Open Source Assistive Technology (OpenAT) refers to assistive devices, tools, and software that are designed to support individuals with disabilities and are made freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. The "open source" aspect means that the underlying designs, code, or instructions are accessible to the public, enabling collaboration, innovation, and customization. OpenAT represents a powerful approach to breaking down barriers, promoting inclusivity, and making assistive technology more affordable and adaptable to individual needs.
Traditional assistive technologies are often expensive, proprietary, and difficult to customize. OpenAT addresses these challenges by:
- Reducing Costs: Designs are freely available to reduce financial barriers for users and organizations. Many designs are optimized to use cost-effective production processes (e.g., 3D printing)
- Encouraging Customization: Users and developers can adapt solutions to specific needs.
- Fostering Collaboration: A global community of contributors works together to improve and expand OpenAT offerings.
Here are some examples of OpenAT projects that highlight its potential:
- LipSync: A mouth-operated joystick that enables individuals with limited hand mobility to control smartphones or computers. Designs and assembly instructions are freely available online.
- Oak Joystick: A joystick that can be used as an alternative input device for computing or adapted gaming. This joystick also features a swappable topper that can be customized with different shapes and sizes for the user.
- Open Rocker Switch: An assistive switch that offers comparable functionality to a discontinued commercial product. OpenAT projects can provide alternative options to devices that are no longer available or supported commercially.
OpenAT empowers individuals with disabilities by providing affordable and customizable solutions. Whether it’s a 3D-printed prosthetic or software that adapts to your specific needs, OpenAT offers tools that can enhance independence and quality of life. You can explore existing projects or collaborate with communities to create solutions tailored to you.
- Utilize: Access solutions that are affordable and customizable
- Improve: Provide feedback to help improve and optimize designs
- Collaborate: Engage with the OpenAT community to exchange ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and provide insights into inclusive design principles.
- Learn: Learn about technologies and processes to design and create your own solutions
OpenAT offers a wealth of resources to help you meet the unique needs of your clients. By leveraging open-source designs and software, you can:
- Customize: Customize devices to better suit individual needs.
- Utilize: Provide cost-effective solutions for those with limited budgets.
- Contribute: Join a global community of professionals sharing knowledge and innovations.
- Collaborate: Engage with the OpenAT community to exchange ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and provide insights into inclusive design principles.
- Learn: Learn about technologies and processed to create solutions for your clients
Makers and Designers play a crucial role in the OpenAT movement by bringing creativity and technical expertise to the development of assistive technologies. OpenAT offers a platform to:
- Innovate: Use your skills to design and prototype new assistive devices.
- Collaborate: Work with people with disabilities and other stakeholders to ensure your designs meet real-world needs.
- Share: Publish your designs under open-source licenses to enable others to build, modify, and improve them.
- Learn: Engage with the OpenAT community to exchange ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and gain insights into inclusive design principles.
OpenAT presents an incredible opportunity for students to:
- Gain hands-on experience with design, coding, and problem-solving.
- Collaborate: Collaborate on meaningful projects that make a real-world impact.
- Build a portfolio by contributing to open-source communities
Whether you’re an individual, professional, or student, there are many ways to engage with OpenAT:
- Use: Explore existing solutions that meet your needs.
- Contribute: Share your skills by suggesting / developing new projects or improving existing ones.
- Advocate: Spread the word about OpenAT to build awareness and support.
- Support: Donate time, resources, or funds to OpenAT initiatives.
OpenAT is a movement fueled by collaboration and a shared vision of accessibility for all. By participating, you’re not just creating tools, you’re creating opportunities for independence, inclusion, and empowerment.
Makers Making Change is a program of Neil Squire, a Canadian non-profit that uses technology, knowledge, and passion to empower people with disabilities.
Makers Making Change leverages the capacity of community based Makers, Disability Professionals and Volunteers to develop and deliver affordable Open Source Assistive Technologies.
- Website: www.MakersMakingChange.com
- GitHub: makersmakingchange
- Bluesky: @makersmakingchange.bsky.social
- Instagram: @makersmakingchange
- Facebook: makersmakechange
- LinkedIn: Neil Squire Society
- Thingiverse: makersmakingchange
- Printables: MakersMakingChange
For technical questions, to get involved, or to share your experience we encourage you to visit our website or contact us.