Makers Making Change

About

Makers Making Change is an initiative of the Neil Squire Society, a Canadian nonprofit with decades of experience in assistive technology. The platform operates on a simple model: people with disabilities submit requests for custom AT they need, and volunteer makers — people with 3D printers, electronics skills, or fabrication knowledge — build it for them using open-source designs. This community-driven model dramatically reduces the cost of custom AT: a $200 commercial adaptive switch might cost $5 in materials when built from an open design by a local maker.

What It Offers

• AT project library: A searchable, open-source library of assistive technology designs — adaptive switches, mounting systems, communication aids, custom grips, and more — with full build instructions, files, and parts lists
• Request-a-maker system: People with disabilities or their caregivers can submit requests for specific AT; the platform matches them with volunteer makers in their area or who can ship
• Volunteer maker network: A community of makers who commit to building AT for people who need it, using the shared design library
• 3D-printable files: Downloadable STL files for dozens of AT items that any 3D printer can produce
• Lipsync: Their flagship open-source hands-free mouse — a mouth-controlled joystick usable by people with very limited hand mobility, available freely or through the maker network
• Building guides: Step-by-step documentation making AT builds accessible even to novice makers

Who It's For

Makers Making Change serves two communities simultaneously: people with disabilities who need custom AT they cannot afford or find commercially, and makers (hobbyists, engineers, students) who want to use their fabrication skills for social good. The platform is particularly valuable for caregivers, SLPs, OTs, and school AT specialists seeking low-cost custom solutions for their clients.