VIDEOS
AMONG THE GIANTS
PRODUCED BY CORY TOMASCOFF
The story of the Adaptive Design Association through the compelling experiences of two young women who rely on custom-made adaptive equipment. This film premiered in New York City in June 2009 and has been screened at over 15 film festivals across the US and abroad. It is a frequent selection at ReelAbilities film festivals. [23 min]
BEING BELIEVED IN MATTERS
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
June 2017
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Alex Truesdell receives an honorary degree from Lesley University. Alex, an alumna of Lesley University (1979 and 1998), spoke about the ways loss, high expectations, unique needs, and adaptive design thread through her life and work. Alex believes in the transformative power of “being believed in” and implores all of us to challenge assumptions and assume untapped potential in everyone. [10.5 min]
LETTING IMAGINATIONS RUN WILD WITH DOTS AND DASHES
PRODUCED BY GOOGLE
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In a 48-hour game jam hosted by Adaptive Design, an organization that builds custom adaptations for children with disabilities, we paired developers and kids with unique needs to prototype games that make Morse code fun to learn.
[3 min]
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ADAPTIVE DESIGN - DESIGN THE WORLD TO FIT YOUR NEEDS
PRODUCED BY BLIND LYLE FILMS
Adaptive Design in NYC is teaching people how to make adaptive equipment and furniture for children and adults all around the globe. Here in Ecuador, Kit Frank, an occupational therapist, shows teachers, parents, and other therapists how to make these items using cardboard. [3 min]
ALEX TRUESDELL
ADAPTIVE DESIGNER AND FABRICATOR
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The MacArthur Foundation gives fellowships to talented individuals who have shown extraordinary originality and dedication in their creative pursuits and a marked capacity for self-direction. On the occasion of receiving this award in September 2015, Alex Truesdell discusses her inspiration, her methods, and her desire to see what she does practiced everywhere and by anyone. [3.5 min]
PBS NEWSHOUR:
FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES, MAKING THE WORLD CUSTOM FIT OUT OF CARDBOARD
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MacArthur fellow Alex Truesdell sees a world of possibilities in a simple piece of cardboard.
At her Adaptive Design Association, cardboard furniture and learning tools are built for children with disabilities to help them realize their potential. Special correspondent Jackie Judd reports.
January 2016 [7 min]
GRANTS AT WORK
PRODUCED BY THE NEW YORK COMMUNITY TRUST
2012
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This video tells Hannah’s story. Adaptive Design is one of the programs supported by grants from The New York Community Trust, teaching physical and occupational therapists, teachers, and volunteers how to make adaptive equipment for children with disabilities out of easy-to-obtain materials. [4 min]
ARTIST/TALKSHOW HOST
TAMARA MORGAN
PRODUCED BY
DISABILITIES REDEFINED
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ADA's own Tamara Morgan was interviewed by talk show host Dr. Truett Vaigneur. Soon thereafter, she took over the host role herself on this cable TV series. See other episodes in the series. [7 min]
A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE WITH AN ADAPTIVE DESIGN CENTER
PRODUCED BY BLIND LYLE FILMS
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Adaptive Design Specialists from New York City spent a week with parents, teachers, therapists, and local university students developing custom adaptations for children who are deaf-blind in Guatemala City. [11 min]
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LYNN VALLEY: HER STORY
A COLLABORATION OF THE ADAPTIVE DESIGN ASSOCIATION, LYNN VALLEY, ANITA PERR, AND MARIANNE PETIT
The story of Aunt Lynn, the woman who inspired her niece, Alex Truesdell, to design and build adaptations and to eventually become the founder of ADA. [18 min]
ALL IN WITH CHRIS HAYES
PRODUCED BY MSNBC
September 29, 2015
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Chris Hayes offers congratulations to his Aunt, Alex Truesdell, and all the other winners of 2015 MacArthur fellowship. [2 min]