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. Gifts support materials, prototypes, Fab Lab access, software, replacement parts and shipping assistance. While secure online giving is being arranged, contact us about ways to give.
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.
Is Access Made Iowa a 501(c)(3)? Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. Access Made Iowa is an Iowa nonprofit corporation recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3). Qualifying charitable contributions may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Your own tax circumstances and the nature of your gift affect whether you can claim a deduction. Postage paid for an adaptation is not a donation.