UniSQ’s “Maker Queen” donates her creations to help students with blind and low vision

3D printing is more than a hobby for “Maker Queen” Steph Piper.

Since immersing herself in the world of 3D printing over a decade ago, Ms Piper – a Community Engagement Coordinator at the University of Southern Queensland’s (UniSQ) Library Makerspace – has used her passion for technology to make a difference in people’s lives.

Her latest creations – six anatomical eye models – have made an immediate impact on the lives of six students who are blind or have low vision from around the Darling Downs.

The 3D printed models, made in multiple colours and each containing 10 parts that assemble like a nesting doll, were used during an Expanded Core Curriculum Day session at Centenary Heights State High School last week.

The day was designed for students who are blind or have low vision to learn specific skills separate from their sighted peers.

Among the sessions was a ‘Get to Know Your Visual Condition’, led by Dr Adam Barron, a therapeutic optometrist at Heron Eyecare.

Dr Barron used the models to explain the different parts of the eye and their functionality.

Over the past 11 years, Ms Piper has completed more than 6,000 3D printed projects, ranging from wallets to mannequins to a katana sword.

She said it was heartwarming and exciting to see the students learning with her latest creations.

“With my work in the Library Makerspace, I know the power of having a real, tactile model and how it can help a learning experience,” Ms Piper said.

“It was a delight to help with this project and know that these models can help make a learning experience more relevant for blind and low vision students trying to understand their conditions.”

The Expanded Core Curriculum Day was organised by Gemma Boundy, an Advisory Visiting Teacher – Blindness and Vision Impairment at the Queensland Department of Education’s Statewide Vision Impairment Services.

Mrs Boundy said the eye models would also provide long-term benefits.

“Steph has generously donated the models for the students to keep, which will enable them to discuss their visual conditions with their families, teachers and people in their lives,” Mrs Boundy said.

“Traditionally, some of these conversations have been difficult to begin, so the hope is that the eye models will be conversation-starters.”

Dr Barron, who reached out to Ms Piper, said he was grateful for her generosity, skill and involvement in the day.

“These model eyes were the keepsake of the day,” he said.

“They will empower the students and prevent the diagnosis from controlling their identity.”

The Library Makerspace is a place for students and staff to complete hands-on projects with 3D printing, electronics, crafting and more.

It is an innovative hub at the heart of UniSQ’s Toowoomba campus, allowing students to feel confident and independent with the latest tech for making.

Learn more about the Library Makerspace.