On December 12th, 2021 the NYC chapter of Makers Making Change ran its first ever adapted toy hackathon at MakerspaceNYC in Brooklyn, NY. Through a generous donation of toys from Second Chance Toys, the chapter was able to adapt about 15 toys and distribute them to local organizations around the city.
Makers Making Change aims to connect makers, persons with disabilities and disability professionals to breakdown access barriers to assistive technologies. Toy adapting is a way of modifying commercially available toys in a way that children with motor disabilities may activate them. Even the simplest toys are inaccessible for children with physical disabilities. These children often use custom switches to engage with devices such as tablets, communication systems, and environmental controls. By re- wiring and adding an auxiliary jack to the toy, children can then plug in their switch and play with toys they may not be able to otherwise.
Participants from various organizations around the NYC metropolitan area lent a hand. These included volunteers from The Henry Viscardi School, Adapt Community Network, High Technology High School, Zero Day Camp, as well as local makers and tinkerers.
The chapter hopes to grow this event and continue to host hackathons in the future; sharing the know-how of toy adapting to help engage all children in the magic of play.
In need of an adapted toy? Check out our DIY AT Lending Library for what's in stock.
Interested in joining the next hackathon or would like to learn more. Contact us!