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 perform tasks such as displaying messages, detecting motion, controlling lights, and interacting with other gadgets.
As part of our work supporting the NYC Metro Chapter of Makers Making Change, we held a Micro:bit as Assistive Technology workshop to put this Swiss army knife of microcontrollers to work. Our goal, introduce health professionals, AT users, educators, and students to physical computing and how to create customized interactions for user with physical disabilities. We had a range of participants from high school students, engineering students and professionals, and disability support providers representing a range of local organizations.
The workshop focused on showcasing the variety of options of how to use the micro:bit to create starter projects, understanding the Input- Process- Output process, and lowering the fear factor of coding. We aimed to build three different devices, which included:
Switch Activated Catapult Launcher
Participants put together a 3D printed catapult design modified to place a microservo within. The servo was connected to the micro:bit and programmed to release the arm either using the onboard buttons or with a monojack wire connected to its pin.
Using a low cost PS2 joystick that was connected to the micro:bit using M4 nuts and bolts, the controller was turned into a bluetooth enabled mouse. Features such as custom toppers and camera mounting were highlighted.
PrintLab Tap’s Switch Interface
We also touched upon the ability to use the micro:bit’s on board buttons as a switch interface for computer and mobile access and ways to customize key commands being sent.
Resources
The slides for the workshop are available at this Google Slide file and viewable here:
Thanks!
We would like to thank MakerspaceNYC for supporting us with the space and time to host this workshop and supporting the open assistive technology movement. In addition, we would like to thank the wonderful engineers at Makers Making Change who provided the joystick files that were modified for this project. And of course, thanks you so much to all the local chapter volunteers who came out to help.