Ideas, projects, and field notes
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An Inspiring Open-Source Hardware Project In the latest edition of Make Magazine (Vol. 88), Joshua Pearce provides an excellent summary of a project he and his colleagues (Anita So and Jacob Reeves) developed at the University of Western Ontario. They set out to develop a low-cost mobility walker using standard wooden dowels and 3D printed […]
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ARC story
Specific Solutions to Specific Problems Our friend Jim asked us if we could help him repair his small reading lamp. The lamp itself was fine, but the plastic clipping mechanism at the base of the lamp had cracked. After asking to see where and how Jim was using the lamp, we realized that just repairing […]
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In the news
Reprinted from the Boston Globe In our experience, many mechanical wheelchair problems can be fixed using basic tools and elbow grease. But most wheelchair-users don’t have access to timely repair services, and commercial wheelchair manufacturers have little incentive to address the issue. It’s a national problem that significantly impacts people with disabilities in assisted living […]
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ARC story
It’s been an incredible year! With thanks to our friend Gary whose great aunt made this light-up Christmas tree. The original lights needed to be replaced and re-mounted (using our trusty hot glue gun). It’s a beautiful piece of art, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to make it light up again! Coincidentally, this year’s […]
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ARC story
One of the biggest challenges we have as a Repair Club is helping folks identify the high-frequency, low-friction (HFLF) problems they face. These are often problems that don’t seem to merit help, precisely because they’re manageable. But HFLF problems can significantly lower someone’s day to day resilience and happiness. In this case, after several visits […]
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ARC story
The problem is that without the right tools, you end up using a flat head screwdriver and a hammer. This can lead to serious problems like deforming your casters, which can either permanently ruin them or deform them so much that they roll funny, defeating the point of maintaining your wheelchair. Replacing wheelchair bearings (or […]
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“The purpose of the present Convention is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.” –United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disability If Dr. Therese Willkomm is our direct inspiration for […]
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“People who experience disabilities are tired of waiting weeks, months, and years for simple solutions that could be created today in minutes. Do it now! Do it today! Today!” Assistive Technology Solutions in Minutes (Book II), by Therese Willkomm. Dr. Willkomm is the Director of the New Hampshire Statewide Assistive Technology Program with the Institute […]
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