Big Red Adaptive Play and Design Initiative
Making assistive technologies more accessible for all in the Greater Ithaca community.
Our Mission
The mission of the Big Red Adaptive Play and Design Initiative (Big Red APDI) at Cornell University is to bridge the gap between Cornell students and the Ithaca special needs community. This is to be accomplished by rewiring battery-operated toys and devices to make them more accessible to people with physical disabilities. These toys, devices, and other technologies are then lent/donated to help supply the huge need for adaptive play and assistive technology solutions in the Ithaca community and beyond!
Our Function
As a student organization at Cornell, we host biweekly events that anyone can attend and get involved in. Students can expect to work in small groups at these events to learn the processes of soldering, wire modification, accessibility, design, and so much more! No experience required!
In addition to toy/device adaptation, we also have plans to directly design assistive technology solutions for people with physical disabilities with particular needs in the community. A few examples of what this need could look like may include 3D printed key-guards designed for communication devices, 3D printed switches designed for activating toys/devices, and sensory boards designed to improve tactile awareness.
We hope you can join us in making a difference in the Ithaca community!
Communities We Serve
Sponsors
