From Need to Open Solution: The Tikkun Olam Makers (TOM) Model for Developing Assistive Technology with Global Scale

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

leadership, policy & implementation

Format:

lecture

Subject Level:

intermediate

Age Span:

N/A

Target Audience:

AT specialist
educator
family member / caregiver
healthcare administration
K-12 administration
occupational therapist
paraprofessional
physical therapist
university professor / personnel

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

0.01

ACVREP CEs:

1

Presentation Length: 1 hour

Location:

Verandas 2, 4

Description:

Participants will explore how the Tikkun Olam Makers (TOM) model supports the development of practical, client-centered assistive technology solutions through interdisciplinary collaboration. The session will begin by examining common gaps in access to customized assistive technology that impact individuals with disabilities in daily activities and participation. Presenters will then introduce the TOM methodology, including identifying needs with “Need-knowers,” co-design processes, rapid prototyping, and open-source dissemination.

Participants will review concrete case studies of adaptive devices addressing activities of daily living (ADLs), mobility, and rehabilitation, with examples such as customized mobility trainer for toddlers and low-cost daily living aids. Each case will highlight the design process, materials used, and functional outcomes.

The session will conclude with practical strategies for accessing and implementing open-source assistive technology solutions, and for collaborating with universities, makerspaces, and community partners. Participants will leave with actionable tools to support the development and integration of individualized assistive technology solutions in clinical and community settings.

Learning Outcomes:

As a result of this activity, participants will be able to:

• As a result of this activity, participants will be able to apply the Tikkun Olam Makers (TOM) methodology to identify unmet assistive technology needs.

• As a result of this activity, participants will be able to select and evaluate solutions from TOM's open-source database of assistive technology projects.

• As a result of this activity, participants will be able to formulate and design strategies for collaboration with engineers, designers, and makerspaces to implement assistive technology solution

Disclosures:

I am a full time employee of Reut USA (Tikkun Olam Makers - TOM), a 501(c)3.