ADAPTIVE DESIGN ASSOCIATION INC
ADAPTIVE DESIGN ASSOCIATION INC
ADAPTIVE DESIGN ASSOCIATION INC
Programs
Adaptive Design for Disability Services
ADAPTIVE DESIGN USES AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO DISABILITY SERVICES. WE DESIGN AND BUILD CUSTOM ASSITIVE EQUIPMENT (ADAPTATIONS) USING EASILY-ACCESSIBLE MATERIALS LIKE CARDBOARD AND WOOD, AND TEACH COMMUNITY PARTNERS HOW TO DO SO. EXAMPLES OF ADAPTATIONS INCLUDE A CUSTOM EASEL,ARMREST, AND BRUSH GRIPS FOR A 14-Y-O ARTIST WITH A DEGENERATIVE GENETIC DISORDER, A DINING-CHAIR WITH NECK AND TORSO SUPPORTS SO A 5-Y-O SURVIVOR OF A DRUNK-DRIVING ACCIDENT CAN SHARE MEALS WITH HER MOTHER, AN ABOVE-THE-BED CUSTOM SUPPORT BAR SO AN ADULT WITH DISABILITY CAN TRANSFER IN AND OUT OF BED INDEPENDENTLY, AND AN ADAPTED GAS-PEDAL FOR A 5-Y-O GIRL WITH CEREBRAL PALSY SO SHE CAN DRIVE HER RIDE-ON TOY CAR WITH A HEAD SWITCH. OFTEN WE ARE A FAMILY'S LAST RECOURSE, WHEN THEY RUN INTO TWO COMMON BARRIERS-THE DEVICE IS UNAVAILABLE IN A CATALOG, OR INSURANCE WILL NOT COVER IT. WE DESIGN AND BUILD ITEMS ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS. NO ONE IS DENIED A DEVICE BECAUSE THEY CANNOT PAY FOR IT. TYPICALLY WE SERVE 80-100 CLIENTS ANNUALLY, CREATING UP TO 200 COMPONENTS OF VARYING DEGREES OF COMPLEXITY. WORKING AROUND THE MANY CHALLENGES OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, THIS YEAR OUR FABRICATION TEAM WAS ABLE TO DESIGN AND BUILD 54 ONE-OF-A-KIND ADAPTATIONS (101 COMPONENTS INCLUDING HAND-SEWN HARNESSES, CUSHION SUPPORT, AND 3RD PRINTED FOOT GUIDES OR HEADRESTS)FOR 29 CLIENTS AND 35 MULTI-USER PIECES FOR SCHOOLS IN NYC. WE HAND-MADE 8,000+ TANGIBLE SYMBOL CARDS, AN ESSENTIAL COMMUNICATION TOOL FOR TEACHERS SERVING STUDENTS WITH HEARIG AND VISUAL DISABILITIES. REGULAR EDUCATION PROGRAMS CONTINUED IN HYBRID MODE, AND INTERNS AND VOLUNTEERS PARTICIPATED IN 1,988 HOURS OF LEARNING EQUIPMENT FABRICATION, FINISHING, EVALUATION, AND GRAPHIC DESIGN SKILLS, CULTIVATING VALUABLE SOFT SKILLS LIKE COLLABORATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING AND TEAMWORK. COMMUNITY MEMBERS INCLUDED MARGINALIZED, OFTEN OVERLOOKED POPULATIONS, INCLUDING YOUTH WITH AUTISM, RETIRED PROFESSIONALS, AND STUDENTS WITH AND WITHOUT DISABILITIES - ALL WORKING TO BUILD AWARENESS AND APPROPRIATE ADAPTATIONS THAT CREATE INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES. OUR TEAM ALSO HOSTED 20 VIRTUAL SITE VISITS AND FIELD TRIPS FOR 254 PARTICIPANTS. OUR FUNDRAISING EXPENSES SUPPORT THE WORK OF OUR PART- TIME GRANT-WRITER. ADAPTIVE DESIGN CULTIVATES INDIVIDUAL DONOR GIFTS THROUGH DONOR ADVISED FUNDS AND A WEB-BASED DIGITAL PLATFORM.GeographiesNot indicatedDatesJul 1, 2020 – Jun 30, 2021Source990No causes providedNo populations provided–$378.2KProgram 1 [2024]
Adaptive Design Association (ADA) takes an innovative approach to disability services by creating custom assistive equipment using easily accessible materials like cardboard and wood, and teaching community partners how to do the same. Most products and spaces are not built with accessibility in mind, but we believe that every child with a disability can benefit from custom adaptations that remove barriers to inclusion. Our work not only involves building critical solutions for individuals with disabilities but also empowers marginalized groups particularly youth with autismby involving them in the design process. This provides invaluable transition skills while fostering a sense of purpose and community. For the past 26 years, weve shared our open-source designs and techniques with diverse groups across New York City, the country, and the world, through a variety of courses and hands-on workshops. ADA envisions a day when every community partner has its own adaptive design workshop, ensuring inclusion and accessibility for all. Through our Adapt For Access program, we serve 80-100 clients annually across all five boroughs of New York City, ensuring our services reach individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. In FYE24, we created 188 custom adaptations for 98 clients, ranging in age from 8 months to 101 years old, with the majority (60%) between 1 and 10 years old. One example is a customized stander created for Orla, a one-year-old diagnosed with a degenerative muscle disease. This adaptation helps her strengthen her legs and core, and with the support of her physical therapist, Orla is now learning to standbringing her closer to joining her siblings in everyday activities. Our Tactile Communication Program provides support through the creation of Tangible Symbol Cardsan augmentative communication system for those with limited speech. In FYE24, we fulfilled orders for the American Printing House for the Blind by delivering 18711 standardized cards, and we produced 1,465 custom cards for 27 other organizations. Through card-building workshops, 66 participants created 100 custom cards for use with their students, further extending our impact in the community. Our work is centered on inclusivity, trauma-informed care, and client-centered service. By combining custom solutions with community education and open-source design, we not only provide life-changing adaptations but also equip individuals and communities with the tools to build a more inclusive future.GeographiesNot indicatedDatesJul 1, 2023 – Jun 30, 2024Source990No causes providedNo populations provided–$650.4K
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