Solder On! Neovites Build Accessibility Aids for Makers Making Change

Neovation Learning Solutions believes that online content should be accessible to all learners and users. So the opportunity to participate in Makers Making Change, a Neil Squire Society program, was a natural fit. The Neil Squire Society is a Canadian organization that creates affordable assistive technology for people with disabilities. Enthusiastic participation was a no-brainer.

The Neovites’ first-ever Buildathon took place on March 26. Teams assembled accessible switches:

These MMC60 Flexure switches can be used to control electronic devices and toys, such as an Xbox. These switches require very little force to activate. Together with its large surface area, the switch makes it easier to control technology devices and improves accessibility for users with little strength or limited motor control.

The parts could be printed using a 3D printer. An instructor guided team members through the first assembly, which required some soldering:

And the team was off! 

In addition to the soldering crew, Neovites who were not in "maker-mode" provided the Makers Making Change program with a different form of expert assistance — social media ad design and consultation — leveraging their skills where they could contribute the most. 

“Dan and the Neovation team have been and will continue to be incredible supporters of our work,” said Suzanne Winterflood, the Neil Squire Society’s regional coordinator in Winnipeg. “We simply couldn’t provide the devices we do to our community without incredible volunteers.”

After successfully building 13 switches, the team is excited about helping community members who will use them. And they’re even more excited about the next Buildathon in the fall!