James Builds Over 50 Devices as a Clubs That Care Leader

James graduated high school earlier this year and has been working with Ability New Brunswick (Ability NB), where he helps people with disabilities navigate government services, rent accessible equipment, and connect with others. As a person with disabilities himself, it’s not just work — it’s something he’s truly passionate about.

So, when a co-worker told him about another opportunity — Neil Squire’s Makers Making Change program’s Clubs That Care micro-grants funding volunteer youth leaders to build assistive devices for Canadians with disabilities — he decided to apply.

“There were many factors that pushed me to apply, one being my job and me working so closely with individuals with disabilities. I knew I would have no shortage of people needing assistive tech and hoped I could make people’s everyday lives easier,” he shares. “Another key factor that motivated me is I am a person with disabilities. I have chronic conditions and I know what it’s like firsthand to feel out of place, I don’t want anyone to be struggling with daily life tasks.”

He named his club, “Thriving Not Surviving,” engaging his co-workers at Ability NB as volunteers and he began printing assistive devices with the 3D printer that he was able to purchase with the Clubs That Care micro-grant.

“I came up with the name ‘Thriving Not Surviving’ because I want to help people regain their independence, one tool at a time. Removing roadblocks that the ‘average’ person wouldn’t even consider a challenge, like opening a bottle or removing their seatbelt,” he says.

The very first devices James made were for Mira, the daughter of his co-worker Gillian who had told him about Clubs That Care in the first place, and who has Down Syndrome. Mira loved the devices! (Mira pictured above with a Can Tab Opener above, and below using a Single Row Playing Card Holder to play Uno).

His colleagues have also been putting him touch with Ability NB service participants who need assistive technology, and he’s already made and delivered over 50 devices.

“The people I’ve given tools to have been ecstatic, expressing how they never thought of something like this, and it’s a wonderful tool. The main success I’ve had was with can tab openers. I printed a few dozen in many colours and have passed them around to people with limited grip strength and dexterity issues and they’ve all loved it,” James shares.

This fall, James will be heading to St. Thomas University to study psychology, with a focus on gerontology, the study of aging. He says his time as a Clubs That Care leader has helped shape his perspective.

“I am excited to further my knowledge on accessibility and grow my career,” he explains. “After working with Clubs that Care, I have a better understanding of the need for services for individuals with disabilities, not just in my province New Brunswick, but all of Canada. Seeing how many people are requesting tools for basic everyday life further solidified my want to work in this field.”

James intends to continue volunteering with Makers Making Change, saying that he has been keeping an eye out for local device requests and keeping in touch with his colleagues at Ability NB to help their service participants.

“[Clubs That Care] is such a wonderful program I am so grateful to have taken part in it. I have told anyone and everyone I know about this experience, and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat! It’s so fun learning how to start 3D printing and seeing the smiles on people’s faces is the best part,” he says.

“A major thanks to Neil Squire, this has been an amazing opportunity I will never forget. And a major thanks to the team for regularly checking in and making this an easy and fun process!”