Yes—Design is for EVERYONE!

Adaptive Design Association opened its doors to the public for a special two-day Open House as part of the 2025 NYCxDESIGN Festival. Held at our Garment District workshop in New York City, the event offered visitors a rare behind-the-scenes look into our inclusive design process—and the vibrant community that powers it.

Over the course of two afternoons, guests toured our fabrication studio, met our team of designers and fabricators, and explored a dynamic collection of personalized adaptations we've crafted for individuals of all ages and abilities. From customized utensils to mobility aids and tactile learning tools, every object on display reflected ADA’s mission: to create one-of-a-kind assistive devices that center creativity, care, and lived experience.

Since 2001, ADA has designed over 1,000 adaptations—each one built in-house and offered free of charge. During the Open House, attendees learned how our core programs—Adapt for Access, Made to Learn, and the Tactile Communication Program—empower others to co-create tools that address real-world needs. By using materials like cardboard and accessible 3D printing, we’re able to share our methods with educators, caregivers, and communities around the world.

The event also sparked important conversations about design equity, urgency, and imagination. Many guests were struck by how something as simple as an adapted toothbrush or a reconfigured hair styling station could dramatically improve daily life. And through collaborative problem-solving with users, we’re reminded that assistive design is not about limitation—it’s about potential.

As part of the festivities, ADA also presented a satellite exhibit at Common Things in the East Village, where we debuted MAGNADAPTxSTUDIOPHORIA—a creative collaboration exploring assistive tools through a lifestyle lens. The installation highlighted ADA’s MAGNADAPT hand cuff system, among other tools that blur the line between functionality and aesthetics. ADA Board Member and STUDIOPHORIA founder Elaine Young shared:

“We’re reframing assistive tools as lifestyle objects—through an aesthetic language of form and function that transforms our values and the narratives we share about care, creativity, and belonging.”

We were honored to welcome such a diverse group of visitors—designers, educators, students, therapists, parents, and community members—each bringing curiosity and insight to the conversation around inclusive design.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this celebration of difference, ingenuity, and care in action.

Common Things x ADA Photo Gallery

Collage showing a design-focused exhibition at "common things," featuring a storefront view, team photo, adaptive utensils, colorful assistive devices, ergonomic chairs, and curated displays of everyday items reimagined for accessibility and aesthetics.

CARExDESIGN Open House Photo Gallery

Photos from the CARExDESIGN Open House show visitors interacting with accessible design projects, including adapted utensils, custom seating, communication boards, and sensory tools. Attendees engage in demonstrations, tours, and discussions throughout various workshop and studio spaces, highlighting inclusive design practices and community collaboration.

We're raising funds to purchase essential workshop materials, so we can continue to create custom adaptations that empower children with disabilities. Every donation helps keep our shop full of essential supplies like cardboard, wood, and glue. Join us in making a difference— Donate Today!

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