Makers Making Change

03/13/2026

“Work hard, do good.” — Bill Cameron

Today, we remember our founder Bill Cameron, who passed away on this day in 1993. Having initially set out to help his cousin Neil Squire (our namesake) communicate easier with assistive technology, the work soon grew to help others with disabilities. He established our organization after Neil's passing in 1984. His legacy has impacted the lives of over 100,000 persons with disabilities.

Learn more about our history: https://www.neilsquire.ca/about/history/

03/10/2026

“It's just a great way for [students] to give back and it just increases their level of empathy for people in their community.”

Students at Abbey Park High School (Halton District School Board) in Oakville, Ontario built more than 80 devices for children with disabilities as part of our Hacking for the Holidays campaign.

In early December, the students first switch-adapted 42 toys. Deciding that the toys could use some switches to go with them, the students later built 42 Interact Switches. The toys and switches were donated to SickKids Foundation in time for the holidays.

“It was an hour and a half. They just breezed through it,” says Tara Ashley, a woodwork teacher and head of technology at the school, about the switch build. “They dug right in. I thought for sure it would take a lot longer… I had booked two afternoons to do it. I never thought that they would have done it in one shot.”

Teachers at Abbey Park High School have also signed up for the micro-grant to host more build events in the future: https://www.makersmakingchange.com/clubs-that-care

03/03/2026

We're at the Rehab Equipment Expo at the Richmond Olympic Oval. Come say hi to our BC Outreach & Operations Coordinator, Kris

03/03/2026

Struggling to open small caps and lids? The Tube Opener makes life easier in a pinch. It's especially handy for those with limited hand strength or dexterity.

Download the free STL file or click "Create Request" and one of our volunteers will 3D print one for you: https://www.makersmakingchange.com/product/tube-opener/01tJR00000068zxYAA

02/27/2026

We're looking for a few more user testers for our Blockly Project. Sign up today: https://www.makersmakingchange.com/blockly

02/26/2026

As Canada's largest accessible gaming program, we're proud to support gamers, clinical centres, educational groups, and disability organizations along their adaptive gaming journey: https://ow.ly/WxR550YaC1j

🕹️ What is adaptive gaming?
Adaptive gaming makes video games accessible to gamers with disabilities. It can include in-game settings (software) and specialized tech or custom setups (hardware).

🕹️ What is a GAME Ticket?
Submitting a ticket connects you with our adaptive gaming team for personalized support along your adaptive gaming journey.

🕹️ What is a GAME Checkpoint?
GAME Checkpoints (stands for "Gaming Accessibility Made for Everyone") are accessible gaming spaces where people can try adaptive gaming devices and assistive technology with support from trained clinicians. There are 11 Checkpoints across Canada (and counting!).

🕹️ GAME Kits
This comprehensive kit includes everything you need as a clinician in Canada, plus a step-by-step guide to set up adaptive gaming events and showcases in your community.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWWrmaG_JO0

As Canada's largest accessible gaming program, we're proud to support gamers, clinical centres, educational groups, and disability organizations along their ...

02/24/2026

"As a person with a disability and wheelchair user myself, I know firsthand how expensive [assistive technology] can be, and I know personally that I would have benefited from a lot of this stuff if it had been more affordable. What Makers Making Change does is just amazing to me."

When grade 12 student Nico learned he could use his design skills to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities in his community as a youth leader, he jumped at the opportunity.

Nico, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, had learned about the initiative from his old kindergarten teacher, Shaun Maddock, an education consultant with Grandview School, the education partner of Grandview Kids, and the Makers Making Change chapter leader in Durham Region, ON.

With help from the micro-grant, Nico ran a workshop with the Technological Design class at his high school, adapting toys and building switches. All devices were donated throughout the Durham District School Board.

Nico has also helped his former teacher Shaun run build events and technology showcases in the community. Throughout all of these events, he has enjoyed working on his public speaking skills, sharing his story with participants.

Read the full story: https://www.makersmakingchange.com/news/nico-uses-his-design-skills-to-make-a-difference-as-a-clubs-that-care-leader-MC5DWGBTVYSJCAXLFYAFLT3WGTCI

02/23/2026

Last week, staff from Makers Making Change Technology for Living and Cerebral Palsy Association of BC went to Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon and delivered some adaptive gaming devices.

We left a GAME Kit, PlayStation Access Controller, Xbox Adaptive Controller, and Logitech G Adaptive Gaming Kit.

02/18/2026

Neil Squire's AT Summit is underway! Dive into the full schedule of sessions and exhibitors for today and tomorrow: https://www.neilsquire.ca/at-summit/

02/12/2026

02/12/2026

With support from Google.org, we're making Blockly (a block-coding app) more accessible, and you can help!

We are looking for screen reader users or AT professionals who can provide feedback through user testing session. Compensation will be provided to testers.

Eligibility:
✅ Ages 10 and older located in Canada (with preference given to youth under 18)
✅ Comfortable using a computer with a screen reader
✅ Interested in block based coding

Previous experience is helpful but not necessary. Sign up by March 6: makersmakingchange.com/blockly