“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!

On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:

• How the GAME Kit came about;

• A walk-through of using the GAME Kit to set up an adaptive gaming showcase;

• Some more complex set-ups for more advanced gamers;

• Some of the things people may not know about adaptive gaming;

• The aesthetics that tend to make visitors want to know more about the adaptive gaming setup;

• How makers in areas other than Canada can gain inspiration from the GAME Kit’s gear and instructions;

• The programs for which the GAME Kit is raising funds;

• An exciting opportunity for youth who’d like to set up adaptive gaming showcases: Clubs That Care!:

• One of Tyler’s best lessons about adaptive technology from creating the GAME Kit;

• His advice to fellow makers for creating concise instructions and information;

• A favorite story about his experiences with the GAME Kit;

• Some of the ways Tyler has seen education getting “gamified” to engage students;

• New adaptive-gaming innovations he saw during a recent trip to a South Korean conference;

• How to troubleshoot, if someone buys the kit and a switch or other device breaks;

• Ballpark figures, for Canadians wanting to purchase the GAME Kit;

• Makers Making Change’s needs for the 2025 Christmas season (they’re currently doing their “Hacking for the Holidays” event, and would love to have your help!).

• “The Gift of Access”, an upcoming week-long special event for makers in Canada!

• What Tyler’s looking forward to adding or revising in the GAME Kit in the future.