Hackability

A methodology and design philosophy for encouraging DIY assistive technology development in which disabled people, allies, and professionals collaboratively hack, adapt, and remix existing objects into personalized assistive solutions. Hackability events bring together makers with diverse expertise (engineers, designers, therapists, craftspeople) and disabled participants to co-create devices that address specific everyday needs, often using low-cost materials and digital fabrication. The approach emphasizes democratizing assistive design, integrating diverse expertise, and treating disabled participants as co-designers rather than recipients.