Here’s a roundup of devices that have recently been added to the Makers Making Change (new window) Assistive Device Library (new window):

Willow USB Joystick

The Willow USB Joystick is designed for users that find the existing joystick options in the MMC library too high force or require too large of a range of motion, and need a lower force, lower range of motion option. This would be particularly useful for users with conditions that limit their strength and range of motion, such as Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

The Willow builds upon our work on the new LipSync, using a smaller version of the magnetic gimbals to detect movement, and also includes a Hub allowing users to change settings independently.

The Willow is compatible with a range of host devices that can support a USB Mouse, a USB Gamepad and/or a Bluetooth Mouse. Compatible devices include PC and Mac computers and laptops, Android, iOS, and Windows smartphone and tablets, and the Xbox Adaptive Controller. As a USB joystick, the Willow is not compatible with the Sony PlayStation Access Controller.

The joystick requires 25 grams of force to operate and comes with seven different swappable toppers. It has adaptors for both ¼-20 mounting arms and RAM B ball mount arms and has an optional nonslip base for use on a table. The Hub provides the connection to the host device and up to three external assistive switches with 3.5 mm jacks. There is also a modifiable wrist ramp to help raise a user’s wrist while using the joystick.

Attribution: The Willow was designed by Neil Squire Society / Makers Making Change.

The latest design incorporates several commercially available open source hardware components from Adafruit (new window) and SparkFun (new window). The Willow firmware utilizes the Arduino (new window) development platform, and a number of libraries developed and shared by the open source community. Full details are available on GitHub (new window).

Learn more about the Willow USB Joystick (new window)

Round Touch 60 Assistive Switch

This small touch-activated switch is perfect for those whose strength or dexterity makes pressure-activated switches difficult.

The Round Touch 60 Switch is a small, round, touch-activated assistive switch. It is activated by touch and requires very minimal force to activate. The switch has a 3.5 mm cable output so it can be used to control any standard switch-adapted device like switch-adapted toys, environmental controls, or switch-adapted video gaming controllers.

This switch may be useful for anyone who faces challenges using traditional mechanical pressure switches. It may be useful for people with limited mobility, fine motor skill impairments, or temporary injuries. This may include people with conditions like arthritis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, or Parkinson’s disease.

Attribution: The Round Touch 60 Switch was designed by Jeffrey Ebin.

Documentation by Neil Squire Society / Makers Making Change.

Learn more about the Round Touch 60 Assistive Switch (new window)

Musical Grasping Training Aid

Intentional grasp is an important developmental milestone for children. The Musical Grasping Training Aid is designed to encourage grasping and holding and learn cause and effect. When a user holds the device, it plays music and when the device is not being held, it pauses the music. Users can upload their own music onto a microSD card inside the device and upload new or additional songs when they are no longer motivated by the current selection of songs.

This device is intended for usage by people with neurodevelopmental differences and individuals who are trying to learn the concept of cause and effect.

Attribution: Designed by Neil Squire / Makers Making Change. Based on an initial design by Don Haig.

Contributors:

• Didi Dimitrova
• Derrick Andrews
• Stephan Dobri
• Brad Wellington
• Jake McIvor

This design incorporates several commercially available open source hardware components from Adafruit (new window) and DFRobot. The Musical Grasping Training Aid firmware utilizes the Arduino (new window) development platform, and multiple libraries developed and shared by the open source community. Full details are available on GitHub. 

Learn more about the Musical Grasping Training Aid

Redwood USB Joystick

Looking for a bigger and more durable joystick in our library? Our new Redwood Joystick is designed for users with gross motor movement and high strength, providing a durable and reliable solution for adaptive gaming and digital access.

With its USB connection, it functions seamlessly as a computer mouse or gamepad, offering flexibility to suit your needs. Compatible with our Oak Compact Joystick toppers, it can be customized with options like goalpost or concave designs for personalized comfort.

Using the Ultimarc Ultrastik 360 joystick as its main component, building a Redwood Joystick requires no soldering.

Attribution: Designed by Neil Squire Society / Makers Making Change

Contributors:

• Tyler Fentie, Neil Squire. Design and documentation.

Design inspired by SCCR Rehabilitation Engineering: https://www.printables.com/model/268854-Ultrastik Analog Joystick Enclosure

Learn more about the Redwood USB Joystick

This post originally appeared on the Makers Making Change (new window) website.