We’re supporting TOM:Melbourne

Originally published: 13 September 2017
Platform: LinkedIn Pulse
Employer at time: Telstra Labs
Word count: ~462
View original on LinkedIn Pulse

This December, TOM: Melbourne will make a difference and collaborate with the tech community in one of the most exciting, creative and innovative experiences of a lifetime.

TOM (Tikkun Olam Makers) is a global non-profit movement bringing together people with disabilities and Makers to develop open source assistive technology to address everyday challenges.

After its successful debut in 2016, TOM: Melbourne is back for a second year this December 1–3, in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology, to develop affordable, assistive technology that addresses the needs of people with disabilities.

Teams of Makers — engineers, product designers, innovators and problem solvers — will be connected with Need Knowers: individuals with a deep understanding of a specific disability or challenge, to develop hardware and software prototypes.

TOM drives assistive technology innovation through the making of affordable open source, public domain solutions to local community real-world challenges. In collaboration with communities, organisations, and corporations worldwide, TOM brings together social activism, open innovation, and open source to work directly with people in need — addressing areas where market forces fail.

TOM is a proud start-up of the Reut Group, an Israeli non-profit, nonpartisan innovative policy and strategy group pursuing a 10-year vision to positively impact the lives of 250 million people worldwide. TOM launched in late 2013, giving birth to a global movement of Makers.

The TOM movement is growing rapidly with over 20 makeathons held around the globe.

Last year’s TOM: Melbourne success stories

  • A portable ramp to independently navigate a wheelchair and unlock a dream of travel
  • A modified bike to suit restricted movements — custom electric motor, thigh-operated front brake, three gears, and foot-operated rear brakes
  • A joystick interface device to assist with limited moveability and visual impairment
  • A pressure-sensing matrix mat for a wheelchair, containing 64 handmade, hand-sewn sensors
  • A modular PS4 controller featuring a specially designed tray with large buttons, a head switch and customisable joysticks
  • A robotic wheelchair headrest to provide lateral support with adjustable pivot points
  • A portable bracelet to restrict uncontrollable tremors

This year, Telstra Labs is getting behind this movement. Hope you can get involved too.

aus.tomglobal.org

This article was rescued from LinkedIn Pulse as part of the Frank Arrigo Digital Archive project (August 2026). LinkedIn Pulse articles are not easily discoverable after several years; this copy preserves the original text for the record.