Adaptive Design Hudson Valley

Adaptive Design Hudson Valley Building durable, custom accessibility devices out of cardboard to change lives! Diversity creating accessibility, locally in the Hudson Valley.

Laura is currently completing her second Level 2 fieldwork rotation with us as part of her OTA program at SUNY Orange.Wi...
04/30/2026

Laura is currently completing her second Level 2 fieldwork rotation with us as part of her OTA program at SUNY Orange.
With a background in product testing and a strong interest in hands-on problem solving, Laura brings a thoughtful and creative approach to each project. She values the opportunity to apply clinical knowledge in real-world scenarios where standard equipment often falls short.
One of her standout projects is a “wobble board” — a circular floor seat designed to provide controlled movement and sensory input during seated activities. It reflects her ability to design a solution that is both functional and engaging.
Laura shares that seeing devices in use, in homes, schools, and the community is the most fulfilling part of her work.
We’re grateful to have had her, and look forward to seeing what she does next.





04/28/2026

Part of our recent Red Hook delivery included this custom seating adaptation for an elementary school student.

The goal was simple but important: allow her to safely and comfortably use the same classroom desk and chair as her peers. Because the standard classroom furniture was too large for her, we created a custom backrest so her body could meet the chair properly, along with a footrest to ensure her feet are supported and grounded.

These adjustments may seem small, but proper positioning plays a major role in health, safety, comfort, and the ability to focus and learn. When a student’s body is supported, their attention can shift to what really matters — being present and engaged in the classroom.





This past weekend, occupational therapy practitioners joined us for a hands-on CEU course centered around real-time prob...
04/24/2026

This past weekend, occupational therapy practitioners joined us for a hands-on CEU course centered around real-time problem solving.
Participants were presented with a challenge: improve seating and positioning for Betty Lou, our four-year-old model with low tone.
Working in groups, they assessed, discussed, prototyped, and built custom seating solutions — applying clinical reasoning directly to fabrication.
It was a full day of collaboration, creativity, and skill-building.
We hope participants leave not only with new techniques, but with the confidence to create adaptive solutions in their own settings. We’re honored that participants shared reflections like “FUN!” and “inspiring,” with one attendee noting that the course reinforced that “everything can be custom made and we don’t have to be limited by what ‘big’ equipment companies provide.” another said “that accessibility doesn't have to be fancy or expensive” and we couldn’t agree more.
If you/your organization is interested in scheduling a private CEU course or PD day, reach out to us at info@adaptivedesignhv.com. Stay tuned for our next open enrollment CEU course date announcement.




04/21/2026

These weighted boxes were delivered to Red Hook Elementary School as part of a recent batch of adaptive devices.
Designed for “heavy work,” they provide deep pressure input through pushing, pulling, and carrying — helping support regulation, focus, and body awareness for students who benefit from that sensory input.
Each box includes a small tray so students can move materials while using them, combining function with purpose.
We finished these in a “dino rainbow fun” theme. When something feels approachable and engaging, it gets used more — and that consistency is where the impact happens.




This Earth Day, we want to recognize a group from Anderson Center for Autism who turned recycling into meaningful impact...
04/21/2026

This Earth Day, we want to recognize a group from Anderson Center for Autism who turned recycling into meaningful impact.
Participants collected bottles and cans, redeemed them, and chose to donate the proceeds — $109.50 — to Adaptive Design Hudson Valley.
It’s a simple act with a layered impact: environmental responsibility, community care, and direct support for making adaptive devices accessible to those who need them.
Thank you for your effort, generosity, and intention.




Makenzi joined Adaptive Design Hudson Valley as an OTA fieldwork student and has quickly become a thoughtful and dedicat...
04/16/2026

Makenzi joined Adaptive Design Hudson Valley as an OTA fieldwork student and has quickly become a thoughtful and dedicated member of the team. Born and raised in Rhinecliff, NY, she brings a unique blend of experience in healthcare, emergency response, and occupational therapy — all of which shape her organized, comprehensive approach to each project.
She is especially driven by the long-term success of the people we serve, always considering both individual needs and practical use in daily life. One of her most meaningful experiences at ADHV was supporting an individual in returning to playing guitar after nearly 10 years — a reminder of how impactful adaptive solutions can be in reconnecting people with the activities they love.
During her time here, Makenzi has built confidence in fabrication, strengthened her technical and design skills, and embraced the challenge of turning ideas into functional, real-world solutions. She is especially drawn to the moment when an idea comes to life and begins to take shape.
Outside of the shop, you can find her hiking, kayaking, and camping with her husband and two dogs, or during the colder months reading, baking, and watching movies.
We’re grateful to have had Makenzi as part of the ADHV community and we’re excited to see where her work takes her.

Our ARC intern, AJ, recently completed his first slant board from start to finish.From measuring and cutting to assembli...
04/02/2026

Our ARC intern, AJ, recently completed his first slant board from start to finish.
From measuring and cutting to assembling, edging, painting, and sealing with poly, AJ worked through every step of the process. His attention to detail and willingness to learn new skills really showed in the final product.
We’re proud of his hard work and the care he put into this build, and he should be too!





Here’s your reminder that our next Continuing Education course for occupational therapy practitioners will be held April...
04/01/2026

Here’s your reminder that our next Continuing Education course for occupational therapy practitioners will be held April 18th.
Adaptive Design in Practice: Cardboard Fabrication for Real-World Solutions is a hands-on workshop where participants learn how to design and fabricate custom assistive devices using cardboard.
Participants will explore mock client assessment, collaborative problem solving, cardboard carpentry techniques, and complete a full device build during the session.

Register here:

https://adaptivedesignhv.org/ceu

Course Details
Saturday, April 18
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Inclement Weather Date: April 25
Location: Adaptive Design Hudson Valley Shop
32 Cedar Street, Kingston, NY
Participants will receive 4 CEU credits.
Cost: $160
Space is limited and registration is first come, first served. Please visit our website to register.
If you are an OT or OTA, we encourage you to share this opportunity within your professional circles.

OTCommunity

An occupational therapist at Anderson Center for Autism recently requested a set of weighted boxes to support sensory an...
03/25/2026

An occupational therapist at Anderson Center for Autism recently requested a set of weighted boxes to support sensory and regulation activities.
Weighted boxes are often used in “heavy work” activities, where lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling weight provides deep pressure input. These activities can help improve focus, body awareness, emotional regulation, and sensory processing, particularly for individuals on the autism spectrum.
We thought this would be the perfect project for our regular group of participants from Anderson’s Day Habilitation program who come to our shop to learn, collaborate, and build adaptive equipment alongside our instructors.
By helping construct the weighted boxes that will be used within their own community, the project becomes a full-circle experience of contribution. It strengthens social-emotional learning for the builders while helping recipients understand the care and effort that went into the process.
Here is Ed heading out of the shop with the weighted boxes that he helped to build — ready to be used back at Anderson.





Address

32 Cedar Street
Kingston, NY

Website

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