25 Must-Have Materials for DIY Assistive Technology Projects

Low-tech assistive technology does not require specialized equipment or expensive materials. It often begins with what is already in your drawer, on a garage shelf, or in the hardware aisle. Whether you are supporting a client, a family member, or adapting your own environment, the right material can solve a functional problem in minutes.

This guide outlines 25 essential DIY assistive technology materials that can be used to build, modify, secure, pad, label, or stabilize adaptive equipment. These are the supplies I consistently reach for when adapting tools for limited hand strength, tremor, low vision, one-handed use, cognitive challenges, or mobility impairments.

Think of this as your foundational low-tech assistive technology materials list. 

This content does not offer medical or occupational therapist advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is for educational purposes only. We hold no liability for damages resulting from website use or information. Users are advised to consult qualified healthcare professionals for their health or functional concerns. Read full disclosure here.

Safety First with DIY Assistive Technology Projects

If you’re new to DIY projects, consider seeking guidance from someone with experience using tools. Always check material safety data (if applicable) before diving in, and wear appropriate protective gear when necessary.

Fasteners & Securement Tools

These materials help you attach, stabilize, or create pull points.

2. Gear Ties

Gear Ties are reusable, bendable alternatives to zip ties.

Best uses:

• Temporary handle creation
  
• Secure items to mobility devices
  
• Cord management
  
• Create adjustable loops to hang items within reach
  

Because they can be reshaped, they’re excellent for trialing adaptations before committing to something permanent.

3. Duct Tape

As the ultimate repair and build material, duct tape does more than just seal and repair HVAC. 

Best uses:

• Build quick universal cuffs. See our tutorial to learn more.
• Create temporary handles
• Secure padding
• Make lanyards

Duct tape isn’t elegant, but it works. In early prototyping phases, it can buy time before a more refined solution is determined.

8. Foam Pipe Insulation

Foam pipe insulation from the hardware store doubles as a material for DIY accessibility adaptations.

Best uses:

• Build up a hairbrush handle or a dressing stick for improved grasp
• Protect skin from sharp wheelchair components
• Pad a bed rail to increase comfort and support grasp

Interested in other foam recommendations? Check out our Best Foams for Assistive Technology.

9. Pool Noodles

Large diameter structural padding helps when you need bulk and cushioning.

Best uses:

• Wheelchair or shower chair armrest padding
• Card holders
• Large grip adaptations

Adhere or cover the foam with duct tape for strong, semi-permanent adaptations. 

10. Self-Fusing Silicone Tape

Adds grip without adhesive residue.

Best uses:

• Wrap tool handles
• Improve traction on wheelchair push rims
• Create non-slip surfaces around lids and containers

Unlike duct tape, self-fusing silicone tape bonds to itself, not the underlying surface.

11. Self-Adhering Bandage Wrap

Soft, textured grip enhancement.

Best uses:

• Build up narrow surfaces like pencils or pens
• Wrap up a charger cord for an electronic device to promote easier handling

More to love about self-adhering bandage wrap: it’s lightweight, easy to remove, available in multiple colors, and can be layered as little or as much as needed.

12. Shelf Liner

Shelf liner works as an inexpensive cut-to-fit stabilization material.

Best uses:

• Placed under plates and bowls to prevent slipping
• Stabilize laptops or communication devices
• Cut-to-size custom jar openers

Shelf liner can serve as an inexpensive alternative to specialty non-slip materials like Dycem Non-Slip products.

13. Rubber Bands

Rubber bands offer immediate friction and tactile input.

Best uses:

• Increase grip on containers
• Add tactile cues for visual or sensory impairments
• Secure two items together, such as attaching a hand strap to a hairbrush.
• Container modifications: wrap around objects like lids and containers for tactile input and improved grip

They’re simple, inexpensive, and surprisingly effective.

Structural & Mounting Materials

Lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to cut and join.

14. PVC Pipe

Nothing beats PVC pipe as a durable, customizable framework material.

Best uses:

• Device mounts
• Wheelchair wheel lock extenders
• Key turners
• Tablet stands

Structural and mounting materials allow you to build frames, backings, and supports.

15. Corrugated Plastic

Lightweight, rigid backing material.

Best uses:

• Switch mounting plates
• Visual schedule boards
• Custom lap trays
• Device backings

Corrugated plastic is more durable and moisture-resistant than cardboard, while remaining easy to cut.

16. Thermoplastic Splinting Materials

Professional-grade moldable plastic.

Thermoplastic splinting materials are most often used by therapists and clinicians. Suppliers like Performance Health carry a wide variety of options.

Best uses:

• Custom molded cuffs around the hand to hold tools
• Adaptive levers for people with weak hands
• Built-up knobs
• Small device stands

Requires high heat and is best suited for trained users.

17. Instamorph (Moldable Plastic)

Thermoplastic beads that soften in hot water and can be reshaped multiple times.

Best uses:

• Custom handles
• Adaptive grips
• Small structural components

Instamorph and other heat molded plastics are best used by people with safety and technical know-how. Learn more from our post Moldable Materials for DIY Assistive Technology Projects. 

18. Sugru (Moldable Glue)

Flexible, permanent tactile enhancer.

Best uses:

• Add tactile bumps for low vision or neuropathy
• Repair cracked handles
• Build small textured grips and levers

Sugru cures into a flexible silicone finish and is available in different colors. 

Tactile & Sensory Enhancements

Improving orientation and feedback often improves independence.

19. Cabinet Bumper Dots

Raised tactile dots and markers designed for cabinets and drawers.

Best uses:

• Identify buttons 
• Locate appliance settings
• Mark key positions
• Build up small buttons so they’re easier to push

Cabinet bumper dots can be helpful for low vision, cognitive sequencing challenges, reduced sensation, and fine motor dysfunction. Interested in making your own tactile supports? See our post about DIY push button adaptations. 

20. Adhesive Foam or Felt

Padding, protection, and marking materials.

Best uses:

• Softening sharp edges
• Creating soft grips
• Color coding items
• Creating visual contrast
• Reducing noise from contact surfaces

Lightweight and easy to customize.

High-Strength Pull Materials

Useful for mobility and environmental modifications.

21. Paracord

High-strength pull string.

Best uses:

• Zipper extensions
• Securing keys to mobility devices
• Creating custom cuffs

Strong and compact.

22. Nylon Rope

Thicker, easier-to-grasp pulling aid.

Best uses:

• Door closers
• Bed ladders
• Large pull loops

Diameter matters. A thicker rope often improves functional grip.

Adhesives & Assembly

Know when you need removable versus permanent bonding.

23. Hot Glue Gun Sticks

Fast, gap-filling adhesive.

Best uses:

• Prototyping
• Create tactile elements similar to bumper dots
• Temporary builds

Quick and forgiving, but not always with long-term durability.

24. Super Glue

High-strength bonding for small components.

Best uses:

• Secure small parts
• Attach tactile elements
• Precision repairs

Gel formulas allow better control and reduce run-off.

Labeling & Visual Orientation

Sometimes the adaptation isn’t structural. It’s informational.

25. Permanent Markers

High-contrast labeling tools.

Best uses:

• Directional markings
• Equipment instructions
• Cushion orientation labeling
• Color coding

Silver or gold markers are especially helpful on dark surfaces like black wheelchair or standing frame parts.

What You Can Create with These DIY Assistive Technology Materials

This is where it all comes together! With the materials above, you can build practical, person-centered adaptations such as:

DIY Universal Cuffs

Using foam tubing, hook and loop, thermoplastic, paracord, or duct tape, you can create custom universal cuffs for:

• Eating utensils
• Toothbrushes
• Markers and paintbrushes
• Razors

These are ideal for people with severely limited grasp, upper limb paralysis, or amputations of the fingers or hands.

Pen and Pencil Grips

Combine foam tubing, silicone tape, rubber bands, or moldable plastic to:

• Increase diameter
• Add friction to prevent fingers from slipping
• Reduce required grip force
• Improve control for tremors

DIY writing aids support writing performance and, even more importantly, self-expression.

Eating Utensil Adaptations

Use a variety of materials to:

• Build up handles with cylindrical foam or layers of self-adhering bandage wrap
• Create angled spoons with thermoplastic handles
• Add tactile positioning cues with zip ties or cabinet bumper dots
• Improve stabilization with self-fusing silicone tape

DIY eating utensil adaptations are helpful for self-feeding when fine motor control is limited and a custom solution is desired. 

Zipper Pulls and Clothing Aids

Zip ties, key rings, paracord, and binder clips can be transformed into:

• Large zipper extensions
• Dressing aids
• Button loops
• Pull tabs for small fasteners

Small changes here often have a big impact on daily independence.

Switch, Cord, and Device Help

PVC pipe, corrugated plastic, hook and loop, and hot glue allow you to:

• Mount communication switches
• Create custom trays
• Stabilize tablets
• Position assistive devices for access
• Hold cords

Tactile Marking Systems

Cabinet bumper dots, Sugru, adhesive foam, and permanent markers can be used to:

• Mark microwave buttons
• Label remote controls
• Identify wheelchair components
• Create high-contrast cues

These are especially helpful for low vision or cognitive sequencing challenges.

Wheelchair and Mobility Adaptations

Pool noodles, foam insulation, silicone tape, and PVC can be used to:

• Pad pressure points
• Improve push rim traction
• Extend wheel locks
• Add grip to control surfaces

Low-tech assistive technology is not about improvising randomly. It’s about thoughtful problem solving with accessible materials.

Conclusion

When you understand what each material offers, you can combine them in ways that directly support independence, safety, and participation at home, in school, and in the community.

Start simple. Trial quickly. Adjust as needed.

The most effective adaptation is the one that works in real life.