Our Blog
-
3D Designing Custom Keyguards for AAC Access
Keyguards are physical overlays placed on top of keyboards or communication devices to help individuals with motor control difficulties accurately select keys by preventing accidental key presses. They support access to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) by providing a stable, guided surface that enhances precision, thereby enabling users to communicate more effectively. An AAC app…
-
Project Docs for the Community
Documenting your project and build process is an essential part of the final product. By sharing your documentation, you enable others in the community to build upon your original designs and make your creations accessible to a wider audience. This can be transformative, especially for Open Assistive Technology projects that may start as tools for…
-
Accessible CS Education Collaboration Space
Making computer science education accessible to users with disabilities is crucial for fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities in the tech industry. It empowers individuals with diverse abilities to develop essential skills, participate fully in the digital world, and contribute innovative perspectives. Accessibility in education not only promotes social equity but also drives technological advancements that…
-
Using a Micro:bit as Assistive Technology
The micro:bit is a compact, programmable microcontroller designed to introduce beginners to coding and electronics. It features a variety of built-in components, including an LED matrix display, buttons, sensors like an accelerometer and magnetometer, and input/output pins for connecting external devices. Users can program the micro:bit using block-based coding, JavaScript, or Python, enabling it to…
-
Micro:bit as Assistive Technology
Join the NYC Metro chapter of Makers Making Change for an interactive in-person workshop where participants will explore the fundamentals of physical computing and block-based coding using the micro:bit controller. Learn how to use the Micro:bit as a wireless switch interface using PrintLab’s TAP switch for computer and mobile control, integrate a joystick for mouse…
-
Switch Adapted Remote Camera Shutter
Users with physical disabilities may struggle with engaging in meaningful leisure activities. Photography is an effective means of participation in leisure. This project provides instructions on how to adapt low cost commercially available remote shutter devices which may not be accessible to users with physical disabilities. The device is modified by adding a mono jack…
-
Zero Day Camp Receives Google Blocky Accessibility Fund Grant to Empower Young Programmers with Disabilities
We’re thrilled to announce that Zero Day Camp has been awarded a grant from the Google Blocky Accessibility Fund! This exciting opportunity will allow us to create a series of free, self-paced learning modules designed to teach students, educators, and families how to utilize assistive technology to program with Blockly. This means that popular web…
-
Makecode Arcade Holiday Hackathon
On November 24th 2024, the Zero Day Camp teamed up with Adaptive Design Association and the NYC Metro Chapter of Makers Making Change to host a unique hackathon event. The goal? To create accessible arcade machines that would empower individuals of all abilities to experience the joy of gaming. Why Accessible Gaming Matters Gaming is…
-
Empowering Accessibility: Using Micro:bit and 3D Design as a Switch Interface
A Recap of the November 11th Virtual Workshop On Monday, November 11th, 2024 we hosted a virtual workshop featuring Bill Siever and PrintLab’s Rob Mafrici. We delved into the exciting world of open source assistive technology, showcasing how the versatile Micro:bit controller can be repurposed as a switch interface to empower individuals with physical disabilities.…
-
Cabinet Arcades at Brooklyn Public Libraries
We have been hard at work the past few months collaborating with the wonderful people at the Brooklyn Public Library and their Incubator program. Zero Day has had the pleasure of collaborating with the Flatbush and East Flatbush branches and their amazing teen librarians to explore and develop a plan for encouraging their patrons to…