Non-profit group creates 3D-printed tools to help people with disabilities

Users co-create the assistive devices to better meet their needs

- Sarah Koh

Mr Saad Chinoy, co-founder of Salvage Garden, and Dr Yeh I-ling, a volunteer who is also an assistant professor teaching occupational therapy at Singapore Institute of Technology.

Living independently became a challenge for 38-year-old Irene Lim after part of her forearms and legs were amputated in 2023 due to sepsis triggered by an unknown bacterial infection.

She could not afford prosthetic arms as she had already spent her life savings of around $300,000 on her treatment, pushing her to seek alternative solutions.

Things changed in early 2025 after her dragon boating coach introduced her to Salvage Garden, a nonprofit group dedicated to creating assistive devices for people with disabilities and their caregivers.

Salvage Garden, run by 40 volunteers who work in sectors such as tech, design and engineering, holds workshops at libraries in Punggol, Tampines, Woodlands and Jurong every Sunday.

"I started going for their sessions every Sunday at Punggol Library, and worked with them to create tools based on my needs," said Ms Lim, adding that she would give feedback on how to improve comfort and practicality.

Just a few weeks later, she found herself being able to eat and put on makeup independently using a free set of 3D-printed tools that allow her to strap on utensils, back scratchers and makeup brushes to her limbs.

Since relocating from Malaysia to Singapore in 2016, she had worked as a beautician, and is now in search of a new job.

Ms Lim numbers among the thousands of participants to have attended co-creation sessions with Salvage Garden since 2023.