AT Maker Day 2026

AT Maker Day 2026 will take place on Saturday, January 31, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Crystal Ballroom H. AT makers join forces to share everything from low-tech solutions to modified technology solutions and explore a wide range of creations that have helped solve challenges in the AT community.

What is AT Maker Day 2026? AT Maker Day 2026 is an opportunity to explore exciting innovations and learn from the AT maker community. It is open to all registered attendees and those holding free exhibit hall passes. Find flexible registration options at www.atia.org/register.

Who are makers? The maker community is comprised of people – high school STEM and robotics students, hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts – who are interested in using their skills to create and make solutions for people with disabilities. These are not always experts in AT, but they have a myriad of interests and just simply like to solve problems and make things.

Sound interesting? Consider these options:

Share a poster or tabletop exhibit on AT devices created by you or other makers.
Volunteer to conduct, supervise, or assist in hands-on maker activities. These activities are designed to make an AT device in minutes. The activities enable the person to take the device that they take home with them.
Volunteer to assist in skill-building activities featuring tools/materials to make AT.
Engage in live maker demos.
Problem-solve on the fly and provide advice and suggestions.

Sign Up to Present

Meet Your AT Maker Day 2026 Leaders

Therese Willkomm, PhD, “Make AT in Minutes”

Dr. Therese Willkomm, Associate Clinical Associate Professor Emeritus, Department of Occupational Therapy, at the University of New Hampshire, is known nationally and internationally as the McGyva of Assistive Technology for her rapid and innovative approach in making assistive technology solutions in minutes for living, learning and working. Over the past 40 years, she has create over 2000 different assistive technology solutions; presented over 600 workshops in 42 states and 14 different countries; received many awards including the 2019 RESNA Fellow Award; authored three books on creating assistive technology solutions in minutes.

Judith Schoonover, MEd, OTR/L, ATP, FAOTA, AT Consultant

Judith Schoonover, MEd, OTR/L, ATP, FAOTA is an occupational therapist and former elementary school teacher, and was a founding member of the Loudoun County Public Schools Assistive Technology Team. Judith has provided direct services in schools for more than 44 years and is a nationally and internationally recognized speaker presenting on the topics of school-based occupational therapy, transition, literacy, and assistive technology. She has authored numerous articles, and chapters on the same topics. Currently, Judith represents AOTA on the National Joint Committee (NJC) for the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities, is a co-chair for AOTA’s newly formed AT Community of Practice, and serves on the editorial board of the Assistive Technology Outcomes and Benefits (ATOB) Journal. She has been a Joy Zabala Spirit Award recipient and a mentor for the Joy Zabala Fellowship.

Questions?

Exciting Things Take Place at AT Maker Day 2026

Join us for your opportunity to:

Explore Solutions from AT Makers – Maker groups from around the country will demo their AT solutions and products.
Participate in Hands-On Maker Training
Bring Your Challenges to AT Makers – Come discuss your challenges with AT makers and leverage the knowledge and skills of those makers to potentially create solutions. Hear their experiences and insights on challenges they have faced and worked to solve.

Please keep in mind the following:

Adults must be registered and will receive a badge to enter the Exhibit Hall. Registration can be in advance online or onsite.
Families with children under 16 do not need to register children. Children will be allowed into the Exhibit Hall when accompanied by an adult with a badge.