In this workshop attendees will learn and be able to:

• Describe the components required for a switch to work
• List three areas on the body that an individual with a disability can use to access an ability switch, without or with the appropriate mounting tools
• Describe two or more characteristics on a toy (or another battery operated device) that allow for switch accessibility
• Independently solder the toy or device and add a switch jack for accessibility for an individual with a disability

Who should attend?

• Occupational, physical, speech-language pathologists, music and recreational therapists
• Parents, relatives and family friends
• Makers and tinkerers
• Children under 18 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult
• Beginners, new to soldering and experts!
• This is an introductory course for all learners

Past Events

We have held toy tinkering events in the past, Hacking for the Holidays was a great success and dozens of toys were switch adapted by people who were just learning the basics of soldering and hacking.

Visit our Facebook Photo Album to see photos from former events, https://www.facebook.com/DiyAbility/photos_stream

What is Switch Accessibility?

For many kids with physical disabilities playing with off-the-shelf toys is not possible, depending on their unique abilities a toy might not be accessible.

However, if a child can move their head, feet, arm, mouth or any other part of their body it is possible to use a switch to play with the toy.

Adding switch jacks to a toy will not affect the original quality of use, the existing buttons will operate as normal and kids who use accessibility switches will now be able to operate the toy.

Learn how to solder and hack!

Bring a simple toy (from online or toy store) and modify them for switch accessibility. We will discuss the skills you need to switch adapt toys and other devices in the future for personal use, work and fun.

• Learn how to open and identify the components inside a toy or basic electronic device.
• Understand the wiring of a toy from battery to switches to the activation of the device.
• Learn to solder and add an accessibility switch jack to an off-the-shelf toy. And put the toy back together for normal use or with a switch.