National MS Society and Hiphouse, Inc. Collaborate on Design Partnership to Benefit Those With Physical Disabilities

Furniture World Magazine

The Greater Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Hiphouse, Inc., a Philadelphiafurniture design and manufacturing company, have announced a partnership, which will foster the design of aesthetically pleasing furniture that also follows ADA guidelines. The Society will provide Hiphouse Inc. with a design focus group, which will collaborate on the development of a furniture product line to be marketed through Hiphouse's branded line of furniture. The focus group will also enable Society members to better understand the design and manufacturing process. "Our goal is to produce universally designed furniture that is not cold or institutional in appearance, "says David Raufer, president of Hiphouse. "The design process is going to produce some great discussion and thanks, to our funding source, the Franklin Health Trust, some great products." Hiphouse, Inc plans to incorporate these new furniture products into their current line. The National MS Society will receive the full profits from the initial sale and continued sales of the product line. "This program is a valuable asset to those with physical challenges as well as the design community," says Judith G. Cohen, president of the Society's Greater Delaware Valley Chapter. "It will help this underserved market and, as the product line grows, it will also provide a greater awareness of the needs of those with physical disabilities." Founded in 1946, the National MS Society supports more programs, services and research for those with MS and their families than any other MS organization in the world. For more information about the disease, please visit the website at http://www.nationalmssociety.org/pae or call 800-548-4611.