Reimagined Communities
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At the heart of our mission is the belief that sharing knowledge strengthens communities.
By collaborating and exchanging ideas, we can enhance our skills in building and problem-solving together. The more we learn about custom adaptations, the more we can empower individuals with disabilities and their caregivers to access their homes, schools, and communities—and engage in daily activities with greater independence.
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Network
We support and encourage other adaptive design initiatives and practices around the world, helping to establish adaptive design communities and learning from other like-minded organizations.
We encourage organizations to share information to be included on Adaptive Design's network page. Adaptive Design reserves the right to remove information. All listed participants have agreed to share their information on this platform. Please contact rocio@adaptivedesign.org for more information.
Syracuse, New York
Connor McGough, Program Coordinator
ARISE Inc.
www.ariseinc.org/arise-adaptive-design/
315.671.5104
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
https://www.perkins.org/services/other/assistive-device-center
617-972-7520
Assistivedevicecenter@perkins.org
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
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.
Medstead, Hampshire, United Kingdom
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
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.