$12,797 worth of assistive technology repaired so far (May 2024)

The SwitchFixers project will attempt to repair your assistive technology switches for free, including postage both ways.  SwitchFixers is a project of Maker Works, a non-profit makerspace in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  Funded by a grant from Zingerman's Mail Order, repairs will be done at least once a month by volunteers (staff, members, and interested community people) with experience in soldering and other electronic repair.  We will also welcome assistive technology students to learn.  Some repairs may be documented (video or text instruction) and shared.  Equipment and supplies will be provided by Maker Works and other sponsors.

Recent Work Sessions

May 17, 2024:  Maker Works members and even a couple of board members gathered to repair switch-adapted toys from the Washtenaw Intermediate School District just before the regular Maker Works Fix-It Friday.

May 24, 2024:  Members of the local ARROW amateur radio club spent an afternoon repairing AT switches and some communication devices in the conference room at Maker Works.  Thanks to members of the ARROW Communication Association!

Who can send a switch in?  Anyone with a broken assistive technology switch.  Occupational therapist, speech-language pathologists, teachers, parents, etc.

Right now we are limited to the United States.

What does it cost?  There is no cost for the repair or postage either way.  We will send you a USPS shipping label to ship your switches for free.  (Maker Works can accept donations in support of this project if your organization is in a position to assist, but it is not an expectation.)

What can be sent in?  Simple switches (physically-activated) with 1/8” cables.  We have also had success fixing voice-output switches (e.g., Little Mack, etc.), but these may take longer to fix.  Devices with cases that are glued shut, such as Enabling Devices, might not be repairable.  Other devices may be possible--email us at info@switchfixers.org.

How long does it take?  Depending on when we receive your switches, it may take a few days to several weeks until the next fixing session.  In some cases, repairs may take longer than one repair session, especially if we have to order a repair part.

Upcoming Repair Sessions:  Right now, repairs are done as they come in, but we may shift to a regular schedule.

How long is the guarantee?  There's no guarantee at all.  The repair attempt could even make it worse.

Steps

1.  You fill out this form.  You'll need to know

a.  A description of each switch.  Please label each switch with a number so we know which is which.

b.  A description of the problem (and what may have caused it).

c.  The size and weight of the box to ship them in (including packing--please use lots of padding!).

d.  The total value for insurance.

2.  We will email you in a day or two with

a.  A pre-paid shipping label (usually USPS).

b.  An agreement listing the units you are sending and a liability waiver (see text below), for your signature.

c.  The date of the next fixing event.

3.  Pack up the box:

a.  Using the same box and packing materials as when you weighed them earlier, pack securely.

b.  Enclose the signed agreement.

c.  Place the shipping label on the box.

d.  Drop in the mail.

4.  We will attempt to repair the items at the next repair session after we receive them.

5.  Receive your repaired switches.

a.  We will document what we did, and if we were unable to repair a switch, why that was the case.

Infrequently Asked Questions

What kind of switches can you repair?

Right now, the emphasis is on simple switches, where a physical press activates a mechanical switch.  That said, we have had a lot of success repairing Ablenet Big and Little Mack devices--especially scratchy speakers and intermittent operation due to the 9V battery clip.

What kind of repairs can you do?

Simple repairs like broken cables and wires should usually be no problem.  Switches with parts missing or broken may or may not be within the ability of the group to repair, and an attempt to do so may make it worse.  While the volunteers will do everything they can to return a switch to operation, please consider SwitchFixers as a last option before you throw it out.

Can I send you other broken assistive technology devices and toys?

Perhaps, especially for simpler devices.  Send your query (perhaps with a photo) to info@SwitchFixers.org.  But right now, the emphasis is on assistive switches.

Can I send toys to be switch-adapted?

Right now, we're concentrating on switches.  We'll update this page if that changes.  (But in-person, Maker Works does switch adapt toys on some Fix-It Fridays.  See https://www.maker-works.com/events/toy-adaptation-friday for details.)

Can I just send you the switches directly, without filling out your form?

We have no idea how popular this will be.  One way we can make sure we're not overwhelmed is by using the form and sending out a label in response.  However, if it is easier for you to have the switches sent to us, there's a box to check on the form and we'll just send you our address, which is totally a secret and you would never guess it in a million years.

Will your repair void any warranties?

Yes.  Yes it will.

Who is funding this and why?

Maker Works, a local makerspace, received a donation from Zingerman's that in part is directed at assistive technology.  Zingerman's Mail Order is an Ann Arbor based food company that donates to a variety of local non-profits.  

I'd like to learn/help.

Contact us, especially if you're in the assistive technology field.

The Agreement (what you'll sign and enclose with your switches--we'll send you a copy)

As a service to people who use assistive technology, volunteers with the SwitchFixers project will be attempting to repair devices that I am sending.  While the volunteers will be using care, I acknowledge that attempts to repair a device may not succeed, and may cause more damage to the device.  Furthermore, after repair the device may not function as originally designed, due to wear and tear, damage, or other causes including those introduced during an attempt to repair.  Repaired devices should not be used in any situation where malfunction could cause any harm whatsoever, including but not limited to communication, environmental control, or mobility.

I hereby defend, indemnify, release, discharge, and hold harmless, Maker Works, employees, members, volunteers, and funders from any liability, injury, loss, damages whether personal or real, expenses, whether tangible or intangible, litigation costs by which they may incur in relation to the repair or attempted repair of the devices I am sending.