JIVE5 Fundraiser

🎉đŸ•ș Put on Your Boogie Shoes and Dance for a Cause at Form5’s JIVE5 Fundraiser! đŸŽ¶đŸŒŸ

Hey party people, mark your calendars because Form5 is launching its first-ever JIVE5 Fundraiser, and it’s going to be a groovy affair you won’t want to miss! Get ready to step back in time and boogie down in your favorite decade attire as we celebrate Limb Difference Awareness Month in style.

Form5, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with limb differences, is pulling out all the stops to make this event unforgettable. From delicious pizza and decadent desserts to a cash bar serving up your favorite libations, we’ve got all the ingredients for a night of fun, food, and philanthropy.

But that’s not all – get ready to bust a move on the dance floor with our featured dances, participate in our wine pull, bid on fantastic items in our silent auction, and try your luck at our raffle. Plus, we’ve got activity tables to keep the whole family entertained throughout the night.

Join us at the iconic Valley Dale Ballroom located at 1590 Sunbury Rd. Columbus, OH 43219, for an all-inclusive, family-friendly event that’s sure to make a difference. Your support will help us continue our mission of empowering individuals with limb differences and making a positive impact in our community.

So lace up your dancing shoes, gather your friends and family, and let’s boogie for a cause! Together, we can make a difference and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to shine, regardless of their differences.

See you on the dance floor!

April 5th, 2024 from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

Tickets can be purchased HERE.

Questions? Email, development@form5.org.

Let’s JIVE FOR FORM5! 🎉💃đŸ•ș

Form5 Bike Arm Adapter – Alpha Testing I

Form5 Prosthetics has marked a significant milestone in its mission towards innovation and accessibility!

Form5’s commitment to inclusive product development received a significant boost in 2021 when the Honda USA Foundation awarded the organization with a Mobility Grant. This grant supported the purchase of industrial-grade 3D printers, which were leveraged to increase production of the Form5 Bike Arm Adapter.

In 2022, the organization strategically chartered an Advisory Board after receiving a social enterprise grant from The Columbus Foundation, which elevated the Bike Arm Adapter to an execution priority. Additionally, Form5 invested funds into protecting its intellectual property, filing a patent for this device and others. This decision underscored the adoption of a sustainable business model, forging a path toward scaling Form5’s impact on the limb difference community.

This summer, Form5 conducted an empowering first round of alpha testing its revolutionary Bike Arm Adapter. The organization’s alpha testing took a comprehensive approach, combining hands-on trials with valuable user feedback. The 12 selected participants, ranging from 6 to 18 years old, became pioneers in experiencing the Bike Arm Adapters capabilities firsthand.

One standout participant, Gloria, embraced the Bike Arm Adapter with unparalleled enthusiasm. Her summer included mastering the art of comfortable bike riding — a feat that added another layer to her already impressive list of accomplishments (including playing three instruments and shooting a bow & arrow)!

Integral to the success of this initiative was the organization’s Summer Internship Program, where undergraduate students engage in Research & Development efforts. This collaborative approach advanced the testing process and provided valuable workforce development opportunities to students. The 2023 Summer Interns played a vital role in designing and manufacturing the Bike Arm Adapter, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to the innovative process.

As the first round of alpha testing concludes, Form5 is poised for the future. Form5 plans to conduct two rounds of clinical testing in 2024 and aims to launch the product the following year. The data collected from user experiences will guide further refinement, laying a robust foundation for commercializing the Bike Arm Adapter. To scale production and create a national footprint, Form5 envisions a world where individuals with limb differences have the confidence, resources, and support to accomplish anything they can imagine!

Form5’s impactful journey is made possible through the unwavering support of key partners: American Electric Power Foundation, The Columbus Foundation, Crane Group, Design Central, Honda USA Foundation, Huntington Bank, and many individual donors who contributed to the R&D Fund the Need campaign this Summer.

Expanding PRE-FABℱ

Form5 Prosthetics is leading the charge in inspiring high school students to explore the realms of engineering, design, and healthcare.

With a rich history of five years in organizing hands-on learning experiences, Form5 has identified gaps in traditional curricula, giving birth to the innovative PRE-FABℱ program. Launched in 2022, this team-based workshop empowers students to design and construct prosthetic devices for mock recipients, providing a unique intersection of health and science education. 

The success of the PRE-FAB program has been amplified through crucial partnerships with the Sunbury-Galena Rotary Club and the Ingram-White Castle Foundation. Their generous support enabled the pilot of PRE-FAB but has also expanded its reach, ensuring that students across diverse backgrounds can benefit from this transformative educational experience. The latest feather in Form5’s cap is a Battelle-funded Central Ohio STEM Grant, a testament to the program’s impact and potential. 

As Form5 gears up for the 2024-2025 academic year, PRE-FAB is set to undergo significant expansion. Offering twelve after-school workshops for up to 360 students, the program aims to provide equitable and accessible learning opportunities. Form5 will hire a Curriculum Specialist and Workshop Coordinator to oversee PRE-FAB. The four-week workshop immerses students in disability awareness, person-centered design, iteration, and teamwork. With Form5 Device Kits at their disposal, students will embark on solving unique functional challenges faced by individuals with limb differences. 

PRE-FAB isn’t just another STEM workshop—it’s an innovation incubator. Beyond traditional hands-on experiences, the program sparks social innovation by encouraging students to apply their skills to real-world problems. The emphasis on CAD design and 3D printing equips them with practical knowledge in biomedical engineering, a field poised for significant growth. 

In conclusion, Form5’s PRE-FAB program is an inspiring experience, not just for students but for the landscape of STEM education. With steadfast support from partners and a commitment to fostering innovation, Form5 is sculpting the future of the STEM workforce—one where empathy, creativity, and collaboration take center stage.

CO-FAB 2023

2023 brought a different chapter to CO-FAB, as Form5 hosted two workshops for the first time.

 These workshops provided a unique opportunity for collaboration and learning, allowing a broader group of students and recipients to engage in the co-creation of bespoke devices. Hosting two CO-FAB workshops amplified Form5’s adaptability and dedication to pushing the boundaries of prosthetic innovation to meet the diverse needs of individuals with limb differences. The success of these workshops has shaped the trajectory of future CO-FABs and reinforced Form5’s position as a leader in transformative and inclusive product development. 

The CO-FAB Cohorts of 2023, comprising fifteen college students and three high school students, became the artists of change, blending skills in industrial design, engineering, and occupational therapy. With the backdrop of mentorship from industry experts at American Electric Power, Battelle, Beehex, Design Central, Honda R&D, Jacobs, Priority Design, and more!

The program’s evolution continued with renaming the CO-FAB Committee to the Education Committee, with the dynamic duo of Co-Chairs Joe Kubu and Lynda Wiggington steering the ship with a focus on education. A beautiful twist emerged as Form5 seamlessly incorporated past recipients during the CO-FAB Orientation, adding layers of depth to the profound impact of this initiative. 

CO-FAB’s transformative journey isn’t just a chapter; it’s a blend of innovation, education, and inclusivity. Destiny’s and Westin’s story and the collective efforts of the CO-FAB Cohort illuminated the impact of Form5’s mission.

As a part of being recognized as one of the Top 5 Nonprofits to Watch by the Columbus Foundation, Form5 was featured in the video above. The video gives our community a glimpse of the impact of CO-FAB.

CO-FAB 2023 was supported by New Albany Meta Data Center, the Ingram-White Castle Foundation, and the Sunbury-Galena Rotary Club. CO-FAB isn’t just crafting devices; it is crafting futures, painting a world where every individual, regardless of limb differences, could envision and embrace a life without limitations.

Applications for the 2024 Spring CO-FAB Workshop are open from 12/15/2023- 1/30/2024. Apply Here!

2022 Milestones

2022 has been a banner year for Form5! We’ll let our milestones do the talking – read more below:

Launching ‘PRE-FAB x Form5’

Form5 launched another signature workshop to support STEM education, sparking social innovation among high school and college students. The inaugural PRE-FAB hosted at The Bakken Museum in Minneapolis, MN, brought together high school students over Memorial Day Weekend to build prefabricated Form5 device kits. PRE-FAB exposes high school students to potential career paths that solve real-world problems and make a difference in the lives of others.

Thanks to grants from The Sunbury-Galena Rotary Club & The Ingram-White Castle Foundation, Form5 plans to package PRE-FAB and offer it to more educational institutions in 2023.

Increasing Impact through Internships

The 2022 Summer Internship cycle engaged more diverse and uniquely talented students in the mission of Form5. Form5 again offered three internships this year; two interns supporting R&D and one aiding Development & Marketing.

Over the last two Summers, internships have advanced Form5’s mission in many ways. Through the ‘$10K in 10 Days’ Fundraiser launched in November, Form5 raised $8,500 to expand the program year-round. We’re happy to announce we’ve extended the fundraiser! Help us reach our goal – Click HERE to make a gift today!

 

Celebrating 5th Anniversary

Cheers to 5 years! Form5 achieved many milestones this year but turning 5 was HUGE. A celebration in August brought together board members, donors, volunteers and the community at large to toast to Form5’s innovation & empowerment.

As part of the celebration, Founder & CEO Aaron Westbrook spoke about Form5’s new stride. He defined how the organization will deliver and maximize impact through its Growth Pillars: Community, Research & Development, Education and Sustainability.

Maturing Research & Development

In addition to all the advancements with the education pillar, Form5 renamed its “Innovation & Technology Committee” to the Research & Development Committee. Renaming this committee sparked identifying its core purpose in producing devices for the broader limb difference community.

Form5 is committed to developing customized prosthetic devices for individuals with limb differences, enhancing their lifestyle, health, and physical activity. Its R&D Committee has three devices it is iterating, testing, and aiming to manufacture and commercialize by 2024. Through an outstanding $90,000 grant from the Honda USA Foundation, Form5 will be able to make all this possible in 2023!

The R&D Committee has plans to launch Alpha & Beta Testing of specific devices in 2023. To keep up with this opportunity, please follow us on social media (@form5prosthetics) and subscribe to our newsletter by clicking HERE.

Transforming Form5

The growth and transformation of Form5 is possible through your contributions and belief in our not-so-small organization. Thank you for supporting our ongoing evolution as we scale Form5 to become a household name in the homes of people with limb differences.

As Form5 continues to evolve, it is excited to share that it has received an $84,000 grant from The Columbus Foundation to develop a sustainable business model and strategic growth to expand its mission and impact. 

The board of directors will share more about this exciting investment in Form5’s mission in 2023. The Form5 team is eager and willing to do more, better serving our community and setting up the organization for long-term success.

You are the momentum behind the advancements of Form5’s mission and impact over the last 5 years. Thank you for your support and for being a part of this journey!

$10K in 10 Days – Giving Tuesday Fundraiser

Leading up to November 29th, 2022, Form5 is running “$10K in 10 days” – a Giving Tuesday Fundraiser. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.

This campaign will support Form5 efforts to employ interns year round. Over the last two years, Form5’s summer internship program has advanced the mission in many ways. With your support, the organization can have consistent human capital, empowering more people to interact with their world and future successfully. Giving will enable Form5 to build capacity and staff the organization year-round.

Consider making a gift today: https://form5prostheticsinc.kindful.com/giving-tuesday–2022

Form5’s Impact on Interns 

Read below to hear what past interns had to say about their time at Form5:

Expanding CO-FAB x Form5

Expanding CO-FAB x Form5

Form5 is proud to announce that two CO-FAB Workshops are planned for the 2022-23 academic year. The Autumn workshop is October 14-16th, 2022 and the Spring workshop is March 24-26th, 2023.

Autumn CO-FAB 

On June 13th, 2022, Form5 will launch applications for both prosthetic recipients, college students from local universities, and industry mentors. CO-FAB is interdisciplinary in that it brings together professionals in respective industries such as engineering, design, and medical-oriented fields. Applications will close on July 31st, 2022 and this year interviews will be conducted starting August 5, 2022.

Following the interview process, those chosen to participate in the Autumn CO-FAB Workshop will be announced. Four meetings will occur prior to the workshop weekend: an orientation for industry mentors, a kickoff brunch for the cohort of recipients and students, and a few design sprints to help facilitate the prototyping and build process. Sponsors and supporting companies to be announced in an upcoming post.

Entering the fourth year of hosting CO-FAB, Form5 is eager to boost its impact on ALL participants. Form5 is taking its workshops to the next level, improving the flow and refining the curriculum that will accompany them. Read more about opportunities to participate below:

Do you/your child/someone you know have a limb difference?

Are you looking for a solution to a barrier you/your child currently face? CO-FAB is an experiential workshop for those with limb differences to work with a team of designers, engineers, and change-makers alike to fabricate their own prosthesis. If the opportunity to turn imagination into innovation is something that excites you/your child, fill out your application by July 31, 2022! Form5 will select 3 recipients per CO-FAB Workshop.

Are you a college student majoring in Biomedical, Mechanical, Industrial engineering, and or Design?

Are you a college student majoring in a medical-oriented field (physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training)?

Are you interested in collaborating with industry mentors and other students with diverse skill sets? If you answered yes to all the questions above, you should consider applying to be a part of the CO-FAB cohort! Form5 will select 15 students per CO-FAB Workshop.

Are you a professional working in an Engineering, Design, or Medical-oriented field?

Are you looking to make a difference with your time and talent? Are you interested in mentoring the future of your profession? If you answered yes to all of the questions above, then you should consider applying to be a mentor for the CO-FAB cohort! Form5 will select 10-12 industry professionals per CO-FAB Workshop.

Have inquiries about CO-FAB? Email, info@form5prostheticsinc.org to learn more.

PRE-FAB 2022

Over Memorial Day Weekend, Form5 kicked off its inaugural PRE-FAB Workshop at The Bakken Museum (in Minneapolis, MN)!

PRE-FAB is the sibling to CO-FAB, Form5’s college-age workshop. The goal is to inspire high school students to explore careers in engineering, design, and medical-oriented fields that empower others. PRE-FAB engages students in the organization’s STEM curriculum to build and enhance pre-fabricated prosthetic kits based on a mock recipients’ design requirements. See below for more of the innovation that took place over the weekend. 

Workshop Day 1:

The high school students were so passionate & impressive! Day 1 included presentations on Form5, disability culture, and an empathy + ideation session.

Workshop Day 2:

PRE-FAB Workshop Day 2 was a SPRINT-and-a-half!! From more ideation to mock-ups to CAD to 3D printing, our cohort was off to the races with their prosthetic builds.

Workshop Day 3:

PRE-FAB Day 3 just flew by with our fabulous cohort of Minneapolis high school students! So much discovery and fabrication occurred this past weekend.

PRE-FAB was a great success due to the three Form5 personnel who traveled to The Bakken Museum to facilitate the workshop, leading the cohort of 15 high school students through Form5’s STEM Curriculum. In addition, Form5’s Workshop Committee was instrumental in the creation and planning of PRE-FAB.

Most importantly, Form5 is incredibly grateful for The Bakken Museum for their collaboration and support.

Introducing ‘PRE-FAB x Form5’

PRE-FAB x Form5

After three years of hosting its signature CO-FAB, Form5 is expanding its curriculum offerings and workshops. In 2020, Form5 collaborated with The Bakken Museum in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on an exhibit highlighting the evolution of prosthetic devices. After installing the exhibit, Form5 and Bakken have had their sights on working together more!

As we all know, the last two years have brought unique challenges. Form5 and Bakken have been patient and methodical in their approach to this collaboration. After much time and preparation, ‘PRE-FAB x Form5’ was born. PRE-FAB which stands for ‘pre-fabrication’ is a three-day workshop that will engage Minneapolis High School Students this Spring. Form5 is slated to launch its inaugural  ‘PRE-FAB Workshop’ over Memorial Day Weekend (May 27 – 29th, 2022) at The Bakken Museum. 

PRE-FAB will bring together a cohort of three teams to build pre-fabricated Form5 device kits. Students will have the opportunity to learn, iterate, and apply their skills. Form5’s curriculum fuses design thinking and STEM education to spark social impact! PRE-FAB was specifically-developed to educate and train high school students in empathy, engineering, and craftsmanship. The current model of PRE-FAB does not involve the participation of individuals with limb differences, although it draws meaningful awareness to the limb difference community through several activities.

Form5 is eager to expose high school students to potential passions and career paths that solve real-world problems and make a difference in the lives of others. Form5’s workshops are experiential, educational, and empowering. Looking toward the 2022-2023 academic year, Form5 is excited about strategically aligning with educational institutions and community centers to offer workshops to more students.

Be sure to engage with Form5’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to follow all the innovation and empowerment of PRE-FAB 2022!

2019-2021 Milestones

Form5 2019-2021 Milestones

The past three years have been quite a blur for many, not to mention the looming global pandemic. So, Form5 has compiled all its BIG milestones and accomplishments from 2019, 2020, and 2021 into one blog post.

Ohio Prosthetics Initiative (2019)

Founder & CEO Aaron Westbrook advocated on behalf of the limb difference community, the research of Form5, and others pushing for regulatory reform resulting in amended legislation around prosthetics manufacturing. This change allows for emerging industries, like Additive Manufacturing, to leverage new technology in the production of prosthetics in the state of Ohio. Aaron spoke in a Press Conference with Lt. Governor Jon Husted on July 13, 2019, and you can watch it HERE.

Launched CO-FAB x Form5 (2019)

In 2019, Form5 initiated its CO-FAB Workshop, which brings recipients, high-school & college students, and industry professionals together for a six-week design sprint, ultimately developing new prosthetics for individuals with limb differences. CO-FAB is facilitated by experts from American Electric Power, Battelle, Honda R&D, and Design Central. Watch the video produced about CO-FAB 2020 HERE. Form5 is excited about expanding CO-FAB, hosting two workshops in 2022!

Form5’s Pivot To PPE (2020)

When the COVID-19 pandemic broke, Form5 Prosthetics pivoted its entire production to 3-D printing its patented, reusable face shields to help combat the spread of the Coronavirus. Form5’s robust volunteer network, board, and committee members applied their passion and skills to empower people to successfully interact with their world and their future amidst a global pandemic. Form5 manufactured and donated 6,000+ face shields in 2020. The newfound knowledge, expanded vision, and increased resources that Form5 gained from this experience will only enable greater impact in the community. You learn can more about Form5’s Pivot to PPE HERE.

SEA Change (2020)

Outlined in Form5’s 2020-2023 strategic plan, included Founder & CEO, Aaron Westbrook’s participation in a social enterprise accelerator hosted by SEA Change Columbus. Through 14-weeks of coursework over the summer of 2020, Aaron and the Form5 team explored earned revenue models, aiming to create a sustainable business model that maximizes Form5’s mission impact to its full potential! Out of over a dozen participants, Form5 was one of 7 finalists and was awarded a grant of $20,000.

Innovation that Empowers (2021)

In 2021, Form5 transitioned back to its core mission, again innovating custom-application devices to empower individuals with limb differences to embrace their future. Form5’s Innovation & Technology Committee took on new projects, kicking off plans for product development and scale. Additionally, Form5 resumed its research and development of 3D printer filament derived from recycled plastics. Form5 received a grant from the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio, fostering a partnership that will lead to local waste diversion and the production of eco-friendly products.

To accomplish all this, Form5 partnered with the Ohio Department of Development to increase human resource capacity, leveraging the Diversity & Inclusion Internship Program to hire Form5’s first interns over the summer. We are looking forward to offering internships in 2022, be on the lookout for more information in February!

Forming Strong Leadership (2021)

Form5’s recent growth is greatly attributed to its past and current leadership! Form5’s board will expand again from 9 to 12 members in 2022. The Form5 board is a passionate group of professionals with expertise in design, fundraising, medicine, accounting, engineering, and more. Meet the Team HERE.

As Form5 evolves, its leadership is dedicated to continuing groundbreaking innovation and rapid business development, serving to empower those with limb differences.

You are the momentum behind the advancements of Form5’s mission and impact over the last 4 years. Thank you for your support and for being a part of this journey forward!