T-Rex Successful, Slightly Famous, Autistic Adult
Open Source Assistive Devices and Possibly Inspirational Stories.


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Febuary 6, 2026

Testing Speakers, motors, screens for next version

AAC Device and Personal Update

I want to apologize for dropping out for a bit. I had some disruptions that were not inherently bad, but I don't like change. Specifically, I had some emergency dental surgery and changes to my living arrangements that took up a lot of my time and energy.

I am going to try and start making more videos with a goal of 2 a month, but I won't be committing to a set schedule. I've got a lot of things to talk about and share, from lessons of being an autistic adult to building special needs devices.

I have a bunch of little projects I've built that I need to release as open source:

  • An over-engineered, multi-purpose USB night light that doubles as a volume control for PCs.
  • My custom mini-ITX NAS server box.
  • A Christmas tree topper.
  • And so many more things.

Schedule for the Year

Here is a look at what is planned for the year:

Month Activity Location
March Presentation: "T-Rex Successful, Slightly Famous, Autistic Adult" (primarily for parents of autistic children) Local School, Hermosa Beach
March Abilities Expo Los Angeles
Attending Accessibility Expo		 Long Beach
April Traveling to Thailand (Connect with Chiang Mai University and vacation) Thailand, Chiang Mai University
April Los Angeles Maker Faire
Booth at Los Angeles Maker Fair		 Los Angeles
July Open Sauce Festival
Booth at Open Sauce Again		 San Mateo
September Maker Faire Bay Area 2026
Booth at Bay Area Maker Faire Again		 Vallejo

AAC Device Projects and Goals

I am actively building 30 devices to be given away to autistic children for stim / education purposes as part of a charity drive.

I am also looking for test groups for the next version of my AAC devices:

  • Test group of 10 or more people for my pocket-sized AAC device.
  • Test group of 9 or more people for my next version of medium-sized AAC device for limited mobility.

Regarding the next versions of my devices, I currently have 3 of 4 PCBs that I need designed. My plan is to send all of them off for production in the next month.

Funding and Support

I do have a full-time job that thankfully allows me to do all this traveling and not only pays my bills but leaves me with enough left over to fund these projects.

I have gotten some initial sponsorships and I hope to expand those relationships to be able to build more devices for people in need.

Call to Action

I am currently looking for:

  • Individuals who can benefit from these AAC devices.
  • People to join the team and help with these projects.

Please see the links below for more information and how to get involved.

main@tssfaa.com Email / Link to application for test group/volunteer

If you are interested in sponsoring future events or device builds, please contact me through my channel.
Production Protype Review
4 boxes, 1 core
Getting ready for the next version / production prototype of my special needs device. Feedback would be appreciated. Here is the document. Thank you
Google Document
What we are working on in no order:
  • Device for Anthony - non verbal indivudual using picture cards
  • 3 video shorts on making the devices we brought to Bay Area Maker Faire
  • 1 regular length video of building the devices for Bay Area Maker Faire
  • 1 video of being at Bay Area Maker Faire
  • Pitch application for SWSX
  • Building some hardware for Jay Leno's 1911 Detroit Electric retro-mod restoration
  • Getting some devices built for local special needs classroom
  • Sponsors
  • Posible side education toy project to better fund giving everything away

Pictured device is in the hands of "Moana".
Aparently she loves it and the button vibration and neo-pixel lights are fun. We will see how she progresses with this device and are standing by ready to update as needed.
The device is currently configured as a basic needs communication device, but first she needs to develop some associations. It is easily updated in python through USB port and / or microSD card.

Open Source Assistive Devices
Expanding Accessibility, One Individual at a Time
The mission is to expand accessibility, collaborate with like-minded innovators, and grow open-source resources for special needs technology. Whether you're a potential collaborator, someone seeking support, or just curious, stop by to learn, connect, and explore how we can build solutions together!

More information >

Shout out to HandtoHand Pattaya for doing wonderful work and getting me motivated to start building special needs devices now, instead of waiting.




Received and bringing up.
Minimum Full Assistive Communication Device
Working name MacD?
📏 Overview: The device measures 80mm (3 inches) square and features large 12mm buttons, a compact (likely monochrome) screen, an audio amplifier, and support for a rechargeable battery. It’s designed to work with the Raspberry Pi Pico 2, but is also compatible with the original Pico. It includes connectors for integration into a larger system.

🛠️ Use Cases: Ideal for developers as a development board or as a compact emergency lanyard device.

💸 Estimated Cost: At quantities of 25, the PCB with components and battery is estimated at $25 USD per unit (not including potential tariffs).

🎨 Optional Upgrade: For a few dollars more, a larger color screen could be used. This would require additional space and possibly some redesign.

🎟️ Next Steps: I have some coupons available and I’m considering using them to build this board—unless another project takes priority.
Square with large buttons or smaller with rotary encoder?
Rotary Encode can just be smacked for a distress message ...
We just began work on our next device for an adult that recently suffered from a brain aneurysm and in non verbal and has limited fine motor control in one arm. It is a variation of the previous device with a priority of getting something to them quickly and making adjustments as more information is available. We will try to take some video of the creation process, but that is low priority and we will see what happens.
By Requested donation Link to support the project.
We are partnered with American Legion Post 468 | Julian CA
to accept donations to support this project. We thank them for helping with something that we are bad at.
Happy to announce that we have our first 2 sponsors
Prusa has agreed to provide us with come of our filament needs
JLCPCB has agreed to provide us with coupons to build some of our PCB's




Starting anunal cancer ride in September 2025
Raised $279 Image is not currently updating ...


This is a rough website with just enough to get the informatin out, or insert text here that inspires you to want to contact us.
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