From: Anat Caspi <caspian@cs.washington.edu>
Date: Tue, Nov 29, 2016 at 12:23 AM
Subject: Another way to give this holiday: Hacked Toys
To: postdocs@cs.washington.edu, cs-staff - Mailing List <cs-staff@cs.washington.edu>, cs-grads - Mailing List <cs-grads@cs.washington.edu>, faculty - Mailing List <faculty@cs.washington.edu>, professional-staff@cs.washington.edu
Hello!
Jumping on the GivingTuesday bandwagon, here's another opportunity to give this season:
FAQ:
Q: Where will you be hacking toys?
A: The Toy Hack will be at the UW Commotion MakerSpace 11/12 10-1pm. Since space for participants is limited, please be sure to sign up only if you truly intend to participate.
Q: Do I need to know how to solder in order to volunteer for the toy hack?
A: No. While soldering skills are helpful, there is quite a bit else to do. This could certainly be an opportunity for volunteers to learn how to solder. We will have several 'trainers' at the event and you can work in teams.
Q: What does it really mean to 'switch-adapt' toys?
A: We basically open each toy and splice in a mono-jack in parallel with the toy's activation switch, then sew or screw the toy back together.
Q: If I choose to donate, where is my $30 going and is it tax deductible?
A: $30 roughly covers the cost of the toy and shipping. The donation is tax deductible.
Q: Can I sponsor a toy for a specific child or institution?
A: Yes. Please contact uwtcat@uw.edu directly.
Q: If I know a family or child that can benefit from these kinds of toys, can they sign up for a toy?
A: While we cannot guarantee a toy to each family, with a successful campaign we would love to offer a toy to every child that is referred to us. Please ask caregivers/family to contact uwtcat@uw.edu directly. If the family does not have access to internet or is experiencing other access barriers, please feel free to contact uwtcat@uw.edu directly.
Q: Who is this helping?
A: The toys are headed to private homes and developmental preschools mostly in the Puget Sound area. The toys are adapted to allow kids with motor or developmental disabilities access the toys. By adding a mono-jack to the toy, you are opening a whole world of possible switches that could activate the toy.
Please don't hesitate to address any remaining questions to uwtcat@uw.edu
Happy Giving!
Anat Caspi, PhD
Director, Taskar Center for Accessible Technology
Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington
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