TOM:ATL

Tikkun Olam Makers Atlanta - Creating Accessible Solutions Together

TOM:ATL is a collaborative network connecting makers, need-knowers, and advisors across three Atlanta campuses to design and build assistive technologies that improve lives.

Get InvolvedAbout Us

About TOM Atlanta

We are a branch of TOM (Tikkun Olam Makers)—a global movement of engineers, designers, clinicians, and need-knowers who team up to create open, affordable assistive solutions. In Atlanta, we collaborate across campuses and communities to design, prototype, and deliver devices that make a real difference.

Georgia Tech

Home base for many TOM ATL builds and community makeathons.

Visit our TOM Page

Emory

Clinical partnerships and need-knower connections across Emory.

Visit our TOM Page

KSU

Growing maker community with hands-on prototyping and outreach.

Featured Projects

These projects showcase the life-changing solutions created when makers and need-knowers collaborate. Each project represents months of dedication, innovation, and the shared belief that everyone deserves access to solutions that improve their daily lives.

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Team Jake: Hands-Free Sustain Pedal project

Team Jake: Hands-Free Sustain Pedal

About Jake

Jake, a 15-year-old passionate about music, suffered an electrocution accident that resulted in the loss of his right arm and paralysis. His determination to play piano again inspired an innovative hands-free solution.

The Challenge

Create an adaptive solution allowing Jake to control the piano's sustain pedal while playing.

The Solution

Team Jake designed a bite switch-activated system with a custom 3D-printed headpiece and radio-frequency transmitter that connects to the sustain pedal, enabling Jake to activate it hands-free and continue making music.

Impact: Restored Jake's ability to play piano independently
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Team Naomi: Adapted Bike Pedals project

Team Naomi: Adapted Bike Pedals

About Naomi

Naomi, a 4-year-old cancer survivor with limited mobility in her lower legs, dreamed of riding a bike independently without help from her parents.

The Challenge

Develop an adapted biking solution allowing Naomi to pedal safely using her stronger leg.

The Solution

Team Naomi engineered custom adaptive foot pedals that enabled Naomi to use her strong leg entirely for pedaling while securely supporting her weaker leg for balance and safety. Naomi rode a bike independently for the very first time.

Impact: Gave Naomi the independence to ride a bike on her own
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Team Ellie: The PonyBand project

Team Ellie: The PonyBand

About Ellie

Ellie, a Georgia Tech student born with Epidermolysis Bullosa, has extremely fragile skin. Scarring caused her fingers to fuse together, resulting in limited dexterity and difficulty with daily tasks like putting her hair up.

The Challenge

Design a solution allowing Ellie to independently put her hair into a ponytail.

The Solution

Team Ellie created the 'PonyBand' — an innovative device functioning as both a headband and scrunchie. It tightens using elastic string stoppers, allowing Ellie to secure her hair independently, comfortably, and safely.

Impact: Empowered Ellie with greater independence in daily grooming
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Team Max: Custom Wheelchair Cupholder project

Team Max: Custom Wheelchair Cupholder

About Max

Max, a Georgia Tech BME major, had trouble easily accessing his Yeti while traveling across campus.

The Challenge

Create a way for Max to have the cup within reach, instead of resting on his lap.

The Solution

Team Max 3D printed a cupholder that fit into the side of his wheelchair, complete with a custom engravement and a phone holder.

Impact: Allowed Max to have a more relaxing experience while on campus
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Team Noah: Adapted Tricycle project

Team Noah: Adapted Tricycle

About Noah

Noah, a young boy with low muscle tone and variable stamina, wanted the ability to experience bike riding.

The Challenge

Develop a bicycle that reflects existing, yet expensive, adaptive children's bike solutions.

The Solution

Team Noah adapted a tricycle to reflect some of the key designs that a market solution would have, including an upright seat with harness, a pushbar, and closer handlebars.

Impact: Gave Noah the ability to experience bike riding and allow him to play with others his age, without difficulty or cost
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Team Nathan: Prosthetic Knee Sleeve project

Team Nathan: Prosthetic Knee Sleeve

About Nathan

Nathan, a Georgia Tech student (and TOM exec member!), has a prosthetic that catches on his pants when he goes to stand and sit.

The Challenge

Design a solution that is both effective in preventing holes in Nathan's pants and is comfortable.

The Solution

Team Nathan opted for a soft knee sleeve with a TPU barrier for optimal padding

Impact: Allowed Nathan to wear his pants for their intended lifespan, in a comfortable and functional manner
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Events

We host various events throughout the year across our Georgia Tech, Emory, and KSU campuses.

Makeathon

Makeathon

A three-day event, where all three campuses join forces in Georgia Tech's maker space to tackle need-knower challenges. Students plan, brainstorm solutions, prototype, and finalize creative solutions affordably and innovatively!

TMT Build Party

TMT Build Party

A campus-by-campus (Sometimes joint) event where students get together to build several of TOM's spotlit build; the TMT(Toddler Mobility Trainers)! This one-day event helps produce 5+ TMTs at a time to fulfill orders around the region.

Skillset

Skillset

A student-run program designed to teach technical skills such as CAD design (3-D printing), coding, and other skills to members of the TOM ATL community. This free-to-attend program utilizes student experiences, guest speakers, and easily accessible documents to help share what we've learned with the next generation of makers.

Get Involved

Are you a Need-Knower?

Do you have an accessibility challenge that could benefit from a custom solution? Share your challenge so we can connect you with student makers.

Are you a Student?

Join a community of passionate makers. Learn design and prototyping skills while collaborating with need-knowers on real projects.

Are you a Clinic?

Partner with TOM to support patient-centered innovation. Help identify needs and connect us with potential need-knowers.

Interested? Please fill out the form below to get started.

Get Involved Form

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