Starting with our first summer camp programming in 2016, Zero Day Camp has always been interested in how the development of computer literacy can help advance the needs of the disability community. Empowering individuals to understand and use a broad range of technologies to help solve problems around them has been a key pillar in our mission. Starting in 2019, we began supporting the mission of Makers Making Change, an organization aiming to connect makers, assistive technology (AT) users, and disability professionals in providing access to affordable AT. Through online build events and in-person hackathons, we have begun to support the DIY AT local community and aid in furthering the mission. Learn a bit more about our ongoing initiatives here:
[icon name=”book” prefix=”fas”] DIY AT Lending library
The local chapter of Makers Making Change has begun building a growing library of the most often requested switches, adapted toys, and switch interfaces. They are available for loan to users and caregivers for a period of 6 weeks.
[icon name=”tools” prefix=”fas”] DIY AT Build Projects
Zero Day Camp has begun developing in-house instructions for beginner-friendly and affordable AT devices for interaction with computers and tablets. Step-by-step instructions are provided with picture supports. Some projects support blocked-based coding or user-friendly Circuitpython for easier onboarding.
[icon name=”gamepad” prefix=”fas”] Adaptive Gaming
As part of after-school programming, Zero Day Camp utilized the Makecode Arcade environment to create a highly engaging computer science curriculum. We are now taking those valuable skills in order to support anyone who would like to create custom video games for a user with a disability. Often commercially available games may be too fast, too complex, or too overstimulating for some players. The ability to create and share custom games to meet an individual’s needs helps to bring the joy of gaming to ALL. We are building an ever-growing list of “2 Minute Arcades” for novices to learn about this game development platform as well as designs for creating accessible game pad devices.