The holidays are here! Join the NYC metro chapter of Makers Making Change in collaboration with Makerspace NYC and Second Chance Toys for its third annual toy adaptation hackathon. Our goal is to adapt the gently donated toys supplied by Second Chance Toys for switch access and get them out in time for the holiday. In addition, we will be building some simple 3D-printed switches to accompany the adapted toys.

We will be setting up shop at the Brooklyn Makerspace NYC location along with the needed equipment to adapt. This is a free event and any skill level is welcome from the expert electrical engineer to the curious parent. We will be soldering, therefore, young children may not attend. Adapted toys may be taken home free of charge.

Have a toy you’d like to adapt? Consider bringing it to the hackathon and get some help! When selecting a toy to hack, consider toys that activate using buttons. Toys that require voice control, motion, or other more complex activation methods may be more challenging to adapt. Take a look at Makers Making Change’s “How to Switch Adapt Toys” page for an overview and additional guidance.

Starting at 11 am, we will have a short hands-on demonstration of the toy adapting and switch-building process. After that time, we will have open adapting time for the provided toys with ongoing support from MMC chapter volunteers.