In this episode of the We’re not Stumped podcast, my guest is Dr. Levin Sliker. Dr. Sliker is Co-founder & CEO of Point Designs, an organization that specializes in finger/thumb prosthetics. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Point Designs was founded by researchers in the field of upper limb prosthetic design from the Biomechatronics Development Laboratory at the University of Colorado. Along with Dr. Sliker, Professors Richard Weir, Jacob Segil and Stephen Huddle, the Point Designs team continues to advance the field of partial hand prosthetic design with expertise in additive manufacturing, mechanical design, and clinical care. They are dedicated and passionate individuals working together to improve the lives of the people they serve.
This is a special episode, as I have had three users of Point Design devices on this podcast in prior episodes (links below). Having an opportunity to talk with Dr. Sliker after speaking to people who use Point Designs product was a treat. He has a passion to help others, and he and his company is doing just that by making a difference for those who have lost parts of their hand.
Links:
Point Design Website: https://www.pointdesignsllc.com
Point Design FAQs : https://www.pointdesignsllc.com/about/faq
End user get together: https://www.pointdesignsllc.com/end-user-get-together
We’re not Stumped episode with Point Designs user Jeff Soelberg (Season 1, Episode 2): https://youtu.be/83eYQPvGO3M
We’re not Stumped episode with Point Designs user Angie Coe (Season 1, Episode 6): https://youtu.be/s83rfCPMkNg
We’re not Stumped episode with Point Designs user Rachel Grow (Season 2, Episode 1): https://youtu.be/rMZqYQtLrMk
#prosthetic #amputee #prosthetics #amputeelife #prostheticleg #prosthesis #amplife #amputeemodel #amputeestrong #amputation #adaptiveathlete #limblos #disability #disabled #amputees #abovekneeampute #prostheticmakeup #sfx #protesis #adaptive #paralympics #specialeffectsmakeup #amputeewoman #prostheticcover #prothese #amputeefinger #fingeramputee
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Access to the resources, support, and equipment needed after limb loss can change a person's life—but for many, those essentials remain out of reach. In this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland spotlights Amputee Aid and A Leg Forever, two organizations dedicated to helping people with limb loss reclaim independence, confidence, and hope. While each organization has its own unique mission, both are committed to removing barriers by providing financial assistance, equipment, peer support, and other critical resources that help individuals move forward after amputation. Mike discusses why a supportive community can make all the difference during recovery and beyond. Whether you're living with limb loss, supporting someone who is, or simply looking for stories of compassion, advocacy, and resilience, this episode highlights how generosity and community can create lasting change.
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