Makers Making Change
Makers Making Change are a Canadian organisation who connect people with disabilities to volunteer makers to build assistive technologies.
In this Make:able toolkit, we’ll be broadening your knowledge of assistive technology and 3D printing. Watch the overview video below before browsing through a selection of interviews, stories and example submissions. As you browse through the content, take notes on your observations and findings. Then perform additional online research about your end user’s disability and add them to your notes.
The Earle Baum Center
Earle Baum Center is a nonprofit regional community center in Santa Rosa, California. EBC helps people and families regain confidence, master new skills, contribute to their communities, and engage with technology.
I CAN Centre
The mission for the I CAN Centre for Assistive Technology is to positively affect, through the use of assistive technology, the lives of people who have disabilities.
Handprints e-NABLE Scotland
Handprints e-NABLE Scotland is a student-run organisation based at the University of Glasgow. They create 3D printed prosthetics completely free of charge for anyone who has need of one.
TechOWL
TechOWL is Pennsylvania’s designated Assistive Technology Act Program - one of 56 programs in the nation. They help people with disabilities explore the tools and technology they need to be independent.
Crutch Cup Holder
This video by Makers Making Change covers Ashley's story and how a product developed at a Makeathon enabled her to carry drinks whilst using her crutches.
Name Plate
This is the story of Royce, a visually impaired student with a goal of writing his name. The video (produced by Autodesk and Neal McKenzie) is also an excellent example of how audio descriptions can be used to make content more accessible.
e-NABLE Prosthetics
e-NABLE is a global movement of makers who are using 3D printing to create free 3D printed hands and arms for those who were born missing their fingers or have lost their limbs due to war, natural disaster, accident or illness.
Powered to Game
Nine gamers joined The Neil Squire Society at Electronic Arts in Burnaby, British Columbia for one of the first gaming tournaments of its kind in North America. One in which all of the participants were gamers with disabilities who used assistive technology to play.
Microsoft Adaptive Accessories
Introducing the new Microsoft Adaptive Mouse, Microsoft Adaptive Hub, and Microsoft Adaptive Buttons, a highly adaptable, easy-to-use system that lets you configure, 3D print, and customize your own mouse, keyboard inputs, and shortcuts
Assistive Switch Build Event
As part of an event hosted by Makers Making Change and Microsoft, students from Riverside Secondary worked collaboratively to build a batch of assistive switches for people with disabilities.
Wii Controller
Timothy had an anoxic brain injury that meant he did not have fine motor control of his fingers. In this Makeathon hosted by Makers Making Change, young people made him a device that allowed him to play his Wii console.
3D-Printed Dog Wheelchair
DiveDesign worked with Braskem to design this custom 3D-printed wheelchair for Wobbly Hannah! Hannah has a condition called cerebellar hypoplasia that causes her to need assistance to be able to walk.
The Accessible Wallet
Adele, Biyon, Yingzhen, Yohan and Jamie aim to make it easier for people with dexterity issues to take cards out of their wallet.
Disney-Themed Sound Toy
Abby, Cooper, Jackson, Lawson and Nora made Dawson a Disney-themed lap-toy with specially adapted sound toggles.
Sight Training Device
Bill designed a sight therapy device Michael who has a loss of eye muscle control (i.e. Ataxia).
Arcade Ball Game
Harper, Hershell, Liam and Seth designed an arcade ball game for Judd, a highly energetic 5-year-old who has cerebral palsy.
Trike Steering Aid
Ben, Joseph, Liam and Pierce wanted to help the therapy and learning center by making their new trike more maneuverable for the children and therapists.
Walker Seat Bracket
Zane, Abmir, Kaipo and Khloe designed a bracket for their client's walker, which keeps the seat at a level where she won't slip down.
Assistive Water Gun
Amelia, Amelia, Ella and Ellie designed a one-of-a-kind water gun for their client Callie, who has arthrogryposis.
Braille Pad
The 3D printed audible BraillePad is a tablet-like device that addresses the issues of dated manufacturing of Braille books and ineffective learning for the visually impaired.
Marker Grippers
Collin, Felix and Isaiah worked closely with occupational therapists to develop a series of 3D printed marker grippers to help their young clients.
Adapted Dog Wheelchair
Kirsten, Akiles and Isaac used 3D printing to adapt a dog wheelchair for their client Happy!
In this video, Rob talks about his methods for getting inspired and the insights he gained throughout the process.
Before moving on to the next toolkit, you should have achieved the below objectives.
- I can explain (with examples), the opportunities with using 3D printing to make assistive devices.
- I can use secondary research methods to gain an initial understanding of my end user’s disability.
Go to Next Toolkit – Skill Building