SULLIVAN—This holiday season, a group of determined innovators and caring community members turned a simple idea into something extraordinary. The Adapt-A-Thon, hosted by The Center for Discovery (TCFD), wasn’t just about modifying toys—it was about creating connections, building skills, and bringing genuine joy to children who need it most.

The inspiration came from visits to ARISE in Syracuse and Hudson Valley Adaptive Design in Kingston. “We loved what they were doing in their communities,” said Josh Nathan, Innovation Technologist for TCFD. 

“It inspired us to bring that same spirit of innovation and inclusion to our own community. So, we picked up a bunch of these [toy] penguins that can be adapted with a little switch that we 3D printed and designed,” Nathan added.

Nathan continued, “The interactions between us and the residents were awesome. I mean, they had so much fun. Everyone was smiling super big.”

ARISE is a non-profit organization based in Syracuse, New York, dedicated to promoting independence, inclusion, and full participation for people with disabilities. As a Center for Independent Living, ARISE offers services like assistive technology, adaptive design, and community integration programs. Their innovative approach focuses on breaking down barriers and empowering individuals to lead self-directed lives, making them a natural source of inspiration for events like the Adapt-A-Thon.

Armed with battery-operated penguin toys, 3D-printed switches, and a lot of heart, the team—alongside residents from TCFD’s day habilitation program—set out to make magic happen. The mission was clear: adapt these toys so that children with physical or developmental challenges could enjoy them without barriers.

John, a TCFD resident, shared his experience: “I worked on the switches for the penguins that we made switches to turn them on and off with Josh, Mark, and Vinny. I found soldering the most fun.”

Vinnie Collura, Innovation Specialist for TCFD, highlighted the rewarding nature of the project: “And now the guys are boxing, getting ready to hand out. It’s pretty awesome. There’s nothing more rewarding than working with these guys.”

The event wasn’t just about the technical skills—though those were in abundance. Wire-cutting, soldering, and assembly all required patience, focus, and teamwork. But the real magic came from the sense of purpose. “Being in a position to give back, rather than always being on the receiving end, changes everything,” one organizer said. 

Ann Marie Connolly, Assistant Chief of Clinical Services for Assistive Technology, Innovation, and Training, emphasized the bigger picture: “We wanted to be able to somehow give back. And so we said, wow, what’s a group that would have a need? 

And so we thought of early intervention. But this was like a game changer for motivation and knowing, helping others as opposed to other people helping them, they’re able to give back. So that’s the part that comes full circle.”

The adapted penguin toys, complete with custom gift boxes and holiday cards handcrafted by children in TCFD’s school program, were delivered to children in Sullivan County’s Early Intervention Program. Some were even handed out personally by the residents who helped create them. 

Rita Burns, Early Intervention Service Coordinator at Sullivan County Public Health, expressed deep gratitude: “This is amazing and so incredibly thoughtful. These toys are going to bring so much joy to the families we serve.”

The Adapt-A-Thon was made possible with the support from the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation.

The Holiday Adapt-A-Thon wasn’t just about toys – it was about breaking barriers, fostering inclusion, and reminding us all of the power of community. 

And this holiday season, thanks to a group of determined makers and a little bit of solder, children across Sullivan County will get to experience the joy of play—no strings attached, just a switch away.