Who We Are

Diversity creating accessibility

Adaptive Design Hudson Valley (ADHV) is a nonprofit organization based in Kingston, NY, dedicated to making daily life more accessible through custom-built assistive devices and inclusive learning experiences. We design and fabricate adaptive equipment, often from cardboard, and provide it free of charge to people of all ages and abilities.

At ADHV, every device starts with listening. We collaborate closely with recipients, families, teachers, occupational and physical therapists, and caregivers to understand real needs in their environments. Our solutions are intentionally low-cost, highly customizable, and grounded in human-centered design. Cardboard, our primary building material, allows for rapid prototyping, easy modification, and accessibility both in cost and skill required to work with it.

Volunteer wearing prosthetic arm painting easels
 
OT’s participating in a hands-on continuing education course

Beyond building devices, ADHV is also a learning hub. Our Kingston workshop hosts students, educators, healthcare professionals, volunteers, and community members who want to learn about accessibility, problem-solving, and inclusive design. We believe that everyone has something to contribute, and that making together can be a powerful tool for empathy, confidence, and connection.

Our work spans classrooms, homes, clinics, and community spaces. We’ve built seating supports, tray tables, communication access tools, mobility aids, and more, always tailored to the individual. While the devices may be simple in materials, their impact is often profound, enabling independence, participation, and inclusion.

ADHV is rooted in the Hudson Valley community and fueled by collaboration. We’re grateful to the individuals and organizations who support our mission through funding, volunteering, referrals, and shared belief that access shouldn’t be a luxury.

We’re proud to be growing a space where creativity meets care, and where adaptability is celebrated!

 
Recipient using a motorized wheelchair and ADHV team members in classroom posing with wheelchair tray and easel

Dutchess BOCES high school student Keyon is a wheelchair user living with low muscle tone. This wheelchair tray was created with thoughtful attention to the student’s individual needs and designed to support greater independence and participation at school.

Recipient holding 3D printed kayak paddle grip assistive device

Veteran Sandy who lives with rheumatoid arthritis and therefore limited hand function wanted to kayak. Together we explored simple solutions and created a custom 3D printed paddle grip assistive device.

Recipient in OT room out of her wheelchair using custom stander

Saugerties elementary school student Gabby a wheelchair user is participating in therapy with a custom made stander. It was designed to assist in safely spending time upright on her feet at school while continuing to work toward her goal of walking.

 

Our Team

Greg Dette, Executive Director
greg@adaptivedesignhv.com

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
peter@adaptivedesignhv.com

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@adaptivedesignhv.com

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.

Lauren ‘Finn’ Iacovelli, COTA, Instructor

Fin completed field work studies in order to receive her Occupational Therapist Assistant credentials at ADHV and stayed on as a part-time instructor and fabricator.  Finn brings excellent practitioner experience to our shop as well as top notch fabrication skills she learned at home and elsewhere. 

Scott Homer, OTD, 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.