A Burnaby-based non-profit supporting Canadians with disabilities is hoping to land in the history books.
Neil Squire says its staff will be attempting to set a Guinness World Record title for most users to take an online DYI (do it yourself) AT (assistive technology) lesson in 24 hours to raise awareness of the need for affordable assistive technology solutions.
The company says that on Dec. 3, people around the world are set to take part in the event to claim the Guinness World Record title.
Dec. 3 is UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Neil Squire says in Canada, roughly 80% of people with disabilities use assistive technology (AT), while 27% need at least one more device.
Cost is cited as the main barrier, according to Stats Canada.
Those wanting to participate need to register online. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email.
Access to the lesson plan will be available on Dec. 3, 2021, using the link in the email or clicking the My Lesson tab on the website.
To be included in the record, the following must be completed:
- The lesson must start and end within 24 hours from 12 a.m. EST on Dec. 3
- The Vancouver start time is Thursday, Dec. 2 at 9 p.m.
- The lesson must last a minimum of 30 minutes, continuously
- If you are registering with your organization or class, each person must register and go through the lesson for it to count as individual entries
Participants will learn:
- How DIY assistive technologies fill a gap for people with disabilities
- Experiences of using DIY assistive technologies from device users
- How you can get started building DIY assistive devices
