BURNABY, November 23, 2021 – Neil Squire and their Makers Making Change (new window) initiative are aiming to set an #ATWorldRecord (new window) on the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities (new window) to raise awareness of the need for affordable assistive technology solutions for people with disabilities.
On December 3rd, people around the world will take part in a virtual do it yourself (DIY) assistive technology lesson to attempt to claim the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS (new window) title for the most users to take an online DIY assistive technology lesson in 24 hours.
In Canada, approximately 80% of people with disabilities use assistive technology (AT), while 27% need at least one more device. Cost is cited as the main barrier, according to Statistics Canada.
DIY assistive technology — community created devices that can easily be made by makers and volunteers — can help fill this gap.
WHAT: GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title: Most Users to Take an Online DIY AT Lesson in 24 Hours
WHEN: Friday, December 3rd, 12:00 am EST – 11:59 pm EST
WHERE: This is a virtual event: atworldrecord.com (new window)
For over 35 years, Neil Squire has worked to improve the lives and opportunities of people with disabilities through technology. Makers Making Change, a Neil Squire program, embodies this work by providing a platform to connect people with disabilities to volunteer makers, and an open source DIY assistive technology library of designs that can be made by makers of all skill levels. The only cost to device users is reimbursing the maker for cost of materials, allowing for much more affordable assistive technology solutions than commercial offerings.
“Our GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title attempt is a great opportunity to raise awareness for the accessibility of DIY assistive technology, for both people looking to volunteer and people with disabilities, and to celebrate and support the Makers Making Change community,” says Neil Squire Executive Director, Gary Birch.
The #ATWorldRecord (new window) is part of Neil Squire’s #PoweredToEnable campaign.