A groundbreaking initiative has expanded from New York to Connecticut this year, gaining national attention as it challenges the norms of assistive technology to promote independence for people with a wide range of intellectual and/or physical disabilities.

The workplace training program, called the TIP (Technology Innovations for Peers) Squad, provides young adults with disabilities at Ability Beyond with opportunities to develop technology skills while building adaptive solutions to everyday barriers they and their peers face in the world.

Thanks to more than $32,000 in grant investments from Verizon, Ability Beyond’s TIP Squad has grown from a single location in Chappaqua, NY to sites in Bristol and Bethel, CT. Members engage in the research and development of assistive technologies, collaborate to create custom 3D-printed devices and explore mainstream technologies to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

“Our ultimate goal is to help anybody with a disability—and anybody who supports the disability community—realize that so much more is possible in terms of independent living,” said Laurie Dale, the Senior Leader of Assistive Technology Solutions at Ability Beyond.

“Laurie’s work is grounded in the reality of the current situation—the financial reality of most people with disabilities, who are living on a fixed income and cannot afford the most cutting-edge technology products,” said Zachary Bastian, Manager of Strategic Alliances at Verizon. “Laurie isn’t waiting for the next big wave of tech, or for major corporate backing. She’s just problem solving and changing lives.”

Dale emphasizes that her work with the TIP Squad does not require complicated code or extensive training. Instead, she uses drag-and-drop software, or free open-source templates, to design and print products for pennies on the dollar that can make an immediate and tangible difference for people with disabilities.

“Our relationship with Verizon has allowed us to become makers in the real sense,” Dale said. “To be able to assist people with affordable devices and objects they never would have gotten, because some of them don’t even exist until we create them.”

At the end of the day, she said, it’s about getting other agencies to do this same grassroots movement.

“We pride ourselves on being innovative and engaging technology in ways that benefit our industry and people with disabilities everywhere,” said Jane Davis, President & CEO at Ability Beyond. “The Tip Squad is a perfect example of how our team does that while giving people we serve opportunities to make lasting impact.”

“I love TIP Squad because I enjoy making new things every day,” said Stephanie, one of the program participants. “I like learning new things and making things for people in need.”

Check out this recent video to learn more about the TIP Squad today!