TOM: Melbourne

We are thrilled to announce that we've won the Local Matters jar at Grill'd Elsternwick! 🎉 Thank you to everyone who popped their bottle tops in our jar and showed such amazing support for our organisation. This donation will be supporting something new and exciting! 👀 Special thanks to Grill'd for their generosity and for supporting local initiatives like ours. Together, we're making a difference! 🚀 [IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Text that reads "Grill'd Elsternwick proudly supports TOM: Melbourne via the Local Matters initiative" surrounded by company logos and a medal icon]

Happy International Guide Dog Day! Today, we celebrate the incredible support that Guide Dogs provide to individuals with vision impairments, offering both independence and companionship. Did you know that Guide Dogs are highly sensitive to changes in their harness tension? For Anna, wearing heels or platforms changes the tension on the harness, affecting the sensory feedback the dog receives about the speed Anna is walking. This creates safety concerns. In 2023, Anna took part in the TOM @ University program, where students developed several concepts for an adjustable guide dog harness. Learn more about this innovative solution here: https://lnkd.in/gC57ritq [IMAGE DESCRIPTION: The first photo shows a guide dog looking at its handler. All other photos depict adjustable guide dog harness prototypes with different mechanisms to change their length.] #InternationalGuideDogDay #Innovation #Accessibility

We are currently seeking applications for individuals living with a disability (Need-Knowers) to participate in our 2024 TOM @ University program. TOM @ University sees students and Need-Knowers follow a co-design process to develop unique assistive technology solutions. In 2023, Need-Knower Geoff worked with his team to enhance his independence as he transitioned to living on his own. Together, they collaborated on a visual shopping guide with movable stickers to help him plan and carry out his grocery shopping. To read more about this solution, visit: https://lnkd.in/gHJeQ4Z6 To find out more and apply to participate in TOM @ University, visit: https://lnkd.in/gQWU7tG [IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Hand holding an apple sticker in front of a personalised visual shopping guide]

This month we’re shining our Community Spotlight on Madeleine Buchner OAM, founder of Little Dreamers Australia. Little Dreamers provides support for young people acting as carers for a family member. Madeleine's first-hand experience as a young carer spurs her on to nurture the wellbeing and education of others who do the same. Here’s what Madeleine has to say: “Through my work, I hear and share incredible stories that open people's eyes and minds to a group of young people that they may not have realised existed before. I am proud that my job helps young people to realise what is possible and that it improves the lives of everyday people daily.” To read our full interview with Madeleine about her background the incredible work of Little Dreamers, visit: https://lnkd.in/gKgQirUm 

Hanna Nyberg recently joined the TOM: Melbourne team as Technology and Events Coordinator and will run programs which utilise designing thinking to deliver successful Products to Need-Knowers. Please join us in welcoming Hanna to the TOM: Melbourne community! 🎉 Hanna is a Swedish product developer with a passion for creating smart products and great experiences. After many years as an IT consultant, she decided to get a Bachelor in Product Development and Integrated Technology at Copenhagen School of Technology to expand her knowledge in physical product development. Following this, she worked with Danish startup 'Sani Nudge' to develop sensors to monitor hand hygiene in the health sector (pre-COVID). She's joining us from her last role as Experience Developer at Museums Victoria. "I've been into assistive technology since I was a kid. I pursued my education in product development in order to design products and processes to inspire change. So I'm very excited to be joining TOM: Melbourne and develop and deliver opportunities for Makers and Need-Knowers to create smart solutions for people living with disabilities." [IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Hanna Smiling in front of a garden bed]

Today, we're excited to showcase one of the solutions created during our TOM @ University programs over the last six months. We recently provided this prototype to an individual living with a disability (Need-Knower). After each semester, our team continues to work diligently behind the scenes to ensure that the solutions we deliver are both safe and impactful for our Need-Knowers. This particular solution empowers Alan, our Need-Knower, to easily communicate essential information about his daily routines, dietary preferences, and more with his care team. Alan can update it at anytime as his needs and preferences change.   To read more about this innovative solution and to make a custom template for yourself, visit: https://lnkd.in/eHjEvbYa 👉 Plus, if you're interested in becoming a Need-Knower for our upcoming TOM @ University program, follow the link in our bio or visit https://lnkd.in/gQWU7tG [IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A visual depiction of Alan’s communication template, the A360, on a phone, showing key information about his routines, meals and more. There is a QR code to the right of the template for those who wish to learn more about the prototype].

Guess what? We have some exciting news to share! TOM: Melbourne has been selected for Grill'd Elsternwick's Local Matters program in March. 🎉 This program is about giving back to the local community, and we're thrilled to be part of it! We have a chance to win $300 by receiving the most votes in our jar, so every token counts! Next time you're craving a delicious burger from Grill'd, show your support by ordering online or heading in-store. You'll receive a token to drop into the TOM: Melbourne jar, and the proceeds will directly support our work in the community. A huge thank you to Grill'd Elsternwick for this fantastic opportunity! Let's rally together and make a difference for TOM: Melbourne. 🙌 [IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A black square post featuring the ‘Grill’d’ logo and white text that reads: We are on the Local Matters Jars at Grill’d Elsternwick for March 2024. Help us get the most votes in the jar and win $300 to support our work!].

Are you a Need-Knower who has previously engaged with one of our programs? If you have a TOM: Melbourne prototype that requires maintenance or repair, or if it's not yet entirely meeting your current needs, we encourage you to reach out via our website or send an email to info@tommelbourne.com.au 👉 If you're a Maker and would like to be involved with repairs, we would love to hear from you also! Take a look at these 3D printed components designed for one of our Need-Knowers to refurbish their prototype. [IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A visual depiction of red 3D printed parts used to restore one of our Need-Knower's prototypes].

TOM Tikkun Olam Makers's 2024 TOM Global Innovation Challenge (GIC) is now open for registration! 🚀 Are you a designer, engineer, builder or general tinkerer with a passion for creating assistive technology? Then this is your opportunity to let your innovative skills shine above the rest while making a real impact on someone’s life. ✨   The GIC is a competition to design, engineer, and create affordable technology that will help people with disabilities live more independent and fulfilling lives. 🦾 🌈 This year, the GIC features four tracks of projects: Sports & Outdoors, Humanitarian Response, Music & Arts, and Daily Living. A Grand Prize of $3,000 will be awarded to the best project in each track. 🏆💰   In addition, three $1,000 prizes will be given to the winners of the best inclusive design, the best accessible design, and the best documentation. 🎨🔧 📑   To register for the GIC, please visit www.tomchallenge.org!    What are you waiting for? Don’t miss the chance to join this global movement!

The TOM: Melbourne team is back for another year! As we venture into 2024, we're thrilled to start collaborating with our community towards our goal of building a more inclusive and accessible world for all. What’s your new year’s goal? Why not support our work this year? We are currently accepting bookings for TOM@Schools and welcoming challenge requests for TOM@University and our Makeathon programs. If you know of an unmet need that could benefit from assistive technology, reach out to us! 👉 Head to our website to find out more: https://lnkd.in/guX-dxZ [IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Checklist style post with 4 items. The title of the post reads, “2024 goals.” Under the title are 4 checklist items. The first checked item reads, “Start walking daily.” Below are 3 unchecked goals that read, “Travel to 3 countries, Volunteer as a Need-Knower for TOM and Ask about TOM@Schools program.”]