About us

what we do

We create and build products that improve the lives of people with a disability, where there is no obvious or current solution in the market. We focus on making assistive technology more accessible and affordable for people with complex needs. 

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We work with people with a disability who have a specific need, "Need-Knowers", and connect them with a diverse group of professionals, including engineers, industrial designers, health professionals and tradespeople, "Makers". 

 

Together, they design and build products that solve a complex problem and improve the everyday life of the Need-Knower. Recent prototypes include robotic arms, powered crutches, wheelchair wheel cleaners and bespoke exercise machines. The intellectual property for every product is then shared through open-source Digital Product Files, so others can replicate or iterate it in their own communities around the world. 

OUR TEAM

OUR values

Innovation

  • We challenge the status quo

  • We are creative in how we approach and solve challenges

  • We are curious and explore new ideas

  • We continue to learn and improve

  • We test new ideas and aren’t afraid to fail

Sustainability

  • We consider the environmental, social and economic impacts of our work

  • We strive to create sustainable solutions

  • We continuously review our sustainability practices

  • We consider the longevity of our work

Community

  • We foster a sense of community and belonging

  • We create a safe space for people to be themselves

  • We care for and support each other

  • We embrace and celebrate the richness of a diverse community

  • We listen to our community

Empowerment

  • We provide opportunities for everyone to participate

  • We are empowered to make a difference beyond ourselves

  • We encourage meaningful and active contribution

  • We work towards building a more inclusive society

  • We listen to everyone’s voice

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STEP 1

CHALLENGE

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STEP 2

prototype

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step 3

product

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STEP 4

disseminate

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OUR HISTORY

Since 2016, TOM: Melbourne has developed a range of programs, including holding Makeathon events, building a developer network, establishing TOM @ University and offering STEM workshops in schools. 

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TOM: Melbourne has seen some great impact so far. We've helped 42 people with a disability, created a network of over 400 "Makers" and partnered with innovative organisations, such as Swinburne University of Technology, PwC and Solve Disability Solutions. 

tom global communities

TOM was established in Israel in 2014 with a moonshot goal of impacting the lives of 250, 000, 000 people within a decade. 

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Five years later, TOM has established 60+ communities across 20+ countries, creating 400+ unique solutions.

EXPLORE OUR GLOBAL NETWORK

our PARTNERS

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OUR TEAM

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DEBBIE DADON

Director

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kumari fernando

General Manager

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MONIQUE LAUTEE

Technology and Events Coordinator

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Marissa Thomas

Education Programs Coordinator

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Alison von Moger

Technology and Innovation Lead

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Ellie
Moskow

Programs and Events Assistant