Founded by people living with spinal cord injuries, Level the Curve designs affordable assistive products that help people with disabilities handle everyday tasks more independently. Its direct-to-consumer approach has produced the Vesta eating tool, which helps people with limited hand dexterity use utensils without assistance, alongside developing devices such as wheelchair ramps and mobility aids. The company also collaborates with the NYU Ability Project to develop assistive technology and hosts accessibility-focused arts events.
Enabling DevicesSince 1978, Enabling Devices has made assistive technology that helps people with disabilities communicate, play, learn, and take part more independently. The family-run company designs and builds its own products in a New York workshop, and its product-development team also creates customized devices when standard equipment does not meet a person’s needs. Enabling Devices continues to make low-volume products when they remain an essential entry point for a customer.HAWTHORNE, NY
Rifton EquipmentRifton Equipment designs and builds adaptive medical equipment that helps people with disabilities move, stand, sit and participate more independently. Begun in 1977 after designers were asked to custom-build a chair for a child with disabilities, the company now makes its equipment in-house at factories in New York and Pennsylvania, with designs shaped by therapist feedback and each order custom-configured and hand-assembled. Rifton also supports equipment in the field with product experts and replacement-parts service.RIFTON, NY
Jetweels IncFounded by Esma Dahbali, Jetweels Inc. makes patented, transparent non-metallic transport chairs designed to help people with disabilities move through airport security without triggering standard metal detectors. The company grew from PAX Assist’s wheelchair-service operations at New York’s JFK Airport, where its experience assisting millions of passengers informed the chair’s development beginning in 2012. Jetweels also customizes chairs for organizations and serves settings such as airports, hospitals and public venues.JAMAICA, NY
Thomas Fetterman IncThomas Fetterman Inc. is known for the Tornado Tip, developed by Thomas Fetterman from his own experience living with polio and using crutches. The company makes crutch tips and related mobility accessories, including Peace Tips that are distributed to amputee soccer teams and other crutch users in countries where such equipment can be difficult to obtain.SOUTHAMPTON, PA