CARExDESIGN: In Conversation
2026 is Adaptive Design Association, Inc's 25th birthday! We've been reflecting on all the adaptations we've made, the stories they tell, and our co-creators, some whom we've known all their...
News & Events
Read about what we are up to, and upcoming events.
Inside Adaptive Design’s Volunteer Build Nights
There’s something powerful about standing shoulder to shoulder in a workshop, tools in hand, knowing that what you’re building will soon become part of someone’s daily life. Our Volunteer Build...
What’s Taking Shape at Adaptive Design
Dear Friends and Community Partners, Each day at Adaptive Design begins the same way: stepping out of a very busy New York City and into a workshop that feels like...
#GivingTuesday Line it like a Pro Challenge
Join the #GivingTuesday Movement… Right Here in Midtown! This year, Adaptive Design is opening our workshop for in-person Giving Tuesday volunteer hours dedicated entirely to one mission: Edging tactile symbol...
Making Meaning, One Card at a Time Highlights from NYS AER 2025 Conference Saratoga Springs, NY
Last week at the NYS AER Conference, the Adaptive Design Association team brought hands-on learning to life with a Make and Take session. This workshop followed an inspiring presentation by...
A Closer Look at the Trekker KT: Unbreakable Summit – October 24
When Tamara Morgan first saw the email inviting her to scale Mount Kilimanjaro in an adaptive trekker, she could hardly believe it. It sounded impossible. Until she opened it. The...
Building Potential Annual Report 2024
Adaptive Design Presents: The Building Potential Annual Report (FY2024) Adaptive Design is proud to share our Building Potential Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024! For the best viewing experience, we...
Showcasing the Power of Inclusive Design at FIT
'When design adapts, society evolves.'- Troy Richards, FIT dean of the School of Art and Design The FIT Art and Design Gallery recently opened Adapt/Evolve, a multidisciplinary exhibition exploring adaptive...
Yes—Design is for EVERYONE!
Adaptive Design Association opened its doors to the public for a special two-day Open House as part of the 2025 NYCxDESIGN Festival. Held at our Garment District workshop in New...
A Tribute to Tanya Couturier: Celebrating her Work and Spirit
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Tanya, a longtime member of the ADA team. Tanya joined us in 2015 through a Department of Criminal Justice...
How We’re Making Design Work for Everyone
At The Adaptive Design Association, we believe that design should serve everyone – not just the majority. For years, we've been on a mission to create products and solutions that...
Makecode Cardboard Arcades Hackathon
Makers Making Change and Adaptive Design are teaming up for a Makecode Cardboard Arcades Hackathon! We will be building cardboard arcades and making them switch-accessible, as well as learning how...
#GivingTuesday Time to Play Workshop
Countdown to #givingtuesday with Adaptive Design's Time to Play workshop. Join us on Tuesday, November 29th. Contact Tamara@adaptivedesign.org to learn more! Volunteer to adapt toys so that kids of all...
Free #GivingTuesday Workshop
The Adaptive Design Association's Giving Tuesday virtual workshop promises to teach you cardboard carpentry techniques and together to make a big difference in the life of students who use tangible...
City Council Supports M2L
On June 30th, 2021 the City Council voted on the budget for FY2022. The City's budget for FY22 will total $98.7 billion. Adaptive Design is pleased to share we have...
All about easels!
Adaptive Design Association hosted its first-ever virtual Giving Tuesday event. The virtual design workshop promised to challenge creativity, teach cardboard carpentry techniques, and spark an 'I can do it' attitude....