News & Events

Two dog vests with a range of sensory elements attached with velcro.

Creating comfort & inclusion — Our dog vest Makeathon

9 December 2025

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been working closely with Canine Comprehension to co-design and build a set of sensory vests for their therapy...

Events

A range of 3d printed prototypes for candle making

3 challenges @ RMIT Industrial Design

30 October 2025

In our recent collaboration with RMIT Industrial Design, a group of committed students worked alongside three of our Need‑Knowers to co‑design assistive solutions that...

Events

Black and white dog on a brown beadspread.

Upcoming Makeathon: Create sensory vests for therapy dogs

12 August 2025

UPDATE: Applications now closedThanks so much for your interest. We have now received sufficient applications for this Makeathon and are no longer accepting any...

Events

People are standing and sitting around a conference table.

Hands at work: designing independence together

1 July 2025

In May and June 2025, TOM Melbourne hosted a multi-session Makeathon based primarily at our offices — where introductions, brainstorming, and early prototyping took...

Events

Two hands pointing to a visual voyage on a fabric runner.

Transforming Disability Accommodation Through Service Design

19 June 2025

In 2025, TOM Melbourne collaborated with the Monash University Service Design Studio, a unique interdisciplinary course that brings together Industrial Design and Master of...

In the press

Students and Need-Knower standing in front of a projector screen.

Building Empathy Through Experience: MediStays Shares Accommodation Knowledge with Monash University Students

29 May 2025

At MediStays, we believe that accessible accommodation solutions can only be created when designers and architects understand the lived experience of people living with...

Events

Green outdoor gate with the text "SEEDS" above it.

Designing for Inclusion at SEEDs Communal Garden

28 May 2025

In 2025, Monash Industrial Design students collaborated with Need-Knowers from SEEDs Communal Garden in Brunswick, a thriving community garden run by the disability support...

In the press

Woman in colourful dress is using a sewing machine to sew strings of fabric.

Innovation through collaboration for people with disability

27 May 2025

The diverse range of programs at Bayley Arts has created several challenges for the ‘Maker’s’ as they now work towards supporting our textiles program...

Events

Man with blue and pink hair is watching a group of people fit a cover to his communication device.

Designing with Purpose: RMIT’s Design for Difference Studio 2024

28 January 2025

In 2024, Industrial Design students from RMIT University took part in the Design for Difference Studio, collaborating on three unique Need-Knower challenges. The studio...

Community Spotlight

Man with blond hair and wheelchair smiling to the camera.

Beau Vernon

30 November 2024

Our Community Spotlight this month is Beau Vernon, a Paralympian who is passionate about his family, creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and...

Events

A boy is getting help from his mum to cut with a scissor.

One-Challenge-Makeathon in a library

28 November 2024

One weekend in November 2024, TOM: Melbourne hosted a two-day-long Makeathon at the STEAM Centre at Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre, centred around...

Community Spotlight

Woman with brown hair smiling to the camera.

Jacquie Johnstone

17 November 2024

Today, we spotlight Jacquie Johnstone, a PhD candidate with a background in design and information technology. She collaborated on the Inclusive Makervan, a mobile...