Disabled vet. ADHD success story — paying it forward to my uniquely wired tribe. Over-50 Disabled Veteran, West Point Graduate, & Inventor Creating Purposeful Products That Restore Independence and Dignity
I'm a West Point graduate, disabled Army veteran, and lifelong problem-solver. Over the years, I've built a career translating challenges into practical solutions—whether in rail, telecom, or l
ending. Each chapter taught me that innovation isn't about disruption for its own sake; it's about purpose, empathy, and endurance. Today, my work focuses on adaptive design and universal innovation—creating tools that empower independence and dignity for people navigating physical limitations, caregiving, or the transitions that come with aging. I lead a small, veteran-powered team of over-50 professionals who share the same philosophy: age and experience aren't liabilities—they're competitive advantages. We've led teams, raised families, and faced our own limitations. That lived experience drives everything we create. My path into adaptive innovation is deeply personal. Years of upper-extremity limitations—and time spent caring for my father—showed me how poorly everyday products serve people who need better tools. That realization led to NULU, an adaptive kitchen knife with reimagined cutting geometry that allows anyone—regardless of strength, dexterity, or mobility—to cut safely and confidently. It's about restoring control, not compromising ability. Alongside NULU, I'm developing new adaptive tools designed with the same principle: solve the neglected problems that affect millions of lives with respect, practicality, and purpose. Every product begins with lived experience and ends with thoughtful design that stands the test of time. I believe innovation should honor the people it serves. I don't move fast and break things—I move smart and build things that last. I am available for keynotes, workshops, and panels on resilience, innovation, and universal design: www.douglasmkatz.com
