Adaptive Design Association

Not to be confused with adaptive web design.

The Adaptive Design Association, Inc. (ADA) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2001 responsible for creating custom child-specific adaptations for children with disabilities.

Adaptive Design Association, Inc.

Abbreviation	ADA
Formation	2001 (2001)
Type	501(c)(3)
Location	New York, New York, USA
Founder	Alex Truesdell
Executive Director	Jennifer Hercman
Website	www.adaptivedesign.org

Overview

The Adaptive Design Association, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization which creates custom adaptations for children with disabilities. Its work is based in part on the Adaptive Design work at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, Massachusetts.^[1][2] The group utilizes tri-wall cardboard and other sustainable materials to meet children's equipment needs. Products include tangible symbol cues, customized positioning systems, and customized work surfaces.

The ADA also trains occupational and physical therapists in making adaptive design.^[3][4] The ADA is a community partner of Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville/Yonkers, New York.^[5]

History

MacArthur Fellow Alex Truesdell founded the organization in 2001^[6] after founding and coordinating the Assistive Device Center at Perkins School For the Blind. As of 2013^[update] she is the ADA's executive director.^[7]

The ADA was featured in the 2009 short documentary Among the Giants by Cory Tomascoff.^[8][9] It was also featured in a 2013 short film titled A World of Difference With Cardboard.^[10]