Sometimes all it takes is a little creativity to go from problem to potential — and the right kind of program to make it happen. It might be safe to say that the Ontario March of Dimes' DesignAbility is that program. It finds innovative, one-of-a-kind design solutions to every day challenges faced by people with disabilities, and has been creatively breaking down barriers for the last 10 years.

DesignAbility recruits volunteers with a variety of skill sets — engineering, electronics, metalworking and more — to work with individuals that require a little bit of inventive assistance in order to live barrier-free. Program participants have a range of disabilities, and the problems they face can be just as varied too.

"The situations range from helping a child integrate into a classroom with a custom designed chair," explains DesignAbility Program Coordinator Elaine Darling, "to aiding a parent in a wheelchair with the care of their child, or providing a supportive bath chair for an elderly woman."

One project involved building an accessible, indoor playground for a young child with cerebral palsy who was unable to use standard playgrounds. Designed around the child's specific abilities and needs, the custom playground has a specialized swing, ramp and slide, and is even located inside the child's own home for easy and safe access.

"DesignAbility does not compete with the market place," says Darling. "Its goal is to provide custom product solutions or modify existing products in order to increase the independence of children and adults with disabilities."

To date, the program has helped hundreds of people with disabilities in Ontario by creating nearly 700 inventions or modifications. And with 70 volunteers and a constant stream of clients, DesignAbility hopes to continue to create more than 100 new design solutions each year. Of course, with such a high demand, the program is always looking for more volunteers to help increase independence, as it's truly the volunteers that make the difference.

"Pursuing hobbies such as sewing, cooking, photography or playing cards become possible, all through the innovation of skilled volunteers," says Darling. "The solutions are endless."