Enabling Accessibility Through 3D Printing

When someone creates a model, it’s not just a tool—it’s a bridge. Each model is a moment of connection, where words become experiences for the model creator and the model recipient.

head shot of caroline karbowski
Caroline Karbowski
Founder
A table full of models with some students working on cleaning them
Blind person holding a 3D model of a passenger jet Blind person's hands touching a constellation map 3d model

Bridging Blind and Sighted Communities Through 3D Printing

See3D connects people who are blind or have low vision with 3D printed models that make visual concepts tactile and accessible. By turning sight into touch, we promote understanding, inclusion, and independence.

Through collaboration, education, and community engagement, we work to remove barriers and raise awareness about accessibility. From classrooms to community spaces, we empower people to learn, share, and connect through the power of 3D printing.

See3d interns sharing a model with a blind person

Connection

Connect people who are blind and sighted through 3D printing

group of sighted individuals standing on a stairwell with processed 3d models

Distribution

Organize the printing and distribution of 3D printed models for people who are blind

See3d board members exhibiting at maker fair

Awareness

Spread awareness of the importance of accessible materials and independent living skills

Support Us

See3D runs on the passion of volunteers, donors, and community members who believe that everyone should be able to experience the world through touch. Your support keeps our printers running, expands our reach, and makes tactile learning and exploration accessible to more people every day.

Make an Impact
Donate A pile of multicolored filament scraps, tangled strands, and failed 3D prints fills the frame.

Your gift keeps our printers running and puts models directly into the hands of blind and visually impaired individuals. Every donation, big or small, fuels access to education, independence, and creativity.

Share Your Skills
Get Involved A group of students sits around a table sanding and trimming support material from colorful 3D-printed animal models in a school hallway.

Designers, printers, packagers, and advocates See3D thrives on volunteers who bring passion and expertise. Whether you have a 3D printer, CAD skills, or just time to help, you can be part of making touchable experiences possible.

Request a 3D Printed Model to See the World Differently

At See3D, everyone has the chance to experience the world through touch. By requesting a 3D printed model, blind and visually impaired individuals can explore concepts that are often hidden behind visuals alone. From understanding scientific diagrams to appreciating works of art, these models open doors to independence, education, and joy.

Tell us what you’d like to feel in your hands, and our volunteer network of designers and printers will make it a reality.

Types of Models You Can Request

STEM Education

Request models of cells, molecules, planets, or other science concepts to make learning tactile and accessible.

Art & Culture

Explore sculptures, architecture, or cultural artifacts recreated as touchable 3D prints.

Everyday Objects

From household tools to tactile maps, request models that help with daily independence.

Custom Requests

Have something unique in mind? Share your idea and we’ll work with you to bring it to life.

We put models in the hands of blind people

We believe access to 3D printed models can change how blind and low vision individuals learn and experience the world.

Hands-on access, not just theory

3D printed models give blind and low vision students the ability to learn through touch—turning complex subjects like biology, geography, and architecture into real, tangible experiences.

>5k

Models

We’ve printed over 5,000 models and delivered them to blind and low vision students around the world.

82+

Groups

We’ve partnered with over 82 schools, libraries, and blindness organizations—sending 3D models to all 50 U.S. states, D.C., Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and 24 countries worldwide.

Powered by Printing Hubs

Our growing network of 3D printing hubs—run by volunteers, schools, and libraries—helps us print and ship models efficiently and sustainably. These hubs make it possible to meet the needs of students across the globe.

See3D in the Spotlight

For press inquiries or partnership opportunities, contact us at info@see3d.org

2025 Touch of Genius Prize for Innovation, $10,000 Image

See3D was honored with the 2025 Touch of Genius Prize, recognizing our innovative work in creating accessible 3D learning tools for visually impaired students. This award highlights our commitment to making STEM education more inclusive.

2022 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award, $5,000 Caroline Karbowski, founder, smiles while holding a medal award beside a man in a suit holding a white cane in a conference room.

We’re proud to have received the 2022 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award, celebrating outstanding contributions to the blind community. This recognition underscores our dedication to advancing technology that empowers blind and low-vision learners.

2021 Ohio State University Next Generation Innovator of the Year Image

Caroline Karbowski, a driving force behind See3D, was named the 2021 Next Gen Innovator of the Year. Her work in adaptive learning tools and 3D printing has set a new standard for accessible education.