Building assistive tech devices is not a skilltypically used bystaff. However, this month employeescan adddznew skills to their resumes!As one of our major partners,generouslygrantsfunds toNeil Squire‘sprogram foreducationoutreachthrough theirprogram. Through this grant, Makers Making Changefunds outreach activities such as build events andeducationalcurriculum foryouth under 30.
Above: Sandy Kwong, Regional Manager of Marketing, Brand & Communications builds an assistive device during a virtual buildathon event.
The AssistiveTechBuildathonSeries
Staff from across Canada are building assistive tech devices virtually!The recent series of buildathon events took place in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nunavut and Western Ontario (MSNWO).The eventswere initiated by Mandi Taylor, the Regional Director, Community Marketing & Citizenship in discussion with SuzanneWinterflood, our Regional Coordinator in Manitoba. Events werecoordinated with help from Susie Aruda, and Roger Norbergmanaged the distribution of the build kits! Volunteer staff members are from Manitoba Saskatchewan and Dryden in Western Ontario.
“Engaging RBC employee volunteers in the Makers Making Change program was an absolute highlight and an excellent example of virtual volunteering during these unusual times. Not only did our employees learn some new skills in making the adaptive switches but knowing that these switches are helping to support social inclusiveness for people with varying abilities was so meaningful to our team. This is an invaluable program and it is a privilege to play a small role in it.”-Mandi Taylor, Regional Director Marketing & Citizenship.
Nov 5Buildathon: The Round Flexure Switch
At the first event,10 RBC staffbuilt10! These switches are greatfor peoplewithdisabilitieswho havedifficultywith fine motor control. Theflexurein thedesign allowstheuser topress, hit,orsmashon the switchwith a high degree of force. Theflexure design alsoallowsthetop of theswitch to be pressed from all anglesif targeting is a challenge.
Nov 25 Buildathon: The Light Touch Switch
At the recent buildathon event, 10 RBC staff built 20. The light touch switch is ideal for those with low finger strength. The open source version RBC staff are building is is $10 vs $75+ commercially. It is a great switch to pair with the.
The switches will be donated to the,andin Winnipeg.
Moving Forwardwith RBC: W’sNext?
RBC is inviting Neil Squire and Makers Making Change to extend opportunities for staff to volunteer viatheir internal myCommunity platform that showcases volunteer opportunities powered by. This program isaccessed by all RBC staff across Canada. RBC continue to support the work of Makes Making Change and Neil Squire. As such they encourage RBC employees to continue to provide virtual volunteering. We are looking forward to the possibility of more virtual builds in the future!
Need an Access Switch?
Request a switch from our. Just use the filters on the left hand side of the screen to find the right device for your needs.
Sponsor a VirtualBuildathonEvent with Your Workplace
Learning to build an assistive device is a great team building activity! Also, when you sponsor a virtual buildathon event, devices go to individuals or organizations in your community that work with people with disabilities.
We’ve hosted team building workshops with,,,,, andto name a few!
Contact Chad Leaman, our Director of Innovation if you’ve like to learn more about this opportunity:chadl@neilsquire.ca
Join or Start a Chapter in Your Community!
Are you a Maker or a Disability Professional who cares deeply about helping people with disabilities?
Check outourandget in contact withyour local chapter leader. Also, be sure to introduce yourself to other chapter members in the forum by.Also, check outourandto stay informed of upcoming local events!
ٴDz’tSee a Chapter in Your Area?
Apply to Become a Chapter Leader!
To learn more about this rewarding volunteer role, read the. If this appeals to you,.
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