Welcome to ADHV
Where Diversity Creates Accessibility
EVENTS
NYSOTA Conference 2024
Come see us at our booth
AND
Partake in a hands-on session to learn the basics of device fabrication.
WHO WE ARE
Creating Opportunities with Adaptive Devices
We support Diversity Creating Accessibility by providing inclusive opportunities in the creation of adaptive devices that enhance the quality of life for people with physical limitations. These devices are custom constructed using tri-wall corrugated cardboard, PVC pipe, PVC board, and wood. They have proven to be durable and comparable to all factory-built devices. The production process is structured to involve occupationally disadvantaged individuals, so that their strengths are purposefully and economically integrated. This circle of contribution supports those with occupational challenges, those with physical limitations, and the entire community in which they live and function.
This concept revolves around the power of mutual contribution. The production provides meaningful work training and employment for those who have struggled to find it elsewhere. The product maximizes functional independence of people with physical challenges. Volunteers organize the process and local groups provide funding for the running costs. So much good is coming from these simple, yet life-changing, devices.
We built our shop with an extremely limited investment, securing and repairing the necessary work components from second-hand and recycled materials. We have developed a workforce of enthusiastic and capable young adults with development challenges. For many, this process has provided an occupational breakthrough.
With volunteer guidance, these diverse individuals have produced remarkable, and life-giving adaptive devices, including:
Custom fitted wheelchair trays to allow for a personalized interactive space for eating, learning, and communicating more effectively.
Ergonomically designed seat inserts for children’s posture support during extended learning days.
PVC pipe, wood, yoga mat, rubber bands, Velcro, and other hardware come together to form a feeding aid.
Exciting Announcements
Not-for-Profit
ADHV is now a registered 501(c)(3) organization under the name "Adaptive Design HV, INC," enabling us to receive donations and grants.
Grant - NoVo Foundation
We are pleased to announce that the NoVo Foundation has awarded a grant to support ADHV. This funding will be crucial in establishing our facility, which promotes mobility, independence, and well-being for individuals in our community.
Kingston, NY - Headquarters
ADHV has officially established headquarters in Kingston's factory district, located within the Pajama Factory. This space will serve as our new education center, offering participants opportunities for education, custom device fabrication, and collaborative learning. We look forward to growing our community and enhancing the quality of life for people with physical limitations through this facility.
Current Campaign:
Wheelchair Lift
To better cater to our community, our facility requires several capital upgrades, with one crucial aspect being improved accessibility for participants using wheelchairs. While we have received proposals and are currently navigating the permitting procedures, substantial costs are entailed in such enhancements. Nonetheless, even before this update, our community partners have shown their support toward this particular initiative. The following partners have already contributed, and we gladly welcome additional donations to help us reach our objective.
Goal: $16,000
To-Go: $11,245.40
Donors To Date
Alex Truesdell - $3,000
Anthony Mignone of RCAL - $500
eSpatial Inc - $354.60
C3 Quest – $440.23
John Portolese - $500
Yvie Dondes - $100
Robert Laven - $100
John Pacini - $100
Eleanor DeCoursey- $100
Contribute to
Our Cause!
Adaptive Design Hudson Valley relies on the generosity of our community to fulfill its mission of a more adaptive and inclusive world.
THE INDIVIDUALS
Our Team
Greg Dette – Executive Director
Greg’s interest in Adaptive Design stems from its exceptional return on effort. After a career in information technology he is promoting unique learning and relationship-building opportunities to forge a new way to serve each other. Greg is a co-founder of ADHV.
Peter MacHugh – Director
Bringing 40 years of administration and management experience from both profit and non-profit sectors, Peter has held roles such as Director of Employment Services and Quality Control Manager. A native of the Hudson Valley, Peter currently lives in Tivoli, NY, and is a co-founder of ADHV.
Casey Heady –Director
Casey's diverse background includes coaching, EMT licensure, and experience in childcare and adult care. A native of Rhinebeck, NY, Casey now resides in Kingston, NY. She is the Lead Trainer and co-founder of ADHV with experience as an intern at the Adaptive Design Association.
Hannah Fisher - Instructor
Drawing from experiences in adult care and preschool programs, Hannah has been the ADHV lead instructor for participants in our program with Anderson Center for Autism. Hannah has been with ADHV for three years and resides in the Hudson Valley.
Scott Homer, MS, OTR/L - Director of Clinical Education
Scott has three decades of experience in occupational therapy as an educator and practitioner, with experience in developmental disabilities and neurological conditions. He brings a passion for teaching to his ADHV role of preparing other clinicians to design and fabricate custom adaptations.
Alex Truesdell – Senior Advisor
As a recognized 2015 MacArthur Fellow and Kellogg Fellow, Alex Truesdell brings over 40 years of experience in early childhood development and adaptive design. Formerly the Founder/Executive Director of the Adaptive Design Association in New York, NY, Alex now plays a crucial advisory role at ADHV, identifying partnerships and engagements to drive success in the Hudson Valley.
WHERE WE’RE GOING
Bringing Adaptive Design to the Hudson Valley
In conjunction with the Adaptive Design Association of New York City and Arise Adaptive Design in Syracuse, NY, we have been working to expand the adaptive design concept to the greater Hudson Valley. We already have mature educational programs in partnership with Ramapo for Children, The Anderson Center for Autism, and Rhinebeck Central Schools. These projects have provided a new and optimistic path for people who have been challenged by other educational and pre-vocational possibilities. Our mission is to create an educational forum for members of the community, both disabled and non-disabled, to construct adaptive devices together.
We are growing - quickly. As momentum builds, we require more resources, people, and awareness. Our ultimate vision includes the expansion of this inclusive and supportive process into healthcare facilities, schools, community centers, and veteran centers. Adaptive design shops can easily integrate into local institutions and provide a self-sustaining system of support.
Join us for a hands-on fabrication workshop!
Adaptive Design Hudson Valley offers short courses and day-long workshops to train you in our custom fabrication methods
WHAT WE NEED
Community Involvement Moves our Initiative Forward
As with all missions for good, we rely on awareness of our cause and generosity towards its goals. We are very real people, who believe in the effectiveness of adaptive design, feel the push to expand, but require guidance on how to identify and appeal to the organizations/foundations that may offer support. We are hoping that your organization, with its outreach and connections, can play an integral part in guiding our efforts towards continued success.
Community involvement moves this initiative forward. It requires contributions from people at all levels of the economic system and ability spectrum. The workforce is all around us, and our community functions best when everyone is involved.
Diversity does create accessibility!
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