MFI assistive printing logoModeling
for Impact.

Student-led. Human-centered.

Small designs.
Greater
independence.

We turn engineering and 3D printing into personalized assistive devices—made for real people, at no cost.

Let’s build something Explore our work
Founded at Horace Mann School
Designed around individual needs.
MFI / ASSISTIVE ENGINEERINGDESIGN. PRINT. EMPOWER.
Engineering Innovation. Empowering Independence.
Personalized assistive technology · Provided at no cost
Ideas with purpose

Recognized with the Alexander Capelluto Foundation Grant

01 / Our mission

Access should be
personal.
Not a privilege.

Engineering Innovation.
Empowering Independence.

Modeling for Impact (MFI) is a student-founded initiative making assistive technology more accessible through innovative engineering and 3D printing.

We design, manufacture, and distribute customized devices at no cost to the people and communities who need them. Working with individuals and special education organizations, we create practical tools for communication, learning, and everyday independence.

PersonalizedBuilt around the individual
No costFewer financial barriers
Student-ledEngineering with purpose

02 / What we make

Thoughtfully made.
Personally meaningful.

Every design begins with a person.
Explore the areas where we focus our work.

Communication, supported

AAC keyguards

A personalized overlay for an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. Openings align with its on-screen buttons, providing a physical guide for making selections.

  • Designed around the individual’s device and layout
  • Developed with input from users and their support teams
  • 3D printed for a personalized fit
Talk to us about a device

03 / How we work

From listening
to making.

Good engineering starts with understanding.
We develop solutions with the people who use them.

01

Listen & understand

Work with individuals, families, educators, and clinicians to understand daily needs, goals, and preferences.

02

Design & prototype

Translate those insights into 3D models, considering fit, texture, size, and visual contrast.

03

Test & refine

Gather feedback on prototypes and adjust the design around the individual’s experience.

04

Make & share

Manufacture and distribute customized devices at no cost, with collaboration at the heart of the process.

04 / Built together

A community
behind every
design.

Founded by Alexios Rekoutis at Horace Mann School, MFI connects student engineering with the insight of educators, clinicians, and the people we design for.

Our founding project brought together community collaborators to help turn individual needs into thoughtful design.

Founding community collaborations

01

Manhattan Children’s Center

02

The Keswell School

03

Edward D. Mysak Clinic for Communication DisordersTeachers College, Columbia University

Collaborations documented in the 2025 founding grant application.

Become part of the work

05 / The people behind MFI

Founded with purpose.
Led by students.

Connecting engineering, education,
and a commitment to greater independence.

Alexios Rekoutis, founder of Modeling for Impact

Founder

Alexios Rekoutis

Mechanical Engineering Student
Cornell University

Alexios founded Modeling for Impact at Horace Mann School to bring student engineering and 3D printing to the design of personalized assistive technology.

Now studying mechanical engineering at Cornell University, he is the founder of an initiative dedicated to making customized assistive devices accessible at no cost.

Current leadership

Horace Mann School · Seniors

Sekou Conde, current leader of Modeling for Impact

Sekou Conde

Co-Leader · Design, Outreach & 3D Printing

Horace Mann School · Senior

Sekou co-leads Modeling for Impact, bringing together assistive-device design, outreach, communication, and 3D printing. Alongside Clarke, he helps turn requests from schools and individuals into customized devices, connecting the people who need them with the design and manufacturing process.

Clarke Lesch

Co-Leader · Design, Outreach & 3D Printing

Horace Mann School · Senior

Clarke co-leads Modeling for Impact, sharing responsibility for device design, 3D printing, outreach, and communication. Working alongside Sekou, he helps guide projects from understanding a person's needs to creating a practical assistive device, supporting MFI's mission of making personalized technology accessible at no cost.

Team members

Horace Mann School · Seniors

Sofia Monterroso-Rodriguez

Member

Horace Mann School · Senior

Niko Shah

Member

Horace Mann School · Senior

06 / Make an impact

Bring a need.
Build a possibility.

Whether you’re looking for a device, a community
collaboration, or a way to put your skills to work,
we’d love to start a conversation.

Request a device

Schools, clinicians, individuals, and families: request a new assistive device and share photos, models, and project details.

Request a device

Partner with us

Schools, clinicians, and community organizations: help us understand needs and co-design solutions.

Let’s collaborate

Join the initiative

Students: bring your curiosity about engineering, product design, and making a difference.

Get involved

Send an inquiry directly through our website. No email app needed.

A few things to know

How much do devices cost?

MFI’s customized assistive devices are provided at no cost to the individuals and communities who need them.

Can I ask about a personalized design?

Yes. Start a conversation about the task or activity you want to make more accessible. We can discuss the need, relevant device details, and whether the project is a fit for MFI.

Who helps shape a device?

We collaborate with the person using the device and, where appropriate, their family, educators, and clinicians. Their feedback helps guide the design and prototyping process.