Celebrate 10 Years
Milad, a Systems Engineer and one of the first Makers Making Change staff, helped develop the LipSync and is pictured here with an early prototype. Sadly, Milad passed away in 2024.
Neil Squire's Makers Making Change program turns 10 this year!
Since 2016, we've met some incredible people along the way — device users, makers, clinicians, educators, donors and many more. What started out as a small team developing a single assistive device, the LipSync, to help people with disabilities use their phones and computers, has grown into a national program with international teach. Today, the Makers Making Change assistive devices library contains over 200 devices — where anyone can download the files and build the designs — with over 30,000 devices delivered to persons with disabilities and 40,000 volunteers engaged.
In the coming months, we'll share stories of people that helped shape the program, behind the scenes tidbits, and more! #MMC10 #10YearsOfImpact
To celebrate 10 years, and to ensure the success of Makers Making Change in the years to come, we’re launching a fundraising campaign over the summer. 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, up to $10,000!
Voices That Shaped the Decade
Have you received a Makers Making Change device? Have you enjoyed taking part in a build event? Have a story to share about MMC? We want to hear from you! Share your story with us at info@makersmakingchange.com. You can also post share it on social media and tag us — be sure to use the hashtags #MMC10 and #10YearsOfImpact.
Special Edition: Beverage Can Opener
To commemorate this milestone, we're releasing a special edition of the popular Beverage Can Opener. You can 3D print one, use it to open a beverage, and celebrate with us. Don't forget to tag us on social media and use #MMC10 and #10YearsOfImpact.
All donations of $10 or over will be mailed our commemorative MMC10 Can Opener, so you can crack a festive drink with us!
Print in PLA with 20% infill at 0.2mm layer height. No support or brim required.
Device Evolution
The Device Library was first introduced in 2017. Over the years, we've added new devices — created by both our R&D team and by community contributors — and retired others when key components became unavailable.
Follow us each month as we showcase the updates we've made along the way. Click here for the accessible version of the device evolution images.
LipSync
The device that started the Makers Making Change program — the LipSync sip & puff joystick. 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 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.
Bag Carrier
The Bag Carrier was one of the earliest additions to the Devices Library in 2017. Originally designed for people with arthritis, this simple solution helps distribute the weight of the bag handles and prevented it from digging into the user's fingers. The old design was large and took around two hours to 3D print, which, unfortunately, used a lot of excess material.
The carrier was revamped in 2022 with a more efficient shape and reduced material usage, cutting down on print time. The design now includes a printable sizing chart to help users determine if they're best suited for the small, medium, or large carrier.
Bottle Opener
Designed in 2017, the Bottle Opener has been one of the most popular Aid for Daily Living (ADL) in the Device Library. The original version came in one only one size, and was intended specifically for water bottle sized caps.
After receiving feedback from users, we redesigned the opener in 2021. The updated design prints faster and features rounded edges for a more comfortable grip. It's also available in five sizes and comes with a printable sizing guide to help people choose the right one. Now, users can open everything from small water bottles to large 2L juice containers.
Making Waves Around the World
While Makers Making Change is based in Canada, with a focus on activities nationally, our open-source assistive devices have made a difference for persons with disabilities in over 100 countries thanks to our network of volunteers across the globe. Here's a look at the global impact.
Use the mouse scroll wheel to zoom in and out of the map. Click here for the accessible map.