EDUCATION

Adaptive Design Association offers courses, presentations, field-trips and internship opportunities in our Adaptive Design Center in mid-town Manhattan.

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ADA shares techniques and processes with a community that can build and expand upon what we teach. We hope that you -- whether you be a student, teacher, parent, designer, or therapist -- will in turn share your own concepts and designs with us, so that we may grow together. 

 

During basic courses (from 2 hours to 3 days) participants learn to build general-purpose devices (study aids, footrests, seat inserts) and can acquire basic cardboard carpentry skills. During more advanced courses, participants typically build adaptations for a specific individual they know.  The materials and techniques depend on the adaptations needed, so while sturdy triple-layer corrugated cardboard is our go-to material, we regularly use wood, plastic, fabric, paper, foam, electronics, and more.

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To promote adaptive design communities, ADA offers intensive classes and ongoing consultation.  We encourage organizations to send highly motivated staff to NYC for intensive study to gain essential skills.  Once they return home, people who have taken intensive training should practice and expand their skills (by regularly building adaptations) and they should be expected to engage colleagues, parents, and local makers. 

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