Designing Accessibility: Aaron's Form 5 Journey

What if the solution to a complex challenge isn't what experts assume, but what users actually need? Aaron Westbrook discovered this truth firsthand, born without his right hand in a world where representation for people with limb differences was practically non-existent. Aaron's story begins in New Albany, where his family has deep roots going back to the 1940s. As a tech-savvy teenager who served as unofficial tech support for family members, Aaron's life changed when he gained access to his high school's 3D printer. With remarkable initiative, he approached a teacher he'd never met, explaining his research and asking for help. By the end of his sophomore year, Aaron had created his first 3D-printed prosthetic arm—and discovered his life's purpose. Just three months after high school graduation, Aaron founded Form 5, a nonprofit organization creating adaptive products for people with limb differences. Now celebrating its eighth anniversary, Form 5 has pioneered an approach fundamentally different from the prosthetics industry. Rather than developing expensive, high-tech devices that look impressive but offer limited practical value, Aaron listens to what users actually need for specific activities. This philosophy led to Form 5's innovative COFAB (Collaboration and Fabrication) workshops, where individuals with limb differences collaborate with college students and industry mentors to develop custom solutions. The results have been transformative—from helping a marching band member hold a trumpet to enabling a woman to ride a bike for a cancer fundraiser. Form 5's signature innovation, the Bike Arm Adapter, represents a paradigm shift in adaptive technology. Unlike traditional prosthetics that attach to the person, the adapter connects to the bicycle handlebar and features a sizing system similar to shoes. This approach makes the product more affordable, adaptable, and sustainable—outgrown adapters can be returned and repurposed. Aaron's vision extends beyond those missing limbs to include people with neuromuscular diseases, stroke, arthritis, and Parkinson's. Through Form 5, he's become "the person I needed growing up," creating representation and tools that were missing from his own childhood. Connect with Form 5 at their finish line celebration on September 13th at North High Brewing in Westerville as Aaron completes his 190-mile fundraising ride from Indianapolis to Columbus, and help them reach their $100,000 goal to expand their life-changing work nationwide. Support the show