Santa … I know HIM!
Santa's workshop came to life at UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub
Sometimes, a single device stands between an individual with a disability and their independence, or their ability to play, explore and dream. When that device doesn’t exist yet on the market, May We Help steps in.
The organization joined forces for a special community event as reported by MSN.
The First Annual Tinker Toy Build Day at the University of Cincinnati’s 1819 Innovation Hub, supported by the Ground Floor Makerspace.
Even Santa stopped by to lend a helping hand.
Photos: Volunteers welding and soldering inside the Ground Floor Makerspace. Photo/Alex Pearks.
Our mission is to enable creative problem solvers. We were thrilled to have the opportunity to work with May We Help and the many UC departments that came together to make this project possible.
Benjamin Jones Director, Ground Floor Makerspace
Tinkering for a cause
UC students, staff and May We Help volunteers work inside the Ground Floor Makerspace. Photo/Alex Pearks
More than 100 UC students, engineers, faculty and 1819 corporate partners packed into the Hub and its Ground Floor Makerspace for a massive build day, retrofitting power buttons on over 200 brand-new electronic toys in under 24 hours.
Through the combined efforts of the Adaptive Equipment Design and Innovation Collaborative, along with the IDD Education Center and Kaleidoscope Innovation, each toy was transformed into an accessible interactive experience for children with disabilities across Greater Cincinnati.
“This initiative represents the heart of innovation, using design to create inclusion,” says Aaron Burdette, assistant professor and co-founder of the Collaborative. “Together with May We Help, we’re giving children the chance to experience the simple joy of play. This partnership bridges people, colleges and centers to advance adaptive technology, inclusive design and education.”
The Collaborative unites the following partners from across the University of Cincinnati:
- 1819 Innovation Hub
- College of Allied Health Sciences
- College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning
- College of Engineering and Applied Science
- College of Medicine
- IDD Education Center
Helping hands
The process of being adapted to bring joy to a child. Photo/Alex Pearks.
May We Help volunteers design and build custom devices, at no cost, to help hundreds of individuals with disabilities each year.
Each toy was rewired and a new power switch was adapted, allowing it to be activated with a simple button push. By doing so, children with limited fine motor skills or restricted hand movement are empowered to play independently.
This slight modification makes a world of difference, turning complex toys into accessible tools for joy, creativity and development.
Burdette says, “For too long, the field has lacked the interdisciplinary collaboration needed to meet critical needs in adaptive technologies and assistive devices. Now, UC is leading the way in changing that.”
As the engine that powers the Cincinnati Innovation District, UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub continues to serve as the region’s premier center for collaboration, creativity and problem-solving. Programs like the Tinker Toy Build Day exemplify how 1819 is proud to be an active community neighbor that not only fuels technological advancement but also puts the heart in the Center for the Silicon Heartland. Bringing together students, experts, industry partners and community organizations inspires the Hub to create meaningful impact for families across Cincinnati.
The adapted toys will be distributed throughout the region during the holiday season as part of May We Help’s Tinker Toy Box program.
“Our mission is to enable creative problem solvers. We were thrilled to have the opportunity to work with May We Help and the many UC departments that came together to make this project possible,” said Benjamin Jones, director of the Ground Floor Makerspace. In a very short amount of time, the community produced hundreds of adaptive toys using instructions developed by UC students. This is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of our students, and a demonstration of that when we come together to solve problems as a community, we can have a huge impact.”
How to get involved
A packed 1819 Innovation Hub buzzing with the excitement of individuals dedicated to making a difference. Photo/Alex Pearks.
Everyone is invited to donate a toy or financial support at MayWeHelp.org to cover the costs of toys, wiring, adaptive switches and event logistics. Every contribution directly supports accessible play and belonging for children with disabilities.
“By sponsoring or volunteering, you’re not just funding materials; you’re transforming lives,” says Brianne Wilkerson, program director of May We Help. “These toys represent independence, joy and belonging.”
Cover image: Santa and his helper. Photo/Alex Pearks.
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