Makethon search for volunteers to co-design assistive tech for children with disability
Date: 22 July 2022
Do you like problem solving, innovating and thinking outside of the box? Or are you a person with disability (or know someone that is) and would like a specific need met?
Sony Foundation is partnering with TOM: Melbourne, an organization that brings people together for Makethons to create and build products that improve the lives of people with a disability, where there is no obvious or current solution in the market. The aim is to make assistive technology more accessible and affordable for people with complex needs.
The TOM Melbourne Makethon, of which Sony Foundation is a partner of, is set to take place in September and will match people with a disability who have a specific need, "Need-Knowers", with a diverse group of professionals, including engineers, industrial designers, health professionals and tradespeople, "Makers".
“The Makeathon will provide Sony Camps participants with the opportunity to be part of a team of experts working in co-design to develop custom-built assistive technology that would meet their unmet need. Examples of challenges include: accessible shoelaces, an independent toothbrushing device, wheelchair wheel cleaner and a universal bottle pourer to name a few. It could be a simple challenge or a complex one,” said Kumari Fernando, CEO at TOM Melbourne.
Sony Foundation is calling on the Sony Camp community of children with disability “Need Knowers” and ex-student companions “Makers” based in Melbourne to apply to take part in our upcoming Makeathon. If you, or someone you know, is interested - we'd love to hear from you!
Scroll down for more information on how to apply. Applications close August 7. Come and join us and put in an application today!
Head to the TOM: Makeathon page to learn more about the program.
Are you a Maker?
Makers can be engineers, designers, software developers, OTs or other health professionals, hobbyists or students with a passion for social change. Makers are placed in small teams and connected with Need-Knowers (individuals with disability, support workers, family members, health professionals etc.) who will present their need.
(use this link if you have engineering, design, health or trades skills and want to work with a team to build assistive technology)
Are you a Need-Knower?
Need-Knowers are individuals living with disability, support workers, family members, allied health professionals or anyone with an intimate understanding of a neglected need. Need-Knowers join forces with teams of Makers with a passion for problem solving to create a solution for a need.
CLICK TO APPLY TO BE A NEED-KNOWER
(a Sony Camper with a disability )
