This NextFab hackathon looks to rethink accessibility at nursing care facilities

Crafting safer wheelchairs, better call bells and more efficient feeding systems are some of the challenges makers will be tasked with during NextFab’s upcoming Accessibility Hackathon, happening April 28 as part of Philly Tech Week 2018 presented by Comcast.

NextFab partnered with Inglis House, a specialty nursing care facility for adults with disabilities located off City Avenue. The aim is to “creatively solve challenges experienced by Inglis residents with physical disabilities,” according to the South Philly makerspace.

NextFab will provide instruction on safe use of tools, and hands-on technical help from experts at its Washington Avenue location. No experience is necessary, but a background in coding, fabrication, or accessibility design is a bonus.

“We are eager to learn from all the talented people who bring their skills to the build event and excited to see what these resourceful minds with different visions will create,” said Charles Sammartino, adaptive technology coordinator at Inglis House.

NextFab, a membership-based workshop and prototyping center, operates three locations between Philadelphia and Wilmington, Del. It also runs the RAPID accelerator, a 12-week program offering seed capital, mentorship, office space and networking.

“By partnering with Inglis, we’re reaching outside of our own community to support a shared mission—finding new solutions for everyday problems,” said Marcella Baker, NextFab’s director of membership services. “We’re thrilled to host this event and can’t wait to see the innovation that comes out of it.”