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Today, we spotlight Jacquie Johnstone, a PhD candidate with a background in design and information technology.

She collaborated on the Inclusive Makervan, a mobile makerspace co-designed for, and with, people with intellectual disabilities. This project was nominated as a finalist in the 2024 Victorian Premier’s Design Awards.

1. Tell us a bit about you (background, hobbies, work, research/study)

I am an inclusive designer and technologist who’s passionate about making positive, accessible, and sustainable change. My background sits across both design and information technology with bachelor’s degrees in industrial design (with honours) and information technology (majoring in interactive media). Currently, I’m pursuing a PhD on making maker technology more inclusive, with a specific focus on including the perspectives of people with intellectual disabilities in co-design practices. I also teach in Monash’s Industrial Design program and run my own sport media production agency. As a hobby, I’ve gotten into running over the last year and ran my first marathon in July! This started when my PhD supervisor, Associate Professor Kirsten Ellis, advised me that “a PhD is a marathon, not a sprint”. I took this advice rather literally! I’ve found this to be a really wonderful way to balance my time and maintain a healthy lifestyle while completing my PhD – although I appreciate that this approach will not be for all!

2. What inspired you to design the Inclusive Makervan, and how did the collaboration with Wallara come about?

I was really lucky to enter into the PhD with Kirsten having previously worked with Wallara, establishing a collaboration. From this partnership, Wallara developed a supported STEAM program, which looked to make concepts of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics accessible to people with intellectual disabilities through hands-on learning and experimentation. The STEAM program was established across 5 sites when I entered into the PhD, and a discussion with Wallara identified the potential to expand the program through the development of a makerspace. The co-design sessions we employed were instrumental in informing the design, function and role of the Makervan.

3. Can you share any memorable experiences from the co-design process, especially involving bodystorming with Wallara’s participants?

A highlight of the co-design process was hearing how surprised Wallara’s coaches and leadership staff were by the skills and abilities their clients demonstrated when participating in the bodystorming scenarios. Bodystorming is an ideation technique of physically roleplaying scenarios of using the product or service being developed. Clients garnering praise from the coaches, who shared statements like “I didn’t know [client] could do this”, was common across sites. The embodied nature of role-playing and scenario enactment encouraged tacit styles of communication, allowing skills beyond verbal and written-based communication to be recognised in the co-design process.

A particularly memorable moment was when one client assumed the role of a co-design facilitator. They led scenario enactments, drew feedback from peers and coaches, and mapped out design ideas. Moments like these are a highlight for me, as the power of design decision making sits rightly in the hands of the community.

4. What challenges did you encounter while developing a mobile makerspace for diverse environments, and how did you overcome them?

A challenge we encountered was producing a collective resource that worked across a number of diverse sites. These challenges were identified through the bodystorming scenarios, such as where and how to store STEAM resources. Through bodystorming, we identified, prototyped and implemented custom storage solutions for the Makervan. However, we continue to reassess and iterate upon the Makervan’s design and resources, ensuring the Makervan sustains its role and remains relevant to the STEAM program. I think that one of the greatest strengths of the project is that we continue to work closely with Wallara to deliver the program. This allows us to make adjustments to the design of the Makervan, and its resources, to maximise participation and engagement opportunities within the STEAM program.

5. How has the Inclusive Makervan impacted Wallara’s participants so far? Have you seen any notable outcomes from its use?

The Makervan’s impact continues to expand, now reaching several Wallara sites and attending outreach events. A particular highlight for me has been the STEAM program extending into Wallara’s high support site, to explore the role of technology enrichment and engagement activities with clients with high support needs. This impact wouldn’t be possible without Wallara’s dedicated STEAM coaches and staff—Persa, MeeLin, and Melissa—who work tirelessly to share the Makervan, and Wallara’s STEAM program more broadly, with all.

6. Our philosophy at TOM is about leaving the world in a better place than we found it. Is there something you want to tell others that might help them do that?

What a wonderful philosophy at that! I’d encourage all inclusive designers or technologists to spend time with the community they’re designing for. Enjoy this time building an understanding of the community. Then look to employ tools, processes and resources that highlight the rich abilities of people with cognitive, communication and physical diversities.

1. Tell us a bit about you.

Hi, I’m Sarah Macdonald, the CEO of Canine Comprehension. My journey began with a passion for dogs and an interest in education. After teaching in Japan, I joined dog training and founded Canine Comprehension to combine these passions. Our mission is to enhance young people’s well-being and learning readiness through dog-assisted learning and mentoring services.  

2. Can you tell us about Canine Comprehension?  

Canine Comprehension, based in Melbourne, Victoria, provides a range of dog-assisted learning and mentoring services. Our programs are designed to improve mental health and educational outcomes. We offer educational programs, individual and group mentoring, therapy dog visits, and resources for educators and parents. Our team consists of certified therapy dog handlers with backgrounds in education, social work, mental health and occupational therapy. All our therapy dogs are certified and trained for educational settings, ensuring a safe and effective learning environment.  

3. What do you love about your job? What are some of the challenges?  

I absolutely love seeing the positive impact our therapy dogs have on young people’s lives. Watching students grow in confidence and social skills through our programs is incredibly rewarding. It’s awesome when we hear about a student who was refusing school when we first met them and now thrives at school with our support. 

One of the main challenges we face is ensuring our mentors are able to reach all the clients who have requested our services.  With funding bodies like Mental Health School Fund Menu and School Focussed Youth Services supporting our work, we are often booked out and constantly looking to recruit new mentors and therapy dogs.  We will only take the best dogs and most effective, fun and empathetic people to become mentors – so recruiting and hiring can be challenging, but finding the right candidates who align with our mission and values is crucial.  

4. Can you share an example of the positive impact Canine Comprehension is having in the community?  

One success story that stands out is a young boy, a student at a South East Special Development School in Melbourne. Through our 8-week animal-assisted program, he showed significant growth in confidence and social skills. At first, he was afraid of the dog, but he was up for the challenge of making a new furry friend and went on to practice communication and problem-solving skills with the support of our mentor and therapy dog. This transformation was heartwarming and a testament to the effectiveness of our programs. Stories like these motivate us to continue our work and expand our reach.  

5. How can someone from the TOM: Melbourne Community get involved or support your work? 

Members of the TOM: Melbourne Community can get involved with Canine Comprehension in a variety of meaningful ways.  It was exciting meeting the reps of TOM at the Source Kids expo we attended.  As we were talking, ideas on both sides started flowing. I could see us working on collaborative projects, developing assistive technology that enhance our therapy dogs’ effectiveness in educational settings. For example, creating custom tools such as coats, the dogs can wear with items sown onto them to improve fine motor skills or ‘brain training’ games that young clients and dogs could work on together.  We need to have a good chat about developing tools that help our therapy dogs better interact with students with complex needs.  

Also, thanks for allowing us this spotlight! Your awareness and advocacy will help us spread the word about Canine Comprehension through your networks. Sharing our mission and success stories can help us reach more people and attract new supporters and collaborators.  

6. Any news or anything else you would like to share?  

We’re excited to announce that we’re expanding our programs to reach more schools and communities around Victoria. Additionally, we’re developing new resources for educators and parents to better support young people in managing anxiety and building resilience. Stay tuned for updates on our website and social media channels! 

 

Hi TOM Community,

I thought it was time to introduce myself to those who haven’t met me yet; I’m Narelle, the General Manager. My background is primarily in public health, transformation, and innovation, complemented by my clinical experience in Occupational Therapy.

What Does This Mean for the Year Ahead?

We are gearing up for our upcoming Makeathon events, where creativity and collaboration will shine. You will be the first to know once we have finalised a date and location!

We are thrilled to be running the TOM @ University program at RMIT again this semester. In 2025, we look forward to expanding this offering to more universities. Therefore, if you have an unmet need or know someone who does, please get in touch – we would love to have you involved in one of our programs!

As you may have seen, we are excited to share that our first product, the Communication Book Stand, is currently undergoing user testing. Once this has been completed, we hope to deliver this solution to many individuals within Victoria and throughout Australia. We hope to provide you with an update shortly.

In other news, we plan to update our website to enhance usability, better showcase our initiatives, and serve our community. Stay tuned for updates; we look forward to your feedback once this work has been completed.

I want to sincerely thank the TOM Community and the dedicated TOM team for your ongoing commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities. A special thank you to our sponsors, corporate partners, and pro bono supporters—your ongoing support is invaluable. 

Lastly, your feedback is essential to us, so please don’t hesitate to contact me if you’d like to discuss anything. My email is [email protected]

Narelle

1. Brief intro/background/”about me”

I’m willing to try most things. I would love to try sailing again. Previously I was learning how to crew on a yacht.

I’m painting a creative piece. I used to do paint by numbers, and now I am using up all my leftover paints. I like reusing things, giving them second life. I pulled the canvas off hard rubbish.

I came to Yooralla house, which is independent living, from a group home. I came from having all my meals cooked and chores done for me to cooking independently. Now I needed to buy ingredients, make meals, clean up and wash my own dishes. Who else was going to wash them?

2. How did you get involved with TOM? What was your challenge? 

I didn’t know about TOM: Melbourne before I came to Yooralla. One of my carers mentioned it, and he joined me at the Makeathon and helped make the solution.

My unit was not accessible. It was made 10 years ago, and they were still learning about accessibility.

But I’m inventive. I changed a few things myself, but I had to get help from carers to access the sink. I asked for a portable attachment for my sink which would allow me to wash my own dishes, because it empowers my independence. I wanted a solution that I could sit underneath in my wheelchair to wash my dishes by hand and would drain water back into the sink.

3. What was your experience being part of the TOM: Melbourne Makeathon Program? What was your favourite memory? 

I loved it. The whole thing. What I said was now important. People listened to me and what I needed. It wasn’t something being flung at me and being told “here, use this”. 

It was overwhelming, in a good way. I was still getting used to independent living but at the Makeathon everyone was hanging off my every word. It made me feel special and like I was back in the real world. Going from being told “this is your problem” and “this is the solution” to people listening to me. I was used to being told what I wanted, now I was being asked.

They would keep listening and trying different things. And if I had an idea, the team tried it. They tried ideas, because what I said was important enough to try. I didn’t have to accept what was given to me.

I was part of the process, I helped make it, which makes a difference.

4. How has your solution changed your life?

The most important things are knowing my ideas are true and knowing I could do something.

Before, I couldn’t use the kitchen sink, The tray lets me wash things, all sorts of things. Not just dishes. It’s also a stable table I can get under. Coming out from church, just across the road, was a hard rubbish pile. I was told not to bring anything back. But sometimes they have just the thing you need. There was a handbag that fitted over my head, and when over my arm rests didn’t engage with my wheels. But! It needed a wash inside! Hence the use of the tray, as a means of scrubbing the internal bag.

You’ll never guess what I did next. I have an induction stove and pots move around when I mix things in them. So, I bought an electric pan that I can use. I can make a beautiful souffle omelette in my pan.

In my mind I’m still exploring what I can do with my sink extension. Maybe it can be adapted for sewing. I can still press the machine pedal. I’ve made quilts. It’s great to make skirts, you can buy them but they’re not good quality.

5. What would you say to people who are thinking of participating in the next Makeathon?

Go for it! It’s mixing with likeminded individuals. Even if you don’t find a solution to the challenge you came with, you might connect with someone and learn about a solution from someone else. It’s not just the physical but it’s the mental stimulation, learning how to think sideways about something.

6. Anything else you want to add about the Makeathon?

You’ll make great solutions to problems, and you can make good friends.