The design of an assistive device for a student with disabilities to enable his inclusion into the University is based on ethical reasons. The device must be personalized starting from a participative and human centered approach. This work presents the design and development phases of a highly functional assistive device which enables a quadriplegic user, who is unable to speak, to autonomously communicate. The starting phase deals with the identification of the user needs, considering the residual mobility of a single arm and the needs of the caregivers. The motion study allows to define the requirements which enable the definition of the system architecture. A modular architecture is chosen, allowing damaged or obsolete parts to be easily replaced extending the useful life of the device, but reducing the resources consumption during the life cycle. Sustainable and recyclable materials are selected using Additive Manufacturing technologies. The verification and validation phase, carried out with the user, demonstrates that the assistive device significantly improves his quality of life, allowing him autonomous communication and interaction with the outside world.