"This is an exciting new path for us," says Neil Squire Society Makers Making Change Accessible Gaming Lead Tyler Fentie, of his organization's latest initiative: the GAME Kit.

This innovation marks the latest step towards expanding adaptive gaming throughout Canada for Makers Making Change, an initiative of nonprofit Neil Squire Society (which is Canada's leader in creating assistive technology).

Makers Making Change connects volunteer makers with Canadians with disabilities, to create low-cost or free assistive technologies which empower individuals to work, play and live fulfilling lives. Customized to that specific client, these devices have ultimately led to Makers Making Change's open-source library of device patterns, available to makers worldwide.

Feedback from their clients, as well as from makers with disabilities, makes their devices effective for the communities they serve. Currently, Makers Making Change is conducting their "Hacking for the Holidays" event, where makers come together to make holiday toys accessible to their young recipients. This year, Tyler says, they're expanding that program with a week-long special event.

And they're expanding their reach as they make fun accessible to gamers, as well.

A "game-changing" vision

In 2024, Tyler implemented and led the GAME Checkpoints program: opening centers, throughout Canada, which work with community partners to offer resources, gear and training for adaptive gaming. The program continues to thrive.

At the time of our 2024 conversation, Canada had nine GAME Checkpoints. Today, Tyler says, that number has grown to eleven. His goal is to have one in every Canadian province.

And the GAME Kit was in the works. The goal: to facilitate setups of adaptive gaming showcases by providing equipment, a guide and a checklist.

The latest innovation

Today, the kit is complete--and has been released for purchase. (While it's not currently available outside of Canada, Makers Making Change has both a four-part series on the basics of game adaptability, and a accessible gaming equipment patterns available to all makers on their open-source library of assistive device build instructions!)

With three different sets of assistive devices for increasing more complex gaming, as well as a guide with five possible setups, the GAME Kit allows anyone--even if they have no experience--to set up an effective showcase and show visitors how adaptive gaming can work for their communities or organizations.

Tyler talked about creating the GAME Kit, explained at one scenario in using it to set up an adaptive gaming showcase, and offered a look at an exciting grant program designed to help Canadian youth implement adaptive gaming showcases in their areas!

"An Exciting New Path"

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