Tinkered Toy Box is Toy Hack event that starts Oct 9 2020! 

The event utilizes the skills of local Makers to create switch adapted toys for Washtenaw Intermediate School District students and Michigan Medicine patients to unwrap for the holidays. Michigan Makers Making Change Chapter Leaders Katie Butzu and Mark Lyons partner with May We Help’s Ann Arbour Chapter and Maker Works to host this awesome event! 

Giving the Gift of Play

Do you have basic soldering skills and access to a soldering iron?

Join us in adapting one of four toy models (Starry LED Light, Fubble Bubble Machine, Remote Control Cobra Snake, and Spin-Art) All instructions will be available online, in addition to remote weekly help sessions. The goal is to modify 40 toys to accept assistive technology switches which can be operated by children with special needs.

Please note: This is not an onsite event at Maker Works although current members of Maker Works may use the electronics shop.

All hacking by Makers is to be done in their home or workshop

(photos taken from Michigan Medicine’s website)

Event Timeline:

• 10/9 6-7pm – Introductory Zoom Presentation on how to modify toys
• 10/10 1pm-3pm – Pick up toy at Maker Works, 3765 Plaza Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
• 10/16, 10/23, 10/30 Time 6-7pm – Help sessions via Zoom
• 10/31 1pm-3pm – Drop off modified toy (in original packaging) at Maker Works

COVID-19 Precautions: We will disinfect toys prior to delivery to the child. All of Tinkered Toy Box’s toy hack operations this year are socially-distanced, in a low-risk manner. The pre cautions are consistent with the requirements of Washtenaw Intermediate School District and Michigan Medicine. The health of the child, family, tinkerers and staff are very important to us.