Our Mission
Volksswitch exists to make high-quality, personalized assistive technology available to everyone who needs it — regardless of where they live, how much they can spend, or how unusual their needs might be.
We believe that the best AT fits the person. Not just the diagnosis, or the budget, or what happens to be available at the moment — but the actual individual, with their specific capabilities, preferences, and goals. And we believe that the therapists, educators, and families who know that individual best are exactly the right people to make that happen.
What We Do
We design a growing library of free, customizable assistive technology devices — and make it as easy as possible for clinicians, school teams, and caregivers to bring them to life.
Our library of Volks-Devices includes:
- Pressure switches that can be precisely tuned to each user’s activation ability — adjustable for both force and travel distance, so the switch works for the person, not the other way around
- Keyguards for tablets, Chromebooks, and iPad keyboards, supporting AAC apps and alternative access across a wide range of layouts and devices
- Bliss Tactile Symbols, a 3D-printable tactile symbol system rooted in a logically structured symbol language — useful for learners who are blind or visually impaired, or anyone building alternative communication and literacy skills
- The Voice It, an RFID-based audio device that plays a pre-recorded message when a symbol, card, or object is placed near it — opening up new possibilities for communication, learning, and independence
- Additional tools for physical access, communication, and daily living — including styluses, cuff utensil and tool holders, head pointers, and more
Every device in our library is free, fully documented, and designed to be implemented by the clinicians and families who will use it — with no specialized skills, no specialized equipment, and no waiting.
Who We Serve
Our devices and resources are for anyone who supports people with disabilities: occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, assistive technology professionals, special educators, school districts, and family caregivers. We design for the full spectrum of implementers — from seasoned ATPs with deep technical knowledge to a parent who has never thought about AT before today.
Training and Resources
Volksswitch is more than a device library. We’re an educational resource for anyone who wants to better understand AT, design new devices, 3D-print, or help build the community of people doing this work. Our website includes in-depth guidance on designing effective DIY AT, implementation advice, and detailed documentation for every device we publish. We share everything we know — because the more people who can do this work well, the more individuals with disabilities will have AT that actually fits their needs and their lives.
Our Story
Volksswitch was founded by Ken Hackbarth, an engineer with a master’s degree in special education and a specialization in assistive technology. Ken started with a single switch design and the conviction that thoughtful design, meaningful customization, and barrier-free distribution could change what AT access looks like for people with disabilities. The Volksswitch library has since grown to include dozens of devices used by thousands of individuals, and the website has become a resource for clinicians and makers across the country who want to do this kind of work well.
3D Printing as the Catalyst
As Ken was completing his master’s degree, he happened to purchase a 3D printer and immediately saw the opportunity that 3D printing created for low-cost, one-off (personalized) manufacturing. Better yet, the technology is simple enough to be used by people who work closely with individuals with disabilities: OTs, PTs, SLPs, ATPs, and even families. Putting the implementation of assistive technology close to the people who will use it ensures that the needs and preferences of those individuals will be considered
Everything We Make Is Free
All Volksswitch designs are provided free of charge to the public. Partner services are available through independent vendors for those who need devices produced and shipped directly, but the designs themselves will always be free. That’s not a business model. It’s a commitment.
If you believe that everyone who needs an AT device should be able to get one that fits them, we’d love to hear from you.