TOM @ UNIVERSITY
The TOM @ University program is an opportunity to work with a team of students to design and prototype a custom solution for an accessibility challenge that you face. The designs are then shared open source via the TOM website to help others with similar needs.
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Keep reading to find out more and apply to be part of our program in 2025
ABOUT The
Program
The TOM @ University program brings together people with disability who have a specific need (Need-Knowers) with university students. Together, they co-design an assistive technology solution to address a challenge experienced by the Need-Knower.
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As a “Need-Knower” you will work together with a team of students over one semester to design an assistive technology solution for an unmet need.
The program focuses on co-design, ensuring Need-Knowers are a central part of the team developing a solution specifically designed to support their needs.
Whilst promoting disability awareness, the aim of the program is to produce a “proof of concept” prototype and for the design solutions to be published on the TOM website which are shared open source.
2025 Program
The exact timing and structure of our 2025 programs are still being determined together with our local university partners. Generally, as a Need-Knower you will meet with the student(s) 4 times over the duration of the program. These sessions, held at the university, allow the students to work closely alongside you and understand your need on a much deeper level.
Timelines
Semester 1: March - May
Semester 2: August - October
3-4 x 1hr sessions throughout a semester
In person or online participation available.
The program is provided free of charge, with the option for reimbursement of travel and transportation expenses within Metropolitan Melbourne.
What makes TOM @ University so great is that we're working with real people with real problems and we're co-designing with them rather than using a hypothetical brief
Paris Triantis, TOM @ University Lecturer
