Makey Makey Pictures - https://makeymakey.com
they want to use and clip the other end to something that acts as the “switch”. While the Makey Makey seems silly and fun (and it is!), it is an excellent resource for AT professionals working to provide phys- ical access to and/or engage folks in using the computer. Makey Makey could be used for assessment purposes, play sessions and social/group activities using readily-available, common objects that students enjoy while also supporting their natural motor patterns. Your imagination is the limit for what you could invent to control the computer. Makey Makey is designed to be “plug, clip and play,” but the board can also be hacked for advanced programming and even work with mobile devices. 3D Printing 3D printing is the process of making three-dimensional solid objects from a digital file using an additive print method. A 3D printer prints the object by laying down successive layers of material until a solid object is created. 3D-printed objects are
most often made from plastic, but can be built from various resins or metals. 3D printers vary in cost from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the size and types of materials to be printed. 3D printing also requires a drawing or blueprint from which to print. This specialized soft- ware certainly has a learning curve, but beginners can create simple designs with some initial training. Luckily, there are sites such as Thingverse where makers can share their already-created designs. With access to a 3D printer, it is simple to print already- designed keyguards, adapted grips and tools, mounts and even Brailed items. Those with advanced skills can print some really cool AT tools such as custom 3D-printed prosthetics that you often hear about on the news or social media. Laser Cutting and Engraving Laser cutting is another popular technology being added to maker spaces. Laser cutting uses a laser to precisely cut by melting, burning or vaporizing on a wide variety of solid mate- rials such as wood, cardboard, acrylic and cork. Like 3D printers, laser cutters vary in price based on the size of the cutting space and materials that it can cut. Laser cutters utilize vector drawings to create cut files. Vector drawings use mathematical equations to create points, curves and lines along an object path, allowing a graphic to be scaled to any size without changing the graphic quality. Makers can user a paid program such as Adobe Illus- trator or a free tool such as Inkscape to create vector drawings. Creating these drawings is more complex than using standard photo editing tools, but the learning curve is certainly easier than learning to render objects in 3D for 3D printing. Laser cutters are an excellent way to construct low cost fixtures such as keyguards, slant boards, positioning equipment, device holders, tactile maps and images, writing guides and more. Products can be used as a permanent tool or created to be used temporarily for assessing or training for a task. Many laser cutters can also etch designs on materials such as wood, glass and metal in addition to
Makey Makey Video - https://vimeo.com/279920496
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