BURNABY, April 14th, 2026 – The Neil Squire Society, a non-profit organization and Canadian leader in assistive technology, is celebrating the delivery of over 27,000 assistive devices to persons with disabilities through their Makers Making Change program.

Assistive technology helps people with disabilities live, work, and play with more independence. However, for many, commercial solutions are too costly. DIY assistive technology — community created devices made by volunteer makers — can help bridge the gap. The Makers Making Change model allows for devices to be built just for the cost of parts, and in many cases, even to be donated.

What began 10 years ago with funding from Google.org and a single device called the LipSync, a mouth controlled input device that enables people with disabilities to operate a mobile phone, has grown into Makers Making Change’s strong volunteer network and a library of over 200 open-source designs that anyone can build, helping people access affordable assistive devices and live more independently.

Some people use these assistive devices to work. It may make an everyday task that much easier. For others, it allows them to follow their creative passions, or even just play games with their friends and family. For many kids with disabilities, the adapted toys they received through the Hacking for the Holidays campaign was the first time they were able to play independently. The common theme is that Makers Making Change devices allow people with disabilities to live their lives to the fullest.

Part of the success of Makers Making Change is in large part thanks to initiatives like Clubs That Care and STEM With Purpose, which engage youth leaders and encourage interest in STEM learning and careers, all while making these much-needed devices. In 2025 alone, Makers Making Change engaged 8,721 youth volunteers across Canada. Volunteers across the world amplify that impact globally.

Quick Facts about Makers Making Change:

• Number of build events organized: 1720
• Number of volunteers engaged: 42,000 (including 24,000 youth volunteers)
• Reach across Canada: devices have been delivered to every province and territory across Canada
• Reach across the World: devices have been delivered to 6 continents (all but Antarctica)
• Most delivered device: Interact Switch (If you were to line up every Interact Switch ever delivered, it would span 102 Olympic Swimming Pools)

Since 1984, the Neil Squire Society has served well over 100,000 Canadians with disabilities from coast to coast. Their work helps to ensure people of all ability have the opportunity to live, work, and play without barriers.

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About Neil Squire
“We use Technology, Knowledge, and Passion to Empower Canadians with Disabilities.” Neil Squire, the Canadian leader in assistive technology, has been revolutionizing the lives of Canadians with disabilities since 1984. Their work, which is focused on Innovation, Digital Literacy, Employment, and Assistive Technology, enables people with disabilities to achieve their goals, reach their full potential and continue living life to the fullest.

About Makers Making Change
Makers Making Change, an initiative launched by Neil Squire in 2016, leverages the capacity of community based Makers, Occupational Therapists, and Volunteers to develop and deliver affordable Open Source Assistive Technologies.