LETHBRIDGE, Alberta, November 14th, 2019 – Neil Squire and their Makers Making Change (new window) initiative, in collaboration with the Agility Innovation Zone at the University of Lethbridge (new window), is holding its first Light Touch Switch buildathon in Lethbridge, Alberta on November 21st.
Students of the University, especially those interested in engineering, design, and software programming or those who have an interest in a disability profession are encouraged to get involved in this event and what will hopefully be a ratified club at the University in the new year. Working alongside maker mentors from the Agility Innovation Zone and Makers Making Change we will be building over 15 Light Touch Switch devices that will be sent to people with limited use of their hands or fingers living in and around Lethbridge. All material and instructions are provided, no experience is necessary.
WHAT: Light Touch Switch build-a-thon
WHEN: Thursday, November 21st, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Innovation Zone SA6304, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, W. Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4
The Light Touch Switch (new window) is well-suited for use by a finger, allowing a person with severely limited arm/hand movement to control various technological devices such as a tablet, or Xbox controller. The switch can be plugged into any standard AT interface and is an open source hardware project funded by Government of Canada that uses 3D printed parts, a mono cable and tactile switch that are soldered together to create the switch.
Makers Making Change (www.makersmakingchange.com (new window)) has hosted a number of build-a-thons across Canada and the United States, and has given out over a thousand assistive technologies ready for use by people with disabilities.
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About Neil Squire
“We use Technology, Knowledge, and Passion to Empower Canadians with Disabilities.” Neil Squire has been revolutionizing the lives of Canadians with disabilities since 1984 through accessible technology. Our work is focused on four distinct areas: Innovation, Digital Literacy, Employment, and Assistive Technology. Our work enables people with disabilities to achieve their goals, reach their full potential and continue living life to the fullest. Makers Making Change, an initiative launched by Neil Squire in 2016, connects volunteer makers to people with disabilities who need assistive technologies.
For media inquiries:
For media inquiries:
Suzanne Wiens
Director of Communications
604 473 9363
suzannew@neilsquire.ca
courtneyc@neilsquire.ca