The OpenAT Joysticks are a set of open-source designs for input devices intended for people with disabilities. The joysticks are intended to be simple to make either as a Do-it-Yourself (DIY) or Do-it-Together (DIT) project, or through the community of volunteer makers at Makers Making Change.
The hardware, software, and documentation are released under licenses compatible with open source hardware; the designs may be built, used, and improved upon by anyone under the terms of the license. Generally, this includes attribution and sharing of improvements.
If you have built any of the OpenAT Joysticks, you can provide feedback by filling out this build feedback questionnaire.
| Name | Current Version | Status | MMC Library | GitHub Repository |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Compact Joystick | 1.0 | Complete | Oak Compact Joystick | Oak-Compact-Joystick |
| Spruce Mini Joystick | 1.0 | Complete | Spruce Mini Joystick | Spruce-Mini-Joystick |
| Ivy Nunchuck Joystick Adapter | 1.0 | Complete | Ivy Nunchuck Joystick Adapter | Ivy-Nunchuck-Joystick-Adapter |
| Forest Joystick Mouse Hub | 2.1 | Complete | Forest Joystick Mouse Hub | Forest-Joystick-Mouse-Hub |
| LipSync Sip and Puff Mouth Joystick | 4.0 | Complete | LipSync | LipSync |
| Name | Current Version | Status | MMC Library | GitHub Repository |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Mini Joystick | 0.9 | Joystick / Mouse MVP | n/a | Cedar-Mini-Joystick |
| Birch Mini Joystick | 0.2 | Joystick / Mouse MVP | n/a | Birch-Mini-Joystick |
| Wheelchair Bluetooth Joystick Adapter | 0.1 | MVP; Requires further development | n/a | Wheelchair Bluetooth Adapter |
| OpenAT Joystick Software | 1.0 | MVP; Requires further development | n/a | n/a |
| Willow Joystick | n/a | Planned |
The Oak Compact Joystick is a medium sized proportional joystick that can be used for adaptive gaming. It has range of motion of approximately ±25° and requires 525 grams-force to fully deflect. This joystick has a single output cables, a 3.5 mm TRRS audio plug (i.e., headphone jack) for the joystick. It is compatible with the X1 or X2 analog input ports on the Microsoft Xbox Adaptive controller as well as the Forest Joystick Mouse Hub for use as a USB Mouse or USB Gamepad.
The Spruce Mini Joystick is a mini sized proportional joystick that can be used for adaptive gaming. Based on a generic game controller thumbstick, it has range of motion of ±30° and requires approximately 75 grams-force to fully deflect. This joystick has a two output cables, one with a 3.5 mm TRRS audio plug (i.e., headphone jack) for the joystick, and one with a 3.5 mm mono audio plug for the push switch. It is compatible with the X1 or X2 analog input ports on the Microsoft Xbox Adaptive controller as well as the Forest Joystick Mouse Hub for use as a USB Mouse or USB Gamepad.
The Forest Hub enables a user to connect an analog joystick and one or more assistive switches to emulate a USB Mouse or USB Gamepad. The device is comprised of a custom printed circuit board, off-the-shelf electronics, and 3D printed parts. The overall cost of materials is about $75.
The Ivy Nunchuck Adapter enables a Nunchuck controller to be used as a USB HID Mouse or USB HID Gamepad. The Nunchuck controller provides a thumb joystick and two buttons in a graspable controller. The Ivy is directly compatible with the Xbox Adaptive Controller.
The LipSync is a mouth-operated sip-and-puff joystick that can act as a USB HID mouse, wireless Bluetooth mouse, or USB HID gamepad. It enables people with disabililites that limit their mobility to control a computer, gaming console, smart phone, or tablet. The joystick mouthpiece has a range of ±10° (about ±1 cm) and requires 50 grams-force to fully deflect.
The following designs are still works in progress.
The Cedar Mini Joystick is a small USB joystick that can act as either an USB HID Gamepad or as a USB HID Mouse. It has a relatively small range of motion and a moderately low force required. In Joystick mode, it is compatible with the Xbox Adaptive Controller.
The Birch Mini Joystick is a small, proportional joystick that has a sliding motion and can be used for adaptive gaming. It has a small range of motion of ±2mm and requires approximately 115 grams-force to fully deflect. It is low profile, with a height of 2.4 mm with the standard topper. This joystick has interchangable toppers and an optional camera mount adapter. The Birch Mini Joystick is available in two variants: a USB variant (U) and an analog, non-USB variant (A). The joystick and enclosure are the same in both variants and differ by the cable and internal electronics.
The Wheelchair Bluetooth Joystick Adapter enables a user to use their powerchair joystick via a Bluetooth Mouse module as a joystick on a computer or gaming console.
This project is funded through the Government of Canada's Accessible Technology Program (ATP) with the goal of developing cost effective solutions to help people with disabilities better access the digital economy.
Makers Making Change is a program of Neil Squire, a Canadian non-profit that uses technology, knowledge, and passion to empower people with disabilities.
Makers Making Change leverages the capacity of community based Makers, Disability Professionals and Volunteers to develop and deliver affordable Open Source Assistive Technologies.
- Website: www.MakersMakingChange.com
- GitHub: makersmakingchange
- X (formerly Twitter): @makermakechange
- Instagram: @makersmakingchange
- Facebook: makersmakechange
- LinkedIn: Neil Squire Society
- Thingiverse: makersmakingchange
- Printables: MakersMakingChange
For technical questions, to get involved, or to share your experience we encourage you to visit our website or contact us.