Assistive Devices
Open Source Assistive Devices and Possibly Inspriational Stories

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!

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Assoicative Device
This initiative began with the creation of an assistive device for a special needs girl I met in Thailand. Drawing from my experience building assistive speech boards in college—along with years of work in electronic and software engineering, I designed this project to be adaptable and reusable for various applications, whether for special needs or other innovative uses.

We are building an open-source ecosystem with the vision of making these devices easily accessible worldwide. Imagine being able to order PCBs, 3D print cases, assemble components, and configure the system with simple steps, no matter where you are. Most importantly, these devices are meant to be freely given, not sold, to those who need them most. I’m not in this for profit, nor do I want to navigate the liability of selling them commercially.

The first device has an estimated material cost of just over $100 USD. By developing open-source special needs devices, we aim to create foundational building blocks that make customized solutions easier to develop and share.

Under Consideration, Minimum Full Assistive Communication Device Working name MacD?

	Button or even smaller device with rotary encoder? Link to smaller board on JLBPCB (trying for free pcb's) https://oshwlab.com/ssiracing/assistive-communication-device EasyEda
📏 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.

Mad Props to Makegood Design
A much more mature assistive device organization whom we hope to colaberate with in the future.
We specialize in electronic and computer based assistive devices and they seem to specialize in more mechanical solutions.

This is a just enough website that needs some help, or something else that inspires you to want to contact us.

Contact

Project Links & Media

GitHub Repository: NeedsBoard
YouTube Channel: @ecobra1026

Board focusing on making associations and enabling basic needs communication for special needs
Combination of hardware and software with design philosophy of modularity and customizing for specific special needs individuals
Documentation is currently in Google Docs as well as github
Project Overview
Button / Input boards -
Processor Board -
First Needs word list -
Plan going forward -