Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I get involved? 

There are many ways people can get involved with Makers Making Change. Whether you want to get devices, volunteer with us, or just want to stay up to date, there is something for everyone. Please see: https://www.makersmakingchange.com/how-it-works.

Q: What skills/tools are useful and how do I help? 

There are a few ways to help out – some people do a few or all of these things: 

How do I get a device?

Download the free build instructions to make a device yourself or work with our volunteer makers. Note: we do not sell devices.

Can you design a device or me?

Although we cannot take on design projects, we have volunteer designers who can help.

Can MMC host a build event with my school or workplace?

Yes! If you're located in Canada, express your interest for schools or corporations.

Q: Can I volunteer in a way that’s not listed above?  

We don’t have a standardized process or regular projects outside those volunteer options listed above. Please reach out to info@neilsquire.ca to discuss further.  

 

Q: I don’t have a printer can I still volunteer? 

Yes, we have different roles and opportunities available.  

Q: Are there other volunteers/chapters near me? 

Check out the resource on chapter locations to see the current list of chapter leaders. If you are interested in connecting please reach out to info@makersmakingchange.com and we can help you get in contact with the chapter leaders. Don’t see a chapter near you? Complete an application.

 

Q: Do you have funding to help? 

Yes, currently we have funding for youth in Canada apply to our Clubs the Care granting program. This program is available until March 2027. Funding opportunities can change please reach out to info@makersmakingchange.com if you have any questions. 

Q. How do I learn how much my device cost? 

A: Devices are typically provided at cost, meaning the requesting users or clinicians only pay for materials and shipping. Makers volunteer their time. The expected cost should be discussed and agreed upon before the Maker orders components. 

Q: Can I operate my powerchair, or activate an emergency call bell? 

Do not use MMC volunteer-built devices to control mobility (such as a power wheelchair, or ride-in toy vehicle), for emergency response actions (such as an emergency call bell), or any other use related to mobility control, emergency response or safety related applications. Remember, these devices have been built by volunteers and you’re responsible for how you choose to use the device per our Terms of Use. 

Q: I have a device I have been working on and would like to share.  

You can submit your design. We also have resources for documentation. If you are feeling stuck do not let that deter you from sharing what you have accomplished on your design so far! 

Q: Can I modify a design? How do I modify a design? 

Yes, but please check the license of the device first. We do our best to make our designs as open as possible while still providing some protection through Open Source Licensing. Generally, if you change a design all that’s required is attribution to the original designer, but some of our community members may choose more restrictive licenses which need to be respected.

We recommend following good design practices and using our documentation templates to capture changes you make to any designs: documentation  If you would like to share your new design, you can submit it to our library.

Q: I (or my client) got a Device from MMC, but it stopped working. What do I do now?  

Please contact us at info@makersmakingchange.com. In your message please included details about what’s not working, or the situation when it stopped working as expected. We will investigate from there and someone from our team, or one of our volunteers may reach out with some additional questions and information. 

Q: Do devices come with a warranty? 

No, as we are a volunteer organization and not a store we do not provide any specific warranty, but if you paid cost of materials for an electronic device in Canada we’ll fix or replace it within 1 year from date of purchase. We will also do our best to help you figure out a fix if something happens, regardless of timeline, so please reach out info@makersmakingchange.com.

Q: What support do I get from MMC? 

We are always here to help. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact info@makersmakingchange.com.