Adaptive Design Association Inc. Email Format
Design ServicesNew York, United States11-50 Employees
Adaptive Design Association (ADA) is a New York City–based design services nonprofit founded in 1998 by Alex Truesdell to improve how people with disabilities are served in healthcare, schools, workplaces, and community settings. The organization creates low-cost or no-cost custom adaptations for people with disabilities using accessible cardboard building techniques in its workshop, offering solutions that contrast with expensive, off-the-shelf products. ADA also publicly shares its know-how through courses and presentations on adaptive design and cardboard building, and it organizes field trips and internship opportunities. Headquartered in New York City and operating in the design services space, the organization serves users in healthcare, education, employment, and community contexts. A 2026 development notes a partnership with Tikkun Olam Makers that expands ADA's engagement across several university campuses in New York, including NYU, Columbia, Parsons, Yeshiva University, Touro, and Cooper Union, and collaboration with related centers.