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Since 2001, Adaptive Design Association (ADA) has worked to ensure that children with disabilities get the customized equipment they need to participate fully in home, school, and community life. ADA realizes its mission through training, equipment development, and outreach. They offer courses in adaptive design and construction and promote the expansion of adaptive design services through collaboration with schools, universities, hospitals, parent groups, and area businesses. ADA also operates a community-based workshop where occupational and physical therapists, teachers, parents, and volunteers work with the ADA staff to design and construct a wide array of adaptive equipment for children.
ADA first joined the Youth, I.N.C. Nonprofit Network in 2005. At the time they were operating out of donated space in the basement of an apartment building on the Upper West Side. Before joining the Celebration program, ADA had never undertaken a large fundraising event, and the board was apprehensive about committing to a fundraising goal of $28,000. Yet, they succeeded in surpassing their own goal and raised $35,000! Through the Celebration program, the staff and Board also learned how to better market the organization. They developed the skills and confidence to spread the word about their important work while cultivating new donors.
ADA has recently enrolled in Youth, I.N.C.’s Board Management & Development program with the goal of strategically expanding its Board of Directors. ADA is also participating in Celebration 2006 and is on track to surpass last year’s fundraising goal. With additional resources raised through Celebration, new fundraising skills, a stronger Board and more space, ADA will be able to expand its services, ensuring that more children with disabilities get the custom-made equipment they need to participate fully and actively in society.
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