Introduction: Makers Making Change(MMC) connects makers to people with disabilities to create
affordable open source assistive technologies. Objectives: Participants will learn “maker skills” to
expand their practice; they will learn to solder, create a simple switch circuit, as well 3d modelling can
be used to create customized AT solutions. Participants will also learn how our online network can
support OT’s and their clients to access low cost community built Assistive Devices through engaging
maker volunteers in their community. Approach: After an initial session introduction, participants move
freely between activities where they can spend as much or as little time as they would like to try out the
skills of their choice. Practice Implications: OT’s will engage with maker culture to learn to new skills like
soldering and creating a simple switch circuit. Occupational Therapists will learn about MMC’s Open
Source Assistive Device Library and will learn how MMC’s website can support clients by connecting
them to the community of volunteer makers offering their time to 3D print devices created for people in
their community; this person to person model reduces cost of assistive devices significantly. OT’s can
also sign up on the MMC site to gain access to professional development workshops to build on their
professional knowledge base to provide more possible solutions to their clients access issues.
Conclusion: Engaging with the tools and technology of maker culture gives Disability Professionals a
broader skillbase to draw on in order to better serve and connect their clients to devices, technology
and services. Connecting OT’s and people with disabilities through Makers Making Change’s
MatchMaking service builds community, creates access to low cost 3d printed assistive devices and
provides Disability Professionals support in expanding their network, personal practice, knowledge and
skills.

Registration required (limited space)