Danny Leo at McMenamins Hotel Oregon

Danny Leo works in housekeeping at McMenamins Hotel Oregon in McMinnville, with the support of MV Advancements’ (MVA) Supported Employment team.

While on the job, Danny’s Employment Consultant, Chad Hanke, noticed him struggling with something important: the hotel’s service elevator. To operate it, Danny needed to insert a small key into an even smaller keyhole and turn it. With such a tiny key, it was nearly impossible for him to get the grip he needed. Chad knew there had to be a better way.

Chad brought the challenge to MVA’s Assistive Technology (AT) team, led by Mark Johnson and Caleb Cropper-Russel. MVA recently acquired a 3D printer to enhance support for the people we serve, and this was the perfect opportunity to put it to use. The team got a tracing of the key and designed a large red handle that snaps onto it, making it much easier to grip and turn.

When Danny arrived at work the next day, he tried the new key handle—and it worked immediately. The elevator was no longer an obstacle.

“It was nice of them to do that,” Danny said. “I’m getting better with the key now.”

This is just the beginning of how MVA is using assistive technology to support people in new, creative ways, and with the addition of the 3D printer, the possibilities are endless.

The AT team is exploring all areas of MVA’s services to identify where 3D-printed tools can help. They’ve already printed utensil holders and pop can openers for anyone with dexterity challenges like Danny’s. They’ve also created custom clips and attachments for walkers and canes to support people who use mobility aids.

Best of all, these solutions are offered at no cost to the people MVA supports.

For challenges that don’t have a simple solution, our AT team conducts personalized assessments with what they call the ADDIE. process, introduced to them by David VanHook at Living Opportunities.

• A- Assess: systematic exploration of the way things are and the way things should be. The difference is the performance gap.
• D- Design: If the analysis identifies a performance gap, the design phase will outline the performance objectives.
• D- Develop: Using the information gathered in the analysis and design phase, the performance solution is created.
• I- Implement: This stage includes delivery of the performance solution.
• E- Evaluate: Measurement of how well the performance solution achieved the objectives.

Performance solutions that come out of these assessments could be high-tech translators or smart home technology. The process is set up to be person-centered, and each solution is individualized. There are currently three people undergoing an AT assessment with the ADDIE process, with more on the way. 

MV Advancements is committed to investing in assistive technology as a powerful tool for inclusion, independence, and innovation. With tools like 3D printing and personalized solutions tailored to each person’s needs, MVA continues to prioritize creative approaches that break down barriers and empower people to live their best lives.