This International Day of People with Disability #IDPwD we recognise the amazing team at TOM: Melbourne and acknowledge the Need-Knowers who have co-designed assistive tech with volunteer Makers since 2016 and are gearing up for their next makeathon in February next year!

Volunteer for the next Makathon February 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?

TOM: Melbourne is currently seeking applications from both Need-Knowers and Makers for our upcoming Makeathon. If you, or someone you know, is interested - we'd love to hear from you!

Head to the TOM: Makeathon page to learn more about the program and register today. You can also keep up to date with the latest Makeathon news on our Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn pages and sign up!

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.

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.

Applications close Sunday 16 January 2021

APPLY TO BE A MAKER

APPLY TO BE A NEED-KNOWER

Community Spotlight: Team Brenton

Meet Brenton and Helen, who participated as Need-Knowers in this year's TOM: Makeathon. It’s been seven months since the event and we touched base with Helen and Brenton to find out about their experience of being involved in the Makeathon, as well as to find out how Brenton is getting on. 

How did you hear about the TOM: Melbourne Makeathon?

I do not even remember how I found out about TOM but I am so glad that I did. What an amazing organisation in providing so much inclusivity, as well as the opportunity to give back to the community for all to access - AMAZING!!!

What was the challenge you put forward for the Makeathon?

Our challenge for Team Brenton was to create a piece of assistive technology so that Brenton would be able to independently place his garden gloves on. Brenton is 23 years old and attends a garden centre where he works part of his day in the garden. Brenton wants to be as independent as possible.

One of his goals is to be able to put on his garden gloves without the assistance of a support worker. Due to his sensory needs and his spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy, this task that we may deem as simple was a real challenge for Brenton.

What was your experience being part of the TOM: Melbourne Makeathon?

Team Brenton was amazing with many experts in their field. The team was really invested in solving this problem for Brenton, while providing a creative and realistic approach.

The end result was a customised piece of assistive technology where Brenton was able to place his garden glove on, with no support from others. Team Brenton took their creativity one step further when they realised Brenton’s passion for the Western Bulldogs and they embedded the Bulldogs logo into the design of the assistive technology - smiles were seen all around!

Is there any other news you’d like to share?

Brenton recently had wrist reconstructive surgery and he has been unable to use his assistive technology.  He has now received the okay from his therapy team to return back to normal activities. He will shortly be able to return to donning the garden glove by himself, yet again!

Thanks Brenton and Helen! It is great to touch base and hear about your experience of the TOM: Melbourne Makeathon. We’re so glad to hear that Brenton has received the okay to get back to his regular activities – great news! 

TOM: Mebourne Founder Debbie Dadon AM

People who make the DIF feature Melbourne philanthropist Debbie Dadon AM, who established Tikkun Olam Makers, or TOM: Melbourne, in April 2021. Read the article here >>

We create and build products that improve the lives of people with a disability, where there is no obvious or current solution in the market. We focus on making assistive technology more accessible and affordable for people with complex needs. 

We work with people with a disability who have a specific need, "Need-Knowers", and connect them with a diverse group of professionals, including engineers, industrial designers, health professionals and tradespeople, "Makers". 

Originally published  1 December 2021
by TOM Melbourne