3 years ago, Travis became one of the first Hero Arm users in the United States. We wanted to catch up with Travis to find out what life has been like wearing the Hero Arm, and what features he would like to see in the future!
Q: Hi Travis, thanks for being here! Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what it was like growing up with a limb difference?
A: I kind of grew up learning that if I couldn’t get into the cookie jar and I couldn’t figure out my way into the cookie jar, I just didn’t get any cookies, which helped me. I’m glad my parents were kind of hard on me like that. I was very independent, I didn’t really need prosthetics.
Q: Why did you decide you wanted a Hero Arm?
A: I grew up with prosthetics, but I tried really hard to like not use them growing up. I started working a job when I was 21, that was in a factory. Working in that job, I started getting really bad carpal tunnel, and I was getting to the point where I was putting too much stress on my hand. So I was at the point where I realized I needed a prosthetic. I need something to take the weight off my hand.
So I started looking, and I came across the Hero Arm, but at the time it was only available in England. I was prepared to go and get this hand in England, which is extreme, I know, but I was prepared to do it. The week that I was looking to go, there was an announcement that Open Bionics was coming to America! And I was like, that’s even better.
Q: How would you say your Hero Arm has helped you?
A: The Hero Arm has helped me a lot with small stuff, like packing things and helping with my kid, because I just recently had a baby. So it’s been very helpful. I wouldn’t say that I use it every day, but I do use it quite a bit.
Q: What do your kids think of your Hero Arm?
A: My oldest is cool with it now, he likes it. He’s actually used my arm as a phone holster to watch YouTube videos before!
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As far as what is possible technology wise, I think that it operates very well. I think it’s top-notch in my opinion, but aesthetic is a 10 out of 10, and operation I’d say 9/10. With everything together, I’d give it a 9/10.
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Q: If you could add any feature to the Hero Arm, what would it be?
A: So this is gonna sound really out there, but I’ve always wanted a hand that had a flash drive hidden in the finger. It sounds really useless, but there’s so many situations where I would love to just flip the finger off and plug it in and have some kind of storage.
Q: Which Hero Arm features are most important to you?
A: Honestly, even over functionality, the aesthetic means more to me than anything. As far as what is possible technology wise, I think that it operates very well. I think it’s top-notch in my opinion, but aesthetic is a 10 out of 10, and operation I’d say 9/10. With everything together, I’d give it a 9/10.
Q: Why is the Hero Arm’s aesthetic so important to you?
A: I’m a streamer and content creator so it’s kind of weird to be saying this, but in public, I don’t like being the spotlight. So little kids, when they see you’re missing a hand, you know, they have so many questions. They’re so curious, and it’s not their fault, I get that. But they’re always coming up and asking ‘how’d you lose your hand’? And you tell them, and then it just doesn’t stop. It just keeps going. But when I’m wearing the Hero Arm, it’s just kinda like, “oh you’ve got an Iron Man hand”? Plus it just looks really, really cool. I love the idea of having a robotic hand.
Q: Tell us about gaming with a limb difference!
A: There’s unfortunately not a lot of help out there for us to game. And especially if you’re missing your right hand. I use foot switches and stuff to game a lot. If I use a mouse and keyboard, I’ve got this whole rig set up with foot switches so I can game.
Q: What advice would you give to kids with limb differences?
A: You’re probably gonna hear a lot of adults and even kids tell you you can’t do something because you don’t have two hands, or you don’t have two legs, whatever. I would just say to ignore them and find a way to do it. Because any amputee will tell you that you’ll have people that doubt you can do the simplest task, or if you do do a simple task, it’s amazing to them. They’re like, “oh my God, I’m so proud of you ’cause blah blah blah”. And it’s cool that they’re proud, but it’s just me living my daily life.
So I would just say to just keep experimenting and keep figuring out how to do it. And honestly, I would pick some type of hobby that involves you using your hand a lot. Whether it’s video games or solving a Rubik’s Cube, whatever, something to give you very good hand-eye coordination.
Q: On behalf of Open Bionics, we all thank you Travis for joining us and for offering your input and your comments!
A: Thank you guys for the opportunity to speak and thank you for having me. I really appreciate you guys listening to me!
The Hero Arm uses myoelectric sensors which detect underlying muscular contractions generated from specific muscle groups in the arm. These are then amplified and converted into intuitive and proportional bionic hand movements. Each Hero Arm is custom-built for optimal comfort, and fits like a glove.
Anyone who knows me on social media will know I love gaming, experimenting with 3D printing, and cosplay. Recently, another big part of my life has become prosthetics. And while I was testing GPT’s knowledge of prosthetics, according to the AI chat a cool prosthetic arm, is:
“one that not only serves its functional purpose effectively but also incorporates innovative design, technology, and aesthetics to make it visually appealing and potentially even inspiring. “
For someone with a limb difference, the Hero Arm is so much more than advanced technology wrapped in a cool design.
The Hero Arm is not just a cool prosthetic arm. It’s a beacon of self-expression, functionality, and style. One of the unique features of the Hero Arm is its removable magnetic covers, a feature that allows users like myself to easily switch covers to match our outfits, mood, or in some fun cases, cosplay characters.
As a cosplayer, I am in love with the idea of transforming into different characters from various universes, each with their unique styles, abilities, and stories. The Hero Arm propels my cosplay adventures to a whole new dimension. No longer constrained by the traditional perception of prosthetics, my bionic arm becomes an asset to my creativity. Whether I am embracing the role of a canonically limb-different or bionic character, or modifying my favorite characters to create interesting alternate versions, my Hero Arm is integrated into my costumes, adding authenticity and a futuristic edge to my ensembles.
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Like changing shoes or accessories, swapping out my Hero Arm covers lets me redefine my look and, by extension, my identity in a fun and personalized way.
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Just as my creativity impacts my ability to build new and exciting arm covers and attachments, my Hero Arm fuels my creativity. And around and around we go, resulting in some truly wacky ideas. As an example, I recently attended Dragon Con in Atlanta, Georgia. For the convention, I created two cosplays – one completely expected, and another completely out of this world. The former, Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist, is an amputee character with a bionic arm. When most anime fans picture bionic characters, Ed comes to mind. Building his automail arm as a cover for my Hero Arm was just the natural course of action.
My other cosplay, the Eleventh Doctor from Doctor Who, was spawned purely from my wild imagination. I 3D modeled, printed, and painted an arm cover inspired by the Doctor’s combination time machine/spaceship, the TARDIS. After all, the Doctor is a time-traveling, shapeshifting alien. Who’s to say one of his iterations won’t be limb-different? There are limitless possibilities when it comes to incorporating my Hero Arm into cosplay, and vice versa!
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Instead of perceiving amputees through a lens of limitation, people begin to recognize our resilience, adaptability, creativity and the technological advancements that empower us.
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Beyond the world of make-believe, the Hero Arm plays a crucial role in reshaping society’s perception of amputees. Cosplay with a bionic arm breaks down barriers and sparks conversations. When people see a cool prosthetic arm worn with pride and creativity, it challenges and expands understanding of disability. Instead of perceiving amputees through a lens of limitation, people begin to recognize our resilience, adaptability, creativity and the technological advancements that empower us.
In a world where amputees often grapple with self-consciousness and the feeling of ‘standing out’ for the wrong reasons, the Hero Arm grants us the freedom to stand out on our terms. By choosing how our prosthetic looks, we reclaim control and celebrate our uniqueness with pride and confidence.
The Hero Arm is more than a tool for physical empowerment; it’s a vessel for self-expression, self-love, and breaking down societal barriers. Cosplaying with this advanced prosthetic device enables me, and many others, to redefine our narratives as amputees, showcasing our creativity, strength, and the limitless possibilities of modern technology.
In the realm of cosplay and beyond, the Hero Arm helps to alter perceptions, instill understanding, and radiate empowerment for amputees everywhere. So, the next time you see a cosplayer with a bionic arm, remember the power and creativity that echoes in every step they take, in every character they embody, and in every story they tell.
Join us as we redefine the narrative together!
If you have a below-elbow or partial hand limb difference, register to find out more about the Hero Arm and try the technology for free at your local Open Bionics clinic.
Walking up to the hotel entrance on a hot day in July, best clothes on, Hero Arm flashy, still couldn’t beat back the feelings that were mounting up. It was almost like first date anxiety. In a good way. That feeling of meeting someone new for the first time, managing your expectations, trying your best to just be yourself and letting your authentic self shine through. This circumstance was not a one-on-one first date, however. This was Lucky Fin Project Weekend 2023, a yearly event where people with disabilities gather to make friends, network, build community, and bond over similar or different experiences in life. Attendance in the 900-range. No pressure, right? Read on for a first-timer’s thoughts and feelings on this monumental gathering.
I was born without my right arm. I grew up in a time where social media was non-existent, and the world was a much less-connected place. Looking back, those times were some of the most isolating for me. Especially as someone with a limb difference. In my early adolescence and teen years, I felt alone. Others like me were only ‘real’ in the occasional book or magazine. My only interactions with fellow amputees came once or twice a year in a controlled, sterile hospital setting where authentic interactions did not occur. Sure, they may have looked like me, but our interactions were brief and only centered on the medical side of our disabilities rather than on things kids normally discuss, like favorite music, shows, games, sports, etc.
Enter adulthood, and my world has indeed gotten smaller and more connected with the advancement of social media. I’ve connected with more and more limb different friends in authentic ways that don’t necessarily center on just our disability. When the opportunity to attend my very first Lucky Fin Weekend came about, I didn’t even have to consider it for a moment, it was an immediate yes. Put on yearly in Troy, Michigan, Lucky Fin Weekend brings people with disabilities from far and near together for a weekend of community building, networking, and fun.
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“This was new as well. Not having to be approached by a stranger who’s immediate conversation starter was my limb difference.”
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Walking through the event doors at the hotel was nerve racking. I had connected with a small number of amputees since my teen years, but nowhere near the amount I was about to experience. Seeing children and grown ups with their limb different ‘lucky fins’ wandering and mingling everywhere I looked was a sight to behold. And they weren’t even really talking about their limb differences. Rather they were comparing where they were from, their interests, their passions. The authentic conversations and connections I had yearned for. I knew I had found a safe space and a community, at last.
Night one was filled with meeting new people. Connecting with people my age was like a breath of fresh air, immediately being accepted as not different or someone to pity or feel sorry for, but simply as Lucas; me. No special strings attached or tiptoeing around my obviously physical disability. The only attention brought to my limb difference from those my age was if I invited conversation about it first, or if they mentioned how cool my bionic Hero Arm was. This was new as well. Not having to be approached by a stranger who’s immediate conversation starter was my limb difference.
The children on the other hand (no pun intended), were different. They saw my ‘little arm’ or Hero Arm and immediately went in to touch it or draw attention to it. This was the critical realization moment for me. These kids had what I yearned for at their age. Someone I could see in real life and interact with who was just like them, that I wasn’t the only one. Realizing that these kids had the community I needed brought me close to tears. Lucky Fin Project had brought these kids closer together at a critical moment in their lives, when they needed to know the most that they aren’t alone in their disability, that it’s something to embrace and be proud of.
Day 2 of Lucky Fin brought us all together in a park for picnic food, games, vendors, and informational tables about limb different organizations and prosthetics. Showing off and talking about a bionic prosthesis and a company that has given so much to me, Open Bionics, made the day something to truly be proud of. I had a smile wide across my face for hours as kids played with and marveled in awe at what the Hero arm could do and how it looked. Advocating for a game-changing prosthesis as well as something that is a positive factor in mental health via the personalized covers was thrilling. The level of interest in our Hero Arms solidified the growing interest in 3D printed technology, and interest in adopting prosthetics in general.
That evening, my newly made friends and I were able to swap stories and questions about our prosthetics in a way that was new to me. I was able to talk candidly about my prosthesis from a perspective of knowing that someone could empathize. Friends around me already knew about various prostheses solutions because they had used or were using the same or similar technology as I was. I could share info about my bionic experience, swap jargon, laugh about instances of our batteries going dead while attached to grocery carts. These were refreshingly new conversations to me from other adults and it felt validated to be empathized with. Not to mention, it was totally awesome to see all the different types of bionic arms and why others chose them.
By the time the final day was upon me, I was already bracing for a very hard goodbye. No other time had I felt like I had connected with such lasting friends so fast. If I felt that way, I knew for certain that the children around me would too, and that their friendships found among this community would thrive for a lifetime. No other feeling during the weekend made me happier; knowing that the Lucky Fin Project is the community that will last a lifetime for all those who come. If ever there was a time in my life where knowing that my own sense of community and friendship is validated and that I’m not alone, it’s now. 7-year-old Lucas would be so happy to know this would come to exist for him. Watching newfound friends hug and exchange emotional goodbyes brought warmth to my heart, and a resounding sense of impatience to connect again in person next year.
To find out more about the Lucky Fin Project, including upcoming events, check out their website or Facebook page. If you saw me in action with my Hero Arm and would like more information or to demo it, get in touch here and we’ll direct you to your nearest Open Bionics clinic.
July is Disability Pride Month, and that means it’s a time to shine a positive and important light on the lives of those who live with disabilities, visible and invisible. As a society, it’s our responsibility to give disabled people not only advocacy, but a voice and platform that allows them to tell the world that they exist, their rights matter, and they are not to be feared or discriminated against. All too often, members of the disability community face uphill battles, inequities, and barriers in their lives, and we must continue the work that leads to a more accessible and accepting space.
Open Bionics is proud to amplify voices of the disabled community. One such young voice is Elisa Ferreira, who just recently received her first prosthesis, the Hero Arm. Elisa is 8 years old and from Georgia. Open Bionics’ own Lucas Slusher spoke with Elisa and her mother Nathalie about their experience and journey with limb difference.
Q (Lucas): Elisa it is so wonderful to finally speak to you, we are very excited to get to know more about you. Can you share with us your hobbies and what you like to do in your free time?
A (Elisa): I really like drawing pictures at school, dancing, playing outside and on my tablet. I’ve been in Girl Scouts for 3 years, since kindergarten, and this is my 2nd year as a Brownie.
Q (Lucas): What are your favorite things about being in Girl Scouts?
A (Elisa): I love going camping with the other girls and roasting marshmallows to make s’mores and making projects. My latest project was a drawer!
Q (Lucas): That sounds like so much fun! Let’s talk a bit about your limb difference. Were you born without your arm? How have interactions been while you’ve been in school and Girl Scouts? Do you get a lot of questions?
A (Elisa): I was born this way, and I do get questions about it but I answer that I was just born this way and people are okay with that. Sometimes I get a lot of questions and I just want them to stop but people are nice!
Q (Lucas): I’m glad people are nice! Have you ever used a prosthesis before or is the Hero Arm the first you’ve used?
A (Elisa): No, the Hero Arm is my very first prosthesis!
A (Nathalie): We found Open Bionics through Instagram and signed up interest and then made an appointment to go to Denver to meet with Elise, the Open Bionics prosthetist there.
Q (Lucas): How was the clinic and fitting experience in Denver with Elise?
A (Nathalie): The process was so smooth, so fast. In a good way. Elise was easy to work with and made the experience easy for both of us. She was able to answer all our questions.
Q (Lucas): What has been your favorite thing about your Hero Arm so far?
A (Elisa): Everything! I love the covers, especially my pink one!
Q (Lucas): What are you using your Hero Arm for or what are you most excited to begin using it for?
A (Nathalie): Elisa is really just waiting for school to start again so she can show off the Hero Arm in school and use it for different things there that would make things easier for her! I think she’s especially excited to draw with it at school, since she likes to draw!
Q (Lucas): How was the Hero Arm funded for you? Did you have a positive experience?
A (Nathalie): Yes we got the Hero Arm approved and covered with our insurance, which is Blue Cross Blue Shield. It was an easy process and they were very communicative through it all.
Lucas: That is so encouraging to hear, as sometimes those seeking assistance through insurance can have a rather challenging time. We are pleased to know the process was a positive one for you and especially Elisa so that she could get her Hero Arm! We at Open Bionics look forward to seeing what you do next with your Hero Arm!
Elisa and Nathalie: Thank you!
If you or someone you care about is interested in learning more about the Hero Arm, please head over to the Open Bionics website to register: https://openbionics.com/get-a-hero-arm/. Through amplifying positive experiences like Elisa’s, we will all meet the goal of making not only July, but every month of the year a prideful one for the disabled community. If you have a Hero Arm story that you’re interested in sharing with us, please reach out at [email protected].
There was a recent study published in August of 2022 titled “Patient engagement in cosmetic designing of prostheses: current practice and potential outcome benefits” that sought to determine the importance of customization and design options with regards to the feeling of empowerment in that patient and overall satisfaction rate with their prosthesis.
This study wanted to answer 2 questions:
Of all the surveyed participants, this study found that a majority of prosthetists (80%) typically offer patients at least 1 design option (most prostheses can only be customized once). This number was confirmed by the user survey that stated 75% of the users were presented with at least one design option. Of the users that had the capability to customize their prosthesis, 70% noticed a more positive attitude, improved motivation, compliance, and even function.
Outside of the prosthetic world, there have been many studies conducted on the importance of autonomy. When people are presented with options and choice relative to tasks it has been shown to improve self-efficacy, positive affect, and motivation. By fostering an individual’s ability to make a choice with regards to prosthetic design, it resulted in not only more empowerment from their prosthesis, but also increased wear time and motivation to wear the device.
The study mentioned that prosthetists who do not offer cosmetic options to patients say that it is due to costs. And while you cannot bill insurance for a majority of customization options within a prosthesis, the actual fabrication and material costs of doing so are absurdly minimal. Especially relative to the benefit it provides to the user. So, if you are one of the 20-25% of prosthetists that do not offer custom options, do better.
I had the honor of talking to a long time Hero Arm user, and brand new employee of Open Bionics, Lucas Slusher, regarding his experience with the ability for customization of his prosthesis. Here is what he had to say about the importance of customization:
“Let’s start with the obvious, limb different children and adults face immense pressure to make friends and fit in. Others may see their limb difference in negative ways or be apprehensive about approaching them or accepting them into their social group because they’re ‘different.’
Expressionless prosthetic devices do not help this. They look odd, like they’re trying to be something they aren’t. Uncanny valley vibes may set in, creating another barrier those with limb difference must face. Of course, this leads to negative self-esteem and self-doubt.
The mental well-being of any limb different person, especially children, should be considered during a prosthetic fitting journey. Expression is just as important as function. A prosthesis can be the most functional, but if it lacks expression, it sits in a drawer or under a bed, collecting dust.
Cosmetic designs and expression-centered prosthetics offer a chance for the device to become an extension of personality and a way to show off their interests. Something to be proud of, something that invites discussion and curiosity. These positive aspects not only make those using them more comfortable about their body image, but proud and eager to use the device.
This was also the case for me. I wanted to shed that feeling of conformity that came with a realistic prosthetic limb, because I did find myself hiding it, feeling ashamed of it, or just did not use it.”
I think true user experience and feedback speaks volumes in comparison to not only my professional opinion, but many research articles (or lack thereof) that do not involve user experiences and feedback.
On the topic of patient involvement with regards to prosthetic care. There was recently a Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) study published in December of 2021 that wanted to establish a consensus on clinical standards of care with regards to unilateral transradial amputees. While I do agree with a majority of these standards as an upper limb specialist, and they did mention that it is important to include the patient in the care, there was one statement, a very important one, that really rubbed me the wrong way. This is it:
“There are a number of limitations associated with this effort. Although some have advocated for the participation of end-users in the development of CPGs, it is unclear whether their input adds validity to the study.27, 28 In this effort, our concern was that the biases a limited number of end-users may associate with their personal prosthetic design and components, and their likely lack of awareness and experience with the range of prosthetic alternatives, might serve to undermine the level of detail sought out in these guidelines.”
Essentially, they did not find it necessary to involve patient opinions, experiences, or studies of the importance of autonomy in humans while developing clinical standards of care for patients. They did not want actual patient experience to “undermine” what they feel is best for patients. Based on the first research article discussed, and the many publications surrounding the importance of autonomy in decision making, and the positive impacts it has on people. I think the most important aspect in deciding what is best for a patient can only be determined by the patient. As a prosthetist, it is my job to have detailed discussions with patients, understand their goals and motivations, then present all viable options to them (pros and cons of each) and involve them in the final decision. I don’t get to decide what is best for the user, but I do get to provide them with options and manage their expectations around the prosthesis they decide is best for them.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9372180/
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20556683211065262#appendix
We are back again with Open Bionics’ month-long appreciation campaign for Shriners Children’s, where special recognition is given to the meaningful efforts and devotion to children by every Shriners team member to change lives. We’ve spent time learning about the history of the Shriners fraternity from humble beginnings, dived into all things Lexington, met Aubrey, took a trip to Twin Cities, now it’s time to take another unique look at a Hero Arm power user from the Twin Cities clinic to find out about their experience, care received, and how they’re thriving with their Hero Arm.
Sarah Garbe, 14 years old, from Iowa, was born without her left arm below the elbow, which is what’s known as congenital amputation. In her spare time, Sarah has multiple passions including listening to music, playing instruments, watching television shows with her mom like Breaking Bad, and has about 4 years of soccer experience. Through doing what every other teen does at her age, Sarah is a reminder that disability is not a measure of ability and that living an adaptive life only drives her further.
Despite being born missing her left arm, Sarah’s mom Susan explained that her journey with Shriners Children’s didn’t get underway until she was about 3 years old. When they did learn about Shriners, Susan explained that they were told Sarah would be a great candidate for referral to the Twin Cities facility. From there, Sarah came to know and expect quality care from the entire team.
“I’ve had a great experience with Shriners Twin Cities, everyone is super nice and there’s not a negative thing they’ve done.” Sarah shared. Furthermore, Sarah also explained that she came to find out about Camp Un-Limb-ited at the Shriners Salt Lake City facility, a summer and winter camp that brings teen amputees together for a week of activities and bonding opportunities. Sarah attended summer camp in 2022 and looks forward to going to winter camp as well.
Sarah started using a prosthesis when she was in kindergarten but shared that it wasn’t the best experience for her, having been a body powered prosthesis that uses a harness worn over the shoulder to open and close a hook or pincher. “I really didn’t like it, it would rub on my shoulder causing discomfort.” Sarah explained. In addition, Sarah was fitted with a stationary prosthesis that offers no real mobility that she used to rest on the handlebar of a bike to learn balance to ride it successfully.
Over time, Sarah learned about Open Bionics through social media. After doing her research, she told her parents about Open Bionics and the Hero Arm, a 3D printed myoelectric prosthesis with 6 grips and interchangeable custom covers. The design and how the hand moved excited Sarah, who had never seen a prosthesis move like the Hero Arm before.
“I told my mom and dad: hey this is cool, you should get it for me.” Sarah said. “We ended up seeing Becky with Shriners Twin City to get measurements and find where the sensors would go on my arm.” Sarah. To gain full control of the Hero Arm, Sarah was also given the opportunity to utilize the Hero Arm trial kit as well as go through occupational therapy with the Shriners Twin Cities clinicians, where her control of the Hero Arm function and grips were tested and improved upon.
“My favorite part about using my Hero Arm is using it for video games, we have a VR headset and I can use the pinch grip to push the triggers on the controller.” Susan reflected on the care that Shriners Twin Cities provided for Sarah. “They were amazing.’ she said. “Even when we were traveling there during Covid, we got discounts for hotels if we needed to stay for a long time.” Sarah added.
Sarah will continue to receive care through Shriners until she turns 21, where the team of clinicians will be ready to assist her Hero Arm journey as she grows. Open Bionics is extremely appreciative of Shriners Children’s Twin Cities for giving Sarah and her family continued support as well as the opportunity to use the Hero Arm to live an adaptive life. To learn more about Shriners Children’s Twin Cities, visit www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/locations/twin-cities. To register interest in a Hero Arm, head over to www.openbionics.com/get-a-hero-arm/ to learn more.