Tetra Society of North America

06/23/2026

Happy , everyone!
A client with chronic progressive MS was using a stationary leg exerciser to stay active, but the foot straps were held together with elastic bands and tape, making them difficult to use safely and independently.

To help, Tetra volunteers created custom Velcro foot straps with easy-to-grab loops that can be removed using a grabber tool. When the client also lost the remote needed to operate the exerciser, volunteers found another solution. They removed the control panel, housed it in a custom 3D-printed case, and connected it directly to the machine, eliminating the need for the missing remote.

Thanks to a few creative adaptations, the client can continue exercising independently and safely at home.

If you or someone you know needs a custom assistive device, please visit tetrasociety.org/solutions/assistance to learn more.

06/16/2026

Happy , everyone!
A client in Windsor was unable to use her hands, making it difficult to operate everyday devices around her home. To help address this challenge, Tetra volunteers programmed her lights, door, television, and Google Home system so they could be accessed through an adapted setup tailored to her needs.

Every Tetra project is unique, but the goal is always the same: creating practical solutions that help people overcome barriers in their daily lives. Thank you to the Windsor Chapter volunteers for making this project possible.

If you or someone you know needs a custom assistive device, please visit tetrasociety.org/solutions/assistance to learn more.

06/09/2026

Happy , everyone!

Our client has limited mobility and hand function, relying on a walker to move around her community. As a mother, she also needs to manage a stroller, but whenever she tried to use the stroller in place of her walker, she fell. She reached out to the Tetra Society for a solution that would allow her to safely use both.

Dennis Mitchler, a Tetra volunteer from our Ottawa Chapter, quickly stepped in. He designed foldable extension arms with wheels that attach to the stroller, allowing the client to safely use the stroller while maintaining the support and stability she needs when walking. The arms were made of lightweight aluminum tubing, 3D-printed components, and straps to make folding and setup as effortless as possible. Fellow Tetra volunteer Russ Jones handled the fabrication of the device.

Thanks to the innovation and kindness of Dennis and Russ, our client can now safely and confidently move through her community while caring for her child.

If you or someone you know needs a custom assistive device, please visit tetrasociety.org/solutions/assistance to learn more.

06/03/2026

06/02/2026

Happy , everyone!

Our client is unable to move from the neck down and this caused him to have trouble playing bocce. Bocce is a ball game where players take turns tossing or rolling larger balls to get them as close as possible to a smaller, target ball. Others had suggested our client use a helmet with a telescopic pointer attached but he felt that solution would not provide enough accuracy.

Tetra volunteers from our Halifax chapter quickly stepped in. They used a mouthguard, telescopic pointer, and 3D-printed parts to create a device that helped our client push the ball with greater accuracy and control. The device features a black rod held together by yellow 3D-printed brackets with a mouthguard secured on one end and a telescopic pole on the other.

Thanks to the compassion and attentiveness of our volunteers, our client was able to play bocce the way he envisioned and enjoy the game alongside others.

If you or someone you know needs a custom assistive device, please visit tetrasociety.org/solutions/assistance to learn more.

05/27/2026

Tetra Society of North America is proud to join AccessFest 2026 as a Community Partner!

AccessFest is a festival celebrating accessibility, inclusion, and community connection — and we’re excited to support this incredible event.

If you're in the Toronto area, this is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and be part of a vibrant, accessible community event.

They’re also currently looking for volunteers to help bring the festival to life! 💙

Interested in volunteering? Learn more here: https://accessnow.com/fest/volunteers/

05/26/2026

Happy , everyone!

Our client recently had surgery and has arthritis in her hand which made bathing and showering difficult. She reached out to Tetra Society for a solution.

Tetra volunteers from our St. John’s chapter quickly stepped in. They developed a 3D-printed shower wand holder. It straps on to her wrist and holds the wand securely. She also needed a bath seat. They sourced one, but it did not provide enough support. Volunteers added 3D-printed end stops to secure the tub and made an aluminum frame to reinforce the support underneath.

Thanks to the dedication and care of our volunteers, our client was able to bathe and shower with greater independence.

If you or someone you know needs a custom assistive device, please visit tetrasociety.org/solutions/assistance to learn more.

05/19/2026

Happy , everyone!

Our client reached out to Tetra Society, asking for help building a stroller that could connect her manual wheelchair and remain compatible with Wheel-Trans, the City of Toronto’s paratransit service.

A Tetra volunteer from our Metro Toronto Chapter quickly stepped in. Due to Wheel-Trans requirements, the stroller needed to have a welded aluminium frame, castor wheels, and a parking brake. This created challenges with making the stroller turn smoothly and developing a reliable braking system, but our volunteer was able to persevere.

The final design connected to the front of the wheelchair and included a lightweight aluminum frame with three caster wheels, a simple locking mechanism for braking, and a car seat securely attached to the frame.

Thanks to our volunteer’s kindness and creativity, the parent was able to safely transport their infant while maintaining independent mobility.

If you or someone you know needs a custom assistive device, please visit tetrasociety.org/solutions/assistance to learn more.

05/12/2026

Happy , everyone!

A client living in a care facility was looking for a way to stay active by maneuvering her wheelchair using her feet.

Tetra volunteers from Vancouver, BC developed a simple, low-cost solution. They added a pedal system to the front of her wheelchair along with a steering mechanism adapted from a tricycle. Safety was a priority, with speed carefully limited.

With this setup, she was able to move independently through the hallways and stay active in her daily routine.

If you or someone you know needs a custom assistive device, visit tetrasociety.org/solutions/assistance to learn more.