Remember your favorite toy?

As Christmas season 2023 approaches, Makers Making Change is in the process of creating similarly-beloved memories, for children with disabilities.

Their annual "Hacking for the Holidays" campaign is happening now. This year's goals: 100 maker events, and a total of 2,000 adapted toys, switches and video game joysticks by December. And you're invited to help them by hosting a maker event, hacking or donating!

Makers Making Change is an initiative of Canada-based nonprofit Neil Squire Society. Their mission: to empower Canadians with disabilities through technology and maker skills. Since Makers Making Change started, in 2016, they've created more than 200 affordable open-source assistive devices for Canadians with disabilities.

But their work isn't restricted to Canada.

When we spoke with Makers Making Change founder/ Director of Innovation Chad Leaman.in 2017, MMC had just hosted their first U.S. event. Since then, they've expanded, with a number of U.S. chapters and some exciting new innovations as they continue to work towards making technology accessible to everyone.

Since then, they've had some exciting milestones--including some major groundbreaking in accessible gaming.

And while Hacking for the Holidays is seasonal, Chad says that volunteer makers are welcome to get involved and make a difference year-round. You'll find a number of ways to help on Makers Making Change's website--and you're also welcome to contact them directly with questions.

Chad stars in this episode of Over Coffee®, as we discuss the "Hacking for the Holidays" program, the ways Makers Making Change is expanding the options available to children with disabilities and his vision for the future.