Useful answers, without nonprofit fog.
If the answer is “it depends,” we will tell you what it depends on.
How much does an adaptation cost?
The adaptation itself is free. If you can pay shipping, you pay only the exact postage purchased through Pirate Ship. No handling fee. No markup. No required donation.
Do I need a diagnosis?
Usually, no. We are interested in the functional problem: what you are trying to do, what gets in the way and what better would look like.
Can I request something for another person?
Yes, when you are appropriately involved in helping them. We may ask to communicate directly with the recipient, parent/guardian, caregiver, teacher or therapist when that would improve the project.
Do you make medical devices?
No. We focus on low-risk assistive adaptations. We decline structural, weight-bearing, implantable, medically critical and other projects where failure could create significant injury risk.
What if the first version does not work?
That is normal prototyping. If the project remains safe and feasible, we may revise the design. Failed prototypes are part of learning, not a scandal.
Can I donate even if I do not need anything?
Yes, once donation processing is live. Donations can fund materials, prototypes, Fab Lab access, software, replacement parts and shipping assistance.
Can a donation move my request ahead?
No. Donations are optional and do not buy priority.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. Maker skills are useful, but so are professional expertise, nonprofit administration, shipping, documentation, photography, packaging and community connections.
Can a school, clinic, library or organization send requests?
That is exactly the kind of relationship we want to build. Recurring small accessibility problems may be ideal for collaboration.
Are you already a 501(c)(3)?
No. Access Made Iowa has submitted its Iowa nonprofit formation filing, but federal 501(c)(3) recognition has not yet been granted. We will not claim tax-deductible status until the legal process supports that statement.