as shown in photo #2 (do this on both sides). Then glue metal clips directly above the 3D printed clips on the top of the box with the buttons, as shown in photo #2. Than use rubber bands to connect the two. This will allow the top to be remove-able.

Use the cut outs that you wrapped in tin foil and connect 4 springs to the underside then glue springs down above 1"x2" tinfoil rectangles you created in step 6. use photo 1 and 2 for reference. This step is not necessary, but it allows for spring loaded buttons. This concludes the diplegia add on.

Sketch and cut out a shape that somewhat resembles the shape shown in photo #1 and 2. Then make 6 strips of tin foil and glue then on as shown in photos. these will be your buttons/tap pads.

Clip 6 Alligator clips, one on the back of each strip of tin foil you just glued down in step 10, once clipped use hot glue to secure in place and prevent tin foil from ripping. To make the six paddles/foot pads cut 6 5"x2" rectangles out of foam core and wrap each in 5-6 layers of foil, once done glue one under each of the strips of tin foil, then use a new piece of tin foil to connect the paddle with the strip of foil (use glue) you made and glued in step 10, make sure paddles are not touching one another (use included photos for reference). Label each paddle indicating what button it is with sharpie (this is up to you). Next place the entire arc you just made onto a new piece of foam core and trace a square around the entire thing, then cut out. Glue the new square onto bottom of arc. (Use photos for reference). use 3D printed parts #1 link to print cylinder, once printed glue on as shown in the photo #1 and run what will be your ground wire through the center. Foam noodle is not necessary.

Trace your heal or whoever will be using the add on's heal onto the middle of the inner edge of the square you just glued under your arc (use photos as reference). Cut out the heal shape making sure you only cut 3/4 of the way through the foam core. After this is done take the alligator clip nearest the cut you just made and lay it on the bottom of the heal cut out, now take copper tape and line the whole heal cut with this tape making sure to cover the clip as well (use photos as reference). The black foam you see in the photo is not necessary but you are welcome to add. To cover the ground wire cut a 2"X3.5" inch rectangle out of foam core and glue over exposed wire (use photos as reference). This concludes this add on. Label each wire using painters tape and sharpie indicating what wire is which (all wires) to make switching easier.

The link attached is a scratch program that will allow you to test the controllers. Plug controller 1 into computer using power cord and open program to test. Watch youtube video attached in "introduction" to see how to switch controller from the diplegia add on to the quadriplegia add on.