Technology has massively changed and now ideas, entrepreneurship, drive and the kind of open source hardware and software we have at Access Space can get you a prototype cheaply. And that can be used to bootstrap a whole successful business.

1. Developments in Assistive
Technology
Martyn Eggleton
@AccessSpaceTech

2. Needs
● Practitioners see needs every day
● Some are fixable
● With very simple ideas
● & a bit of technology

3. Existing Stuff
● http://www.assistivetechnologies.co.uk/
● http://www.assistivetechnologies.co.uk/

4. But if it doesn't Exist Yet?
● You can make it.
● YES REALLY!!!
● You can design and build a prototype for
many many things cheaply now out of
existing parts.
● Bootstrap a whole successful business.

5. Pimorini
● Sheffield Community Network beneficiary
● Prototyped on a technology new to them 6
months ago
● Over £300,000 turnover inside 6 months
● Selling in Maplins
● Created 3 new jobs in Neepsend

6. What You Will Need
● Ideas
● Entrepreneurship
● Drive
● Existing open source hardware and
software
● Time
● Small amount of money for components

7. You have a Need In Mind
● This lot might help spark some ideas
● Most of them are Open Source which
means
– You can use them for yourself and expand
on them if you
– Credit the original creators
– Follow their rules

8. Gridbeams
gridbeam.com

9. Embroidery Machine

10. Android App Inventor

11. Raspberry Pi
● raspberrypi.org
● Proper Computer
● £20 - £30
● Set Top Box

12. Arduino / Micro Controller
● Cheap
– £20 for the built protypeing setup
– £3 for the chips

13. Build Intelligent Devices

14. 3D Printing
● http://blog.makezine.com/2013/02/08/teen-
creates-3d-printed-brain-powered-
prosthetic-arm/

16. Refab Space

17. Refab Space @ Access Space
● Laser Cutter
● CNC Machine big enough for furniture
● 3D printers
● Arduino & Electronics
● Embroidery Machine
● Waterbear / Visual Programming

18. Courses
● 2D Design – Inkscape
● 3D Design
● Build Your On Gadget
● Android App Inventor?
● Embroidery Machine
● Vinyl Cutting
● ?????