Makers Making Change

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

02/11/2026

“It helped our students see that there are different ways to give back to their community and to be a volunteer."

In December, 350 students at West Bedford School in Bedford, NS worked together to adapt over 60 toys and build 200 switches for children with disabilities.

Thirteen classes of grade 5 and 6 students took part in build events over several days through our STEM With Purpose initiative, learning hands-on skills while making devices that would be donated to families and clinicians across Atlantic Canada as part of the campaign.

“Students absolutely loved it,” says Jeff Hennigar, who teaches grade 5 at West Bedford. “I think most students would agree that the best part was the soldering — getting to use some new tools that they've never used before, and even just the opportunity to take apart a toy I think was really unique.”

Read the full story: https://ow.ly/k7T650YaC92

02/10/2026

02/06/2026

02/06/2026

Secondary school aged students have a fun opportunity to attend Neil Squire's AT Summit!

While the conference requires paid registration, youth can attend the "Build Your Own AT with Makers Making Change" session free of charge. Participants will be provided with all tools. No experience necessary!

📅 Thurs, Feb 19 from 9-11:30am EST
📍 Moncton, NB (in person)
➡️ Register: http://tiny.cc/atsummit