Adaptive Design Association, Inc.

The Adaptive Design Association (ADA) began as a pilot project in September 1998, and was incorporated as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in April 2001. From the beginning, ADA has pursued a three-part mission: 1) to build custom-made adaptive equipment to improve positioning, movement, socialization and independence for children with disabilities; 2) to offer training in adaptive design techniques to all pre-service and in-service providers, interns and volunteers; and 3) to encourage local and global communities to replicate the ADA model through volunteerism, internships, outreach and advocacy.ADA operates a community-based workshop and training center in midtown-Manhattan where child-specific equipment is custom-made. On-site assessments and custom fittings are a collaborative process involving the child's parents, occupational and/or physical therapists, teacher, and social worker as well as ADA's design and fabrication team.