TSSAFF Building Open Source Special Needs Devices
Experience Assistive Technology: Press All the Buttons!
Discover the world of special needs by directly interacting with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices—the devices that speak for those who have difficulty speaking.
Engage in a conversation with T-Rex, a successful and slightly famous autistic adult, and learn about my latest work: building assistive technology in my spare time. This project involved extensive 3D design and printing, embedded electronics design, and software engineering.
Our booth also serves an important goal: to gather feedback from special needs individuals to inform and improve the creation of future assistive technology.
Discover the world of special needs by directly interacting with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices—the devices that speak for those who have difficulty speaking.
Engage in a conversation with T-Rex, a successful and slightly famous autistic adult, and learn about my latest work: building assistive technology in my spare time. This project involved extensive 3D design and printing, embedded electronics design, and software engineering.
Our booth also serves an important goal: to gather feedback from special needs individuals to inform and improve the creation of future assistive technology.
Michael Kadie
- M.S. in Computer ScienceDirector of Engineering Patented work on EV charging networks. 2025 Bay Area Maker Faire Editors' Choice Award 20 years' experience designing and building over EVs, including a Class 8 Semi Built the world-record-breaking coupe 2.S.S.I.C. in a garage, featured in the New York Times, exhibited at the North American International Auto Show, and an Automotive X Prize contestant. Starred in the Electrified TV series and What is the Electric Car documentary. Guest co-hosted the ESPN Car Talk radio show. Has five AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices deployed, with a goal of a 50-unit production prototype run this year.
More Maker Info
https://tssfaa.com/More Event Info
More Project Info
https://tssfaa.com/
What inspired you to make this project?
I met a teenager you could not communicate when I was in college. I assumed he was smart because of that, I realized I had made that assumption, got mad at myself, and built a device to facilitate his ability to communicate. Years later I decided to do it again for people with unmet needs.