The Power of 3D Printing for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Edis Adilovic, a 33-year-old IT consultant and assistive technology teacher, has never let his blindness define him. Born in Bosnia, Edis lost his sight at the age of two due to sarcoidosis, a rare autoimmune disease. His family moved to Denmark in 1993, initially believing his blindness was caused by cancer, where Edis finally received the correct diagnosis.

Growing up, Edis proved he didn't need his sight to live a full life. Edis went on to pursue higher education, even spending a year studying in New York City. His love for the outdoors, especially swimming and skiing, has been a constant in his life. Since the age of 10, Edis has been skiing and now participates in Ski for Light events, which enhance the quality of life for visually or mobility-impaired adults through cross-country skiing.

Edis credits his ability to navigate the world with embracing technology. Working for the Danish Blind Society, the largest nonprofit for blind and visually impaired people in Denmark, he empowers others through his role as an IT consultant and assistive technology teacher.

"There are definitely things that are difficult when you're blind or visually impaired, but when I think about all the different steps I take to accomplish tasks, I'm actually very empowered," says Edis. "It's my super skill, and I try to live my life knowing I can make it happen no matter what it takes."

A new chapter began for Edis in September 2023 when he attended a workshop on creating three-dimensional (3D) models for printing. Although this workshop was aimed at helping those who are blind or visually impaired, he was the only blind participant, and he quickly became fascinated by the potential of 3D models to transform the lives of the blind and visually impaired community. This curiosity led him to research and connect with 3D printing experts, eventually receiving a grant to acquire a 3D printer.

Edis then spent several months teaching himself to design and print 3D models using AI and computer-aided design (CAD) software. His previous programming experience helped, but his determination and self-learning through books and online communities were key.

"I use screen readers, audio cues, and custom workflows to interact with 3D design software," says Edis. "Through trial and error, I've developed unique methods to bring my creations to life."

In late 2024, Edis launched Accessible3D, a platform aimed at inspiring others to create 3D designs, providing free STL files ready to print but also creating custom 3D models. His goal is to help the blind and visually impaired experience the world in a tactile way that was previously unimaginable.

"Recently, I prototyped a tactile emergency map for my workplace," says Edis. "But I'd love to create 3D models of mountain trails for skiing so you can have a mental map. Or design tactile board games that those who are blind or visually impaired can actually play. There are so many applications for this, and they are all so accessible, so I want to help others and share my knowledge."

Edis' work with Accessible3D is a testament to the power of technology and innovation in overcoming any limitations.

"The beautiful thing about 3D printing is that it lets us create solutions for specific needs," he says. "We're not stuck with mass-produced items that sort of work – we can design and print things that work exactly as needed."