Makers Making Change

You asked, we listened! Volunteer makers can now receive email notifications when a device request pops up in their province / state (Canada, US only) or country.

If you already have an account: Go to your profile → Update User Details → switch on “I would like to receive emails for new device requests in my region.”

If you’re not a volunteer yet: Sign up on makersmakingchange.com and turn on the email notification option during registration.

Happy building! 🛠️

To celebrate our 10 year anniversary, we'll be highlighting how our devices have evolved over the years. This month, we're sharing the device that started the whole program — the LipSync sip & puff joystick. Full story: https://ow.ly/OV0V50Z7GNP

⌛ BEFORE:
First released in 2016, users could sip and puff into the mouthpiece for 1, 3, and 5 seconds to enable features like tap and back button. It connected to phone and phones via a USB micro connector.

Over the years, the LipSync Bluetooth, LipSync Gaming, and LipSync Macro were introduced. However, there were persistent concerns: discontinued electronic parts, cursor drift, stiff joystick (which caused user fatigue), among others.

⌛ AFTER:
After 3 years of development, the R&D team released the completely redesigned LipSync in 2024. The new model features a two-part, modular architecture with the LipSync Joystick and LipSync Hub. The joystick is much easier to move and more reliable (80% less force!). It can be connected via USB or Bluetooth, and is compatible with PC, Mac, Android, iOS, and Xbox Adaptive Controller.

Users can now independently adjust settings and modes through the Hub, which previously required another person to assist in the old version.

🔔 Help us make the next 10 years even better and consider donating today. Your donation will be matched for double the impact, up to $10,000! https://mmc10.causevox.com/

We turned 10!!🎉🥳🎂

What started out as a small team at Neil Squire developing a single assistive device, the LipSync, has grown into a national program with over 200 devices and 30,000 devices delivered.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has been with us on this journey.

To ensure the success in the years to come, help us make the next 10 years even better and consider donating today — for every dollar donated, your donation will be matched for double the impact: https://mmc10.causevox.com/

In the coming months, we'll release stories of people that helped shape the program, behind the scenes tidbits, and more, so stay tuned! https://www.makersmakingchange.com/10-year-anniversary See less

Wow, more than 50% of total grants have already been awarded since funding opened last month!

If you're interested in hosting events for the Fall semester, we recommend applying now to guarantee the funding: https://www.makersmakingchange.com/clubs-that-care

What You'll Do:
🔧 Purchase 3D printer, tools, and supplies with the $3,000 micro-grant
🔧 Engage 10 volunteers through build events
🔧 Build and deliver 20 assistive devices
🔧Share updates on grant deliveries

Eligibility:
✅ Ages 15-30 (inclusive)
✅ Living in Canada
✅ Canadian citizen, PR, or refugee status in Canada
✅ Provide 3 references

On Thursday, Eden Miller, Job Developer for our Creative Employment Options program (photo 1), and Kris Stirling, BC Outreach & Operations Coordinator for Makers Making Change (photo 2), attended the GF Strong Recreation Resource Fair.

MMC Live is a monthly live stream where we share resources and projects, exciting updates in our community, and much more. Our next episode will air live tomorrow May 27th at 11 am PT on our page.

This episode gives an update to what Tyler has been up to in our adaptive gaming program! We will be revealing our new adaptive gaming resource, sharing an exciting update on our GAME Checkpoint program, and recommending some games!