[Air-L] D.I.Y. Accessibility Communities

[Jerry Lamont Robinson]

Hello,

I am a PhD student at Syracuse University and I have been a lurker on this listserv for a while.  I am in the beginning stages of writing my dissertation proposal and I need to determine the feasibility of my research in terms of recruitment.  I am interested in the do-it-yourself (DIY) practices of persons with disabilities.  More specifically, I am interested in exploring the ways in which persons with disabilities address technological, environmental, social, economic, or various other forms of inaccessibility and challenges resulting from functional impairment via their own unique practices, adaptations, modifications, and innovations.  I would like to know if there are any makerspaces, hacker communities, or conferences where persons with disabilities come together to engage in and/or discuss accessibility hacking, making, or DIY activities?  Does anyone know if these communities or venues exist?  I am familiar with several online communities where people share and discuss their own DIY efforts but I want to know if similar communities exist offline.

Thanks!

Jerry Robinson
Syracuse University iSchool
jlrobi02 at syr.edu