Make Therapeutic Exercise Fun with Makey Makey Winners
The Make Therapeutic Exercise Fun with Makey Makey info sessions were fantastic and well attended! At these sessions, viewers learned how the Makey Makey device can be used by disability professionals (such as Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Assistive Technology Specialists and Speech Language Pathologists) in therapeutic settings to increase client engagement. These intro sessions were created in partnership with Colleen Graves of JoyLabz as well as Katie Butzu and Mark Lyons of Makers Making Change's Michigan Chapter and Creative Makers.
Above is a screen capture of the Makey Makey intro session. L to R: Colleen Graves, Katie Butzu, Zee Kesler, Mark Lyons and Tom Heck.
The Makers Making Change team initially learned of the therapeutic potential of the Makey Makey through Katie and Mark. Together, they regularly host a series of workshops for disability professionals with the Regional Educational Media Center Association of Michigan (REMC). Their sessions are always a hit, but the series was unfortunately put on hold due to COVID-19. Hosting this info series and course is a fun way to re-ignite these workshops and bring them to a larger audience.
What is the Makey Makey?
The Makey Makey device looks like an old school Nintendo Controller; it is a electronic invention device that works by opening and closing a circuit. Just attach any conductive object to the Makey Makey board with alligator clips. Next, connect to the internet to trigger actions from another device! For example, through simple movements with your body, you can trigger sounds, light, or an action on a software program. The possibilities are endless! The device can be used to help clients adopt switch use, practice their fine motor control, strength, balance and so much more! Make therapeutic exercise fun with the Makey Makey!
Above Katie Butzu, a pediatric Occupational Therapist uses the Makey Makey device attached to the fingers of a rubber glove. Each finger has aluminum tape and an alligator clip attached with wires . The wires connect to a computer that generates sound when Katie touches her fingers together.
Announcing the Winners
Winners will receive free entry to the Makey Makey Course, a Makey Makey Classic and an anti static bracelet and aluminum tape.
Prizes donated by Makers Making Change and JoyLabz.
Our Winners!
You can watch their entries by clicking their names
Valerie Lill, AT Training Consultant/SLP Lincoln Intermediate, Oxford PA
Jordana Bengall, OT Graduate University of Western Ontario, Toronto ON
David Markowitz AT Resource for Human Development Philadelphia PA
Ynez Peterson AT Old Dominion University, Norfolk Virginia
Myriah Farmer, SLP, Lincoln Intermediate. Littlestown, PA
Gurbaksh Singh, Engineer at TechieBaksh.
Lori Lambert OT Assistant Mesa Arizona
Anne Page SLP, Phoenix Arizona
Tracey Zhang Specialist at University of Michigan Medicine
Mukhinder Gill Clinical Technology Assistant at Sunny Hill Children's Hospital
Would you like to take the Makey Makey course?
Sign up here to receive info on future Makey Makey workshops!
What is Makers Making Change?
Makers Making Change pairs makers to people with disabilities who need access to low cost assistive devices. Our website hosts a Assistive Device Library of open source devices that includes material lists, design files, and instructions for building DIY assistive technologies. Some projects in the library include switches for electronic devices like accessible gaming, AAC devices and toys. The library also has files to create simple eating and grooming aids for daily life. One of the highest tech projects is the LipSync; a mouth controlled sip and puff mouse. On www.makersmakingchange.com, makers can volunteer their times and skills, and requesters can request devices and only pay the cost of materials (and shipping if applicable).
Join Us!
Learn more about volunteer opportunities available. We have options no matter what your skills or professional background!