Removing Barriers to Create Experiences
Different abilities. Equal opportunities. Endless possibilities.
At RAD Design & Fabrication, we believe every individual deserves the opportunity to learn, create, explore, communicate, and participate fully in the world around them.
We also believe that every person brings unique strengths, perspectives, experiences, and abilities to the table.
People should not have to fit into a world that was designed without considering their needs. We should work toward designing a world that includes them.
Accessibility is not limited to any single condition, diagnosis, or physical limitation. It encompasses differences in vision, hearing, mobility, communication, learning, cognition, sensory processing, and physical interaction.
We proudly embrace the phrase individuals with unique abilities because people should be recognized for their capabilities, individuality, and potential rather than defined by perceived limitations.
Our mission: Removing Barriers to Create Experiences.
Through thoughtful design, modern fabrication technology, accessible educational resources, and collaborative innovation, we work to make everyday activities, education, recreation, and independent living more inclusive.
Accessibility is not a specialty we add to our work. It is a fundamental part of why we do what we do.
Inclusive Product Design & Assistive Adaptations
No two individuals experience the world in exactly the same way. A product that works perfectly for one person may present unnecessary challenges for another. Thoughtful customization can help bridge that gap.
RAD Design & Fabrication explores tactile identification and accessible labeling, visual communication aids, high-visibility indicators, custom grips and handles, adaptive accessories, organizational tools, sensory-friendly designs, mobility and dexterity adaptations, alternative communication supports, customized learning accessories, and replacement components.
Our approach begins by understanding the individual, identifying the barrier, and exploring practical design solutions. Intended users should have a meaningful voice in development through listening, collaboration, testing, and refinement.
RAD Multisensory Learning
Education Should Be Accessible to Every Learning Style and Ability.
Learning is not a one-size-fits-all experience. People may benefit from visual information, touch, sound, movement, repetition, simplified instructions, or combinations of methods.
RAD Multisensory Learning is our developing initiative focused on expanding how people experience and understand educational concepts.
Areas of development include three-dimensional tactile models, raised diagrams, high-contrast materials, interactive displays, audio-supported resources, visual and tactile identification, hands-on science models, sensory-conscious materials, accessible instructional aids, QR and NFC-supported experiences, and customized learning resources.
A three-dimensional watershed model could allow exploration through touch, visual observation, guided instruction, and audio explanations. Learners who cannot access spoken instruction may benefit from captions, written information, or visual demonstrations.
The goal is not to create separate educational experiences for every group. The goal is to create flexible learning experiences that more people can participate in together.
Accessibility Beyond a Single Ability
Recognizing the Full Spectrum of Human Experience.
Accessibility is about people, not labels. Our inclusive design philosophy considers a broad range of needs, including those that change throughout life.
Hearing & Communication Accessibility: We explore visual notification systems, tactile indicators, written instructions, captions, transcripts, and alternative communication options that do not depend exclusively on sound.
Vision & Tactile Accessibility: We explore tactile models, raised identification systems, high-contrast markings, accessible labeling, and physical representations that communicate information beyond sight.
Mobility & Physical Accessibility: Custom accessories, handles, mounts, and adaptive components may improve usability for people with differences in reach, grip, strength, dexterity, or movement.
Cognitive & Learning Accessibility: Clear instructions, intuitive layouts, consistent identification, physical demonstrations, and multimodal resources can make activities easier to navigate.
Sensory Accessibility: We consider texture, contrast, visual complexity, sound, physical interaction, and other sensory characteristics.
Accessibility Across Every Stage of Life: Children, adults, older individuals, caregivers, educators, and families can benefit from flexible design. No single approach works for everyone.
Our commitment is to recognize individual differences without allowing those differences to define a person’s potential.
Inclusive Environmental & Conservation Education
Making Nature and Discovery More Accessible.
The natural world belongs to everyone. Exploring wildlife, ecosystems, conservation, and outdoor education should be meaningful opportunities for individuals with unique abilities.
We are exploring accessible educational adaptations and supplemental resources relevant to Fish Iowa, Project WILD, and Project Aquatic WILD.
Potential resources include tactile wildlife and aquatic species models, three-dimensional habitat and watershed demonstrations, high-contrast identification, visual and tactile diagrams, audio-supported resources, hands-on ecological demonstrations, inclusive activity adaptations, and QR or NFC-supported information.
Our objective is shared learning experiences that support different communication and interaction needs. References to established programs do not imply official endorsement or affiliation.
Digital Fabrication as a Tool for Inclusion
Technology alone does not create accessibility. Accessibility emerges when technology is applied thoughtfully to real human needs.
3D Printing: Custom tactile models, assistive accessories, identification tools, replacement components, and prototypes.
3D Scanning & Reverse Engineering: Methods that can support recreation, adaptation, or redesign of suitable existing components.
Laser Engraving: Durable markings, customized identification, and selected accessibility-oriented products when materials and techniques are appropriate.
CNC Routing & Woodworking: Dimensional learning aids, tactile resources, organizational systems, and accessible components.
Metal Fabrication: Suitable custom brackets, mounts, structures, and components for specialized applications.
Product Development & Prototyping: Exploring ideas, evaluating usability, refining designs, and improving based on feedback.
These technologies represent our methods. Our purpose is to use them to help remove barriers.
Accessibility by Design
Inclusion Begins Before the First Product Is Made.
Listen Before Designing: Understand the individual, their experiences, and the challenges they want to address.
Recognize Unique Abilities: Avoid assuming everyone with a similar experience has identical needs.
Design for Multiple Ways of Participating: Consider visual, tactile, auditory, physical, and alternative communication methods.
Prioritize Practical Usability: Products should be understandable, functional, and appropriate for their intended purpose.
Collaborate, Test, and Improve: Seek meaningful feedback and refine designs.
Keep Accessibility at the Center: Consider accessibility during concept development, material selection, fabrication, testing, instructions, and ongoing use.
Specialized applications may require professional evaluation, testing, or compliance with applicable standards. We aim to develop responsible, useful solutions rather than make promises that cannot be verified.
Who We Serve
Individuals. Families. Educators. Organizations. Communities.
We welcome individuals with unique abilities across sensory, physical, cognitive, communication, and learning differences; Deaf and hard-of-hearing people; blind and low-vision people; individuals with mobility or dexterity challenges; neurodivergent individuals; families and caregivers; educators and schools; libraries, museums, and learning centers; conservation organizations; healthcare and rehabilitation professionals exploring suitable nonclinical solutions; senior living organizations; and businesses seeking inclusive experiences.
We welcome people of all ages and abilities. You do not need a diagnosis or particular label to contact us.
If there is a barrier worth addressing, there is a conversation worth having.
Innovation Through Understanding
Meaningful ideas often begin with an overlooked experience: a classroom activity dependent on one communication method, a household product difficult to grip or identify, an educational diagram unavailable through touch, a notification that relies entirely on sound, or an object that could become easier to use with a small modification.
To the individual experiencing a barrier, a practical solution can make a meaningful difference. Innovation begins by paying attention to those experiences.
Have an Accessibility Challenge or Project Idea?
Let’s Explore What’s Possible.
You don’t need a finished design, technical drawing, or engineering background to start a conversation. Whether you’re an educator, family member, organization, or individual, tell us what you’re trying to accomplish, what barriers you’re encountering, and what success might look like.
RAD Design & Fabrication — Davenport, Iowa, USA.
Email: davidhereid@gmail.com
Phone: +1 (563) 212-5932
Removing Barriers to Create Experiences.
Design • Fabricate • Create • Empower.
