Neil Squire Society

Movement Centre Presentation
2020-03-13 | Movement Centre of Manitoba, 1646 Henderson Hwy, Winnipeg, MB, R2G 1N7, Canada
Our Makers Making Change team will be presenting at the Movement Centre.

Use your Makers Skills to Help People with Disabilities
2020-03-15 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Vancouver) | Brooklyn Public Library, Grand Army Plaza Branch, Info commons, Brooklyn, 11238, United States
Disability Professionals and Makers: This exciting project innovates the way we deliver assistive technology.
Guess What?
We are starting an NYC Chapter of Makers Making Change!
Meet out Chapter Leaders
Loreto Dumitrescu is an occupational therapist and tinkerer with a driven interest in unlocking the ways technology can help bring out the best in each student. She is a graduate from Adelphi University with a Masters in Educational Technology. Her OT practice focuses on assistive technology and Universal Design for Learning. She is also the founder of ZeroDay Camp, whose mission is to broaden the reach of computing education by offering classes for kids and professional development for educators. Zero Day Camp also designs and disseminate software, tools, and curricula for computer science and robotics education.
Farrukh Zia is a Professor of Computer Engineering at CUNY CityTech. Farrukh earned his Master’s and PhD in Computer Engineering from Syracuse University in 1988 and 1996, respectively. Farrukh’s PhD research work was related to the applications of neural networks and fuzzy logic in controlling non-linear dynamic systems. In addition to his technical expertise, Farrukh has a passion for social justice projects and facilitates several meetup groups engaging CUNYTech students including Maker Fairies and Girls Who Code
Together, Loreto and Farrukh have a wide range of maker and disability related knowledge and are looking for others who share their passions!

About this Event

Makers Making Change is an innovative community based initiative that connects makers to people with disabilities to create affordable open source assistive technologies.
Makers Making Change utilizes emerging technology (Arduino microcontrollers, 3D printing, laser cutting for example) and integrates the culture and movements that surround them (the open source movement, the maker movement and the crowdsourcing movement).
Makers Making Change hosts an open source assistive device Project Library as well as a matchmaking service for people with disabilities to request device from volunteer makers. Makers donate their skills and time, people with disabilities pay only the cost of supplies and shipping(if applicable)

Ability New Brunswick Peer Event
2020-03-19 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | NB
Our AT Help Desk staff will be at the Ability New Brunswick peer event in Fredericton.

Transition NB Peer Event
2020-03-19 09:30 - 16:30 (America/Moncton) | Planet Hatch, 50 Crowther Ln Suite 140, Fredericton, NB, E3C 2R2, Canada
Learn about our AT Help Desk and other programs at the Transition NB Peer Event.

DIY Sip and Puff Event@ McGill: Student LipSync Buildathon
2020-03-20 14:00 - 18:00 (America/Toronto) | NB
Why is the Lipsync DIY Sip and Puff Needed?
Using a DIY Sip and Puff device allows a person who is quadriplegic or who has little movement in the arms to access technology.
Approximately 67% of Canadians own cell phones, however many people with disabilities cannot operate or access these device due to a lack of appropriate assistive technology (AT). According to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, an estimated 1,000,000 people in Canada and the United States have limited or no use of their arms—meaning they are unable to use touchscreen devices that could provide access to helpful apps and services. While solutions exist for desktop computers, they can cost up to $3,000 and are not portable, so they are not feasible to work with mobile devices. The LipSync can close this access gap by providing an innovative technology solution that enables access to all sorts of technology.
The Lipsync allows a user to access tablets, gaming consoles, tablets and smartphones. It is a 3D printed DIY sip and puff device; the first device created for the Neil Squire Society’s Makers Making Change open source Project Library. The Lipsync DIY sip and puff device costs only $200 in parts, when assembled by a local maker with basic electronic skills. This beats paying $2000 for a similar commercial device!
On March 20 2020, McGill students of Professor Stefanie Blain-Moraes course will participate in a Lipsync Buildathon! Students will learn to solder and assemble the DIY puff and puff device which will then be sent to rehab centres and people with disabilities in Montreal who need it.

McGill LipSync Buildathon
2020-03-20 14:00 - 18:00 (America/Toronto) | McGill University Hosmerhouse, 3630 Promenade Sir William Osler W., Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y5, Canada
On March 20th, McGill students of Professor Stefanie Blain-Moraes will participate in a Lipsync Buildathon! Students will learn to solder and assemble the sip and puff device, which will then be sent to rehab centres and people with disabilities in Montreal who need it.

Futureworks Makerspace Intro to Makers Making Change
2020-03-21 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Futureworks Makerspace, Brooklyn Army Terminal 140 58th St Building B, Unit 1C, Brooklyn, NY, 11220, United States
Futureworks Makerspace is Making for Good!
Over 80% of people living with a disability use some kind of aid or assistive device on a daily basis to increase their independence. The cost of many assistive technologies can be prohibitively expensive; often marked up by 300%. This means those who do not have 3rd party coverage may not be able to acquire the assistive devices they need to fully participate in our communities. Futureworks Makerspace wants to help lower cost of assistive tech by engaging volunteer makers in their community in the Makers Making Change project.
Makers Making Change is an innovative community based initiative that connects makers to people with disabilities to create affordable open source assistive technologies. Makers Making Change hosts on online Project Library of free open source assistive designs complete with materials lists, files and build instructions. People with disabilities can request a project they need and makers donate time and skills to help build the project. Requesters only pay cost of materials. This lowers the cost of assistive technology by 80-90%!
Guess What?
We are starting an NYC Chapter of Makers Making Change!
Join Us at Futureworks Makerspace in Brooklyn, March 21 3-5pm to learn more!

Annual Stoney Nation Career Fair
2020-03-25 11:00 - 15:00 (America/Edmonton) | Bearspaw Youth Center, Morley, Alberta, Canada
Please join the Stoney Nation Job Resource Center for the Annual Stoney Nation Career Fair. Dress to impress and bring your resume! meet and network with potential employers. Connect with community education training and agencies.
Shanelle Waiting from Neil Squire will be at the fair.

Starring the Kids 2020
2020-03-28 14:30 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver) | Conexus Arts Centre, 200 Lakeshore Drive, Regina, SK, S4S 7L3, Canada
Visit Neil Squire staff at Starring the Kids 2020!
An exciting and fun afternoon of play for the kids followed by our 2nd Annual Spring Fundraiser for First Steps Wellness Centre.
Tickets are $30 each. FREE for children 10 and under.
2:30pm-5pm – KIDS ZONE – activities for all abilities (including facepainting, balloon animals, bouncy houses, crafts, and special visits from K9, Batman, Anna and Elsa, and Saskatchewan Roughriders!)
5pm-6pm – SUPPER TIME – Gourmet Hot Dog Buffet to keep all the kids happy and give you a chance to load up those dogs with all the fixings and side dishes.
6pm-7pm – FIRST STEPS WELLNESS CENTRE PRESENTATIONS AND RAFFLE DRAWS – Stories from some special clients at FSWC followed by announcing the big winners of the great prizes.
Get your tickets today at FSWC, by calling 306-522-3792 or by emailing Sandi

St. James Assiniboia 55+ Centre Presentation
2020-04-14 | St. James Assiniboia 55+ Centre, 3-203 Duffield Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3J 0H6, Canada
Our Makers Making Change team will be making a presentation to the members of the St James Assiniboia 55+ Centre.

National Volunteer Week
2020-04-19 - 2020-04-25 | NB

Webinar: Xbox Adaptive Gaming with Tyler Schrenk Foundation
2020-04-24 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | NB
Both Tyler and Makers Making Change are very excited about adaptive gaming and the Xbox Adaptive Gaming Controller! Join the Tyler Schrenk Foundation (new window) April 24th at 12pm for an intro session on Makers Making Change (new window) to learn more about what’s possible!
During this webinar, Tyler will interview Community Coordinator Zee Kesler and Chapter Leader Veronica Chase and demonstrate Makers Making Change’s low tech and high tech open source assistive devices found in their project library (new window). Tyler will also demonstrate how the Lipsync sip and puff mouth controller mouse (new window) can be used with a computer phone or tablet and will test various access switches with the Xbox Adaptive Gaming Controller. (new window)

Getting to Know the Makers Making Change Community Chapter in New York
2020-04-24 17:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | NB
Please join Loreto and Farrukh, Makers Making Change NY Chapter Co-Leaders to discuss ways to help and get involved during this time.
For more information, please visit: https://www.makersmakingchange.com/event/webinar-getting-to-know-mmc-nyc/

Better Hearing and Speech Month
2020-05-01 | NB
May is Better Hearing and Speech Month — a month to raise awareness about speech and hearing challenges and encourage people to take action and treat their own hearing and speech problems.

36th International Seating Symposium
2020-05-03 08:00 - 2020-05-06 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | NB
The International Seating Symposium is one of the premier meetings in the world of dedicated clinicians, researchers, manufacturers, and others who work to improve seating and mobility among people with disabilities.This international symposium addresses current and future developments in the areas of seating, positioning and mobility. Topic areas include service delivery, product development, research and outcomes. The format for the symposium will include pre-symposium, plenary, instructional, paper and poster sessions.
Find more information and event updates at www.seatingsymposium.com (new window).
Questions? Email marketing.ipce@ubc.ca (new window).

Learn to Use Zoom to Socially Connect with Your Peers
2020-05-04 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | NB
Quite a few of us have started using Zoom meetings to video call our friends and family. If you don’t know how to use Zoom or if you’re experiencing difficulties using it, we’re here to help!
Join Khatidja and Gordon from Neil Squire on Monday, May 4th at 11:00AM to learn how to use Zoom on your mobile phone or PC to connect with your peers. Khatidja and Gordon have a wealth of Zoom experience and knowledge and they will be providing a live demo during the session.
This event will be streamed live to ConnecTra‘s Facebook page, so make sure to give them a like to be notified when it starts!

GivingTuesdayNow
2020-05-05 | NB
A global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5, 2020 as an emergency response to COVID-19. We invite all Canadians to join us in demonstrating the power of generosity.

Working Together Webinar: Ergonomic Safety While Working From Home
2020-05-05 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver) | NB
Ergonomic Safety While Working From Home
When working from home, we often use a desk we already have or simply set up at the kitchen table. After a few days, we begin to develop pain or discomfort throughout our body. In this webinar, you will learn about maintaining safety while working from home. We will highlight the things you need to pay attention to when working from home and guide you through important considerations when setting up a work-from-home space.
Topic: Ergonomic Safety While Working From Home
Date: May 5, 2020
Time: 10:00 PDT
Presented By: Prairie Region Neil Squire Staff
Register for this webinar now!

Phoenix Custom Assistive Technology Webinar
2020-05-11 10:00 - 11:15 (America/Phoenix) | NB
Are you looking for custom assistive technology in the Phoenix Arizona area? Join Makers Making Change Chapter Leader Matt Levac for a series of informational webinars and workshops!
When: Monday, May 11, 2020; 10:00 am – 11:15 am
This free webinar presentation will introduce attendees to the concepts behind AT Maker Movement. Learn about Custom Assistive Technology in the Phoenix area and how to join the Arizona Chapter of Makers Making Change! We will teach you how to find makers in your community and invite you to participate in AT “build” workshops and events.
This webinar is the first in a series of Maker webinars and events created in partnership with the Arizona Technology Access Program (AZTap). Follow up webinars will focus on hands-on “build” events. NAU Continuing Education Certificates will be provided to participants.

Working Together Webinar: Stress Management
2020-05-12 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver) | NB
Stress Management
Stress is an unavoidable reality that we all share. It is very important therefore that we have healthy coping strategies during times of stress, some of which you will learn about in this webinar. The webinar will include the following topics on stress:

Effects of Stress
Recognizing:

Physiological Signs of Stress
Your triggers

Window of Tolerance (WOT)
Healthy Coping Strategies Such As:

Practicing Self Care: Exercise, Sleep and Healthy Eating Habits
Emotional Regulation through Practicing Mindfulness
Combatting Negative Thoughts

Topic: Stress Management
Date: May 12, 2020
Time: 10:00 PDT
Presented By: Atlantic Region Neil Squire Staff
Register for this webinar now!

Jericho Adapts Virtual Toy Hack
2020-05-19 06:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | NB
On of our New York City Chapter Members Michael is hosting a virtual Toy Hack event with his organization Jericho Adapts on May 19 6:30pm EST
Do you want to learn to Switch Adapt a Toy?
Michael Dicpinigaitis will teach you how at this virtual Toy Hack Event
Register here and the link will be sent to you before the event.

Webinar: 5 things you need to know about the TELUS Tech for Good program
2020-05-19 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver) | NB
Join Khatidja from Neil Squire today at 1:00PM PDT for a live webinar detailing 5 things you need to know about the TELUS Tech for Good program!
Register here: http://ow.ly/q3DZ50zKBNG
In today’s digital world, a mobile device has the potential to improve your quality of life dramatically. In this webinar you will learn how the TELUS Tech for Good program, delivered by Neil Squire, can help you transition to using a mobile device. You will also learn how to customize your display during a live demo.
For more great #ConnecTogether content, make sure to check out our schedule at connectra.org and sign up for our newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/connectra/connectogether

Makers Making Change Presenting at Virtually Maker Faire
2020-05-23 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver) | NB
Maker Faire is going online: Virtually Maker Faire is a 24 hour event happening this Sat May 23!
Zee Kesler, our Community Coordinator is presenting an intro session on Makers Making Change at the online event.
Come learn about Makers Making Change’s Device Library, forum and Community Chapter program
Title: Use Your Maker Skills to Help People with Disabilities
Track and Schedule: Community Organizing
Date and Time: Saturday, 5/23/20, 6-7:00 PM PST

Working Together Webinar: Roles of the Job Developer, Assistive Tech Specialist and the Employer in Accommodation
2020-05-26 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver) | NB
Roles of the Job Developer, Assistive Tech Specialist and the Employer in Accommodation
Employers may be fearful that accommodating someone with a disability will be costly, that it will cause hardship to them and their other staff, and that the employee will become a burden. In this webinar, we will highlight how the Job Developer, Assistive Tech Specialist, and the Employer can work together to simplify the road to accommodation and how easy the process is with the needed supports in place.
Topic: Roles of the Job Developer, Assistive Tech Specialist and the Employer in Accommodation
Date: May 26th, 2020
Time: 10:00 PDT
Presented By: Prairie Region Neil Squire Staff
Register for this webinar now!

Virtual Microsoft Ability Summit 2020
2020-05-27 - 2020-05-28 | NB
Our Makers Making Change and Solutions teams will be attending the 10th annual Ability Summit.
The Ability Summit brings together people with disabilities, allies, and accessibility professionals to Imagine, Build, Include, and Empower the future of disability inclusion and accessibility. And for the first time we will share content virtually!
This virtual event will be held over two days. All are encouraged to attend both days for this free virtual event.

Wednesday, May 27th from 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, PT
Thursday, May 28th from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, PT

2020 Ability Summit will feature:

Keynotes from Microsoft executives and notable members of the disability community
Expert panels featuring exciting projects and innovations
Demos of the latest accessibility features in Office, Windows, Xbox, and more

To stay connected to the latest in our transformation to an all virtual event, please visit aka.ms/AbilitySummit or email our Planning Team at ability@microsoft.com.

2020 Special Olympics Xbox Gaming Event
2020-05-30 09:30 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | NB
Lead by Special Olympics and Microsoft, this event is a virtual gaming event that will be live streamed on May 30th. Contestants will be playing Forza 7 and the public is welcome to record messages of encouragement for the players.

National AccessAbility Week
2020-05-31 - 2020-06-06 | NB
Let’s change the way we think, talk and act about accessibility and inclusion!
National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) takes place every year starting on the last Sunday in May. It is a time when accessibility and inclusion is promoted across communities and workplaces and a time to celebrate the contributions of Canadians with disabilities. It is also an opportunity to recognize the efforts of Canadians who are actively removing barriers and ensuring persons with disabilities have an equal chance to participate in all aspects of Canadian society.
The increased social and economic inclusion of persons with disabilities has positive economic and social benefits, for persons with disabilities, for business, the economy, and society in general.
When persons with disabilities can access meaningful employment, resources and services, Canada’s economy grows. Businesses have the chance to welcome more customers, service satisfaction improves and workplaces reflect Canada’s diversity.
By bringing Canadians together to recognize the valuable contributions of persons with disabilities, we are strengthening the collaborative effort needed to create a country that is fully accessible and inclusive.

National Brain Injury Awareness Month
2020-06-01 | NB

Nova Scotia National AccessAbility Week Makers Making Change Info Session
2020-06-01 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Halifax) | NB
Could you, or someone you know, benefit from an adaptive device to compensate for a disability? Perhaps assistance with turning keys, adapting gaming controllers, or carrying items on a wheelchair? Do you have an interest in helping others by making adaptive devices through the use of electronics or 3D Printing?
If so, then join us for an information session with Makers Making Change, a project from Neil Squire, that connects people who could benefit from assistive devices with volunteer makers. Makers Making Change (MMC) is an innovative community-based initiative that connects makers to people with disabilities to create affordable open source assistive technologies. Makers Making Change utilizes emerging technology such as Arduino microcontrollers, 3D printing and laser cutting. The project integrates the culture and communities that surround the open source movement, the maker movement and the crowdsourcing movement.

Working Together Webinar: Office 365 AT Features
2020-06-02 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver) | NB
Office 365 AT Features
In this webinar, you will learn how to use the latest text to speech and dictation features that are included with Office 365. These features are designed to increase the readability of text in Microsoft applications and can help people with print disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and vision loss to read websites, PDF and Word Documents, emails, and other electronic documents.
Topic: Office 365 AT Features
Date: June 2nd, 2020
Time: 10:00 PDT
Presented By: Atlantic Region Neil Squire Staff
Register for this webinar now!
