Resources
We partner with local institutions and organizations to better our community in NYC, as well as encourage and support the growth of our network of similar adaptive design centers around the world.
Partnerships
Our Programs
We partner with local groups, institutions, and organizations to bring about community change. We are currently working with the NYC Department of Education (DOE).
Our Network
We support and encourage other adaptive centers and practices around the world, helping to establish adaptive design communities everywhere.
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To promote the formation of new adaptive design communities worldwide, we offer intensive classes. We encourage organizations to send motivated staff to New York City for custom intensive study to gain essential skills, are expected to engage colleagues, parents, and local makers on their return home.
Network programs by location
Philadelphia, PA
South America
Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
Lima, Peru
Africa
Network Program Details
Syracuse, New York
Connor McGough, Program Coordinator
ARISE Inc.
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www.ariseinc.org/arise-adaptive-design/
315.671.5104
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Adaptive Design Syracuse, is an interdisciplinary, community-based initiative to ensure that people with disabilities have the equipment they need to live vibrant, full lives. It's a volunteer collective of people with all types of abilities, their families and friends, clinicians, designers and makers.
Watertown, Massachusetts
Molly Campbell, Occupational Therapist
Perkins School for the Blind, Assistive Device Center
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https://www.perkins.org/services/other/assistive-device-center
617-972-7520
Assistivedevicecenter@perkins.org
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The Assistive Device Center designs and constructs custom devices that help children lead more independent lives. Custom-made items meet the unique needs of individuals while being affordable, durable and attractive. Teachers, therapists, aides and parents from Perkins and the general public are invited to make adaptive devices in the Assistive Device Center by appointment.
Ibarra, Ecuador
Kit Frank, Occupational Therapist
Prótesis Imbabura
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Prótesis Imbabura’s mission is to provide Ecuadorian patients with quality affordable prosthetics (artifical limbs), orthotics (braces) and adaptive equipment. Bob Frank, Prosthetist, and Kit Frank, Occupational Therapist, are volunteer consultants at Prótesis Imbabura. Kit has led the Adaptive Design Workshop since 2008, providing custom adaptive equipment such as standing tables, adapted seats, trays, easels, and wheelchair adaptations.
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Medstead, Hampshire, United Kingdom
Jean Westmacott , Assistive Equipment Director and Volunteer
Cerebral Palsy Africa - Paper Furniture Social Enterprise
http://www.cerebralpalsyafrica.org/equipment/
+44 1361 883315
Appropriate Paper-based Technology (APT) techniques were developed in Zimbabwe by Bevill Packer in the 1970s, who made furniture, toys and household items as well as some equipment for people with disabilities. Applying basic engineering principles and working with therapists has led to further developments: specially adapted chairs, standing frames, ride-on animals and wheelchair inserts for children with disabilities in various parts of the world. Today, Jean and Ken Westmacott in the UK are further developing Packer's work and training instructors who teach APT techniques worldwide.​​
Kamakwa, Nyeri, Kenya
Jolene Allen, Administrator & Head Occupational Therapist
Metropolitan Sanctuary for Children with Disability
www.metropolitansanctuarynyeri.com
The goal of the Metropolitan Sanctury is to empower caregivers and individuals with disability, with the knowlege, skills and equipment to reach their full potential and lead a healthy and fulfilling life. The centre includes a rehabilitation clinic; day care for children with special needs; an innovative ultra low cost adaptive cardboard equipment workshop, foam custom contoured seating service, and orthopaedic technology services. The centre offers physiotherapy & occupational therapy; medical review & nursing care, and medication.
Southeastern Pennsylvania
Dorothy Hess, Assistive Device Maker
Independent volunteer
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Dorothy is an independent, volunteer assistive device maker who works with occupational and physical therapists at Easter Seals and other organizations in the greater Philadelphia area serving children with disabilities. Dorothy began making assistive devices in 2017, after taking Adaptive Design's three-day maker workshop, and has completed numerous chairs, trays, tables, benches, step-stools and other custom devices for both school and home-base children. Please email Adaptive Design Association to connect, if you would like assistance with an assistive device for a child in southeastern Pennsylvania.
