BE SEEN. BE HEARD. BE YOU.
Welcome to Adriana Mallozzi’s journey, where passion meets innovation and advocacy. Discover how personal experiences have shaped a future dedicated to accessibility, inclusion, and creating solutions for those with limited mobility.
My Journey So Far: A Catalyst for Change
Adriana Mallozzi was born and raised in Connecticut. At birth, she stopped breathing—an event that resulted in brain damage and ultimately led to cerebral palsy. While that diagnosis shaped her life, it never defined her limits. Adriana was mainstreamed in school, learning alongside her peers instead of being placed in special education. It often meant working twice as hard, but she remained determined to move forward.
Her journey led her to Boston for college, where she encountered new challenges that required different tools and support systems. Vocational rehabilitation played a key role in helping her access the assistive technology she needed to thrive. However, after graduation, she discovered firsthand how unprepared many systems were to support disabled professionals—the university career center, for instance, had no idea how to help someone like her. That moment was frustrating, but it became a catalyst for change.
Determined to build the solutions that didn’t yet exist, Adriana founded Puffin Innovations, a tech company that develops mouth-operated input devices for individuals with limited mobility. Today, she also serves as the CEO of REquipment, Inc., a nonprofit that redistributes donated durable medical equipment to those in need. Adriana’s lived experience drives her leadership and advocacy—and every challenge she’s faced continues to fuel the impactful work she does today.
Educational Background
- Mainstreamed education in Connecticut
- College Education in Boston
- Continuous professional development
Professional Milestone
- Founded My’deas, LLC
- Launched Puffin Innovations (2017)
- Co-founded A11y Conference
- CEO of REquipment, Inc.
Personal Philosophy
Believes in technology’s power to create independence. Emphasizes designing solutions with, not just for, the disability community, combining lived experience with technical innovation.
Adriana Mallozzi
Adriana Mallozzi is an entrepreneur, technologist, and passionate advocate for disability inclusion. Drawing from her experiences living with cerebral palsy, Adriana has dedicated herself to catalyzing impactful change within the disabled community. Her entrepreneurial journey began with My’deas, LLC, the parent company for initiatives such as myXpressions and My’Empowerment, providing consultative services. In 2017, she launched Puffin Innovations, a startup specializing in groundbreaking assistive technology. The company’s flagship product is a mouth-operated input device that leverages machine learning, AI, and IoT to enhance accessibility and independence.An active voice in advocacy and education, Adriana co-founded the A11y Conference, a three-day virtual symposium uniquely designed by and for the disabled community, under A11y Central. Over the past two decades, she has served as a guest lecturer at esteemed academic institutions including Northeastern University and Boston University, sharing patient perspectives with PT and OT students, as well as MIT and Olin College.Adriana has graced various high-profile stages such as SXSW, HUBweek, and ATIA, covering diverse topics ranging from assistive technology to disability advocacy and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, she has contributed to inclusive practices by consulting with corporations such as CarGurus, Zappos, Verizon, and SharkNinja.Currently, Adriana serves on the Board of Directors for FixPat, building upon her past tenure on the Board of Easterseals Massachusetts. Through her multifaceted roles and initiatives, she continues to drive conversations and enact change in the spheres of technology, accessibility, and social justice.
Empowering Communities Through Actions
Adriana Mallozi’s advocacy spans various impactful initiatives, driven by her unwavering commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
CEO, REquipment, Inc.
Leading efforts to provide free, genthly dused durable medical equipment to individuals in Massachusetts, ensuring essential devices reach those in need regardless of financial cirmustances.
Puffin Innovations
Puffin innovations is led by Adriana Mallozzi. Born with cerebral palsy, she is a quadriplegic wheelchair user. She learned early on that technology would be the key to her independence. She saw that the rise in smart technology also comes with greater inequities in education and employment for people with significant physical disabilities because of limited access to computers and mobile devices. This is why she developed the Puffin “to transform the lives of people with disabilities while giving hands-free access to electronics to anyone, anywhere.”
Co-founder, A11y Conference
Created a unique virtual symposium designed by and for the disabeld community, bringing diverse voices together to address critical issues in accessibility, technology and inclusion.
Advocating for Change
Empowering Communities Through Action: Join Adriana's Mission
Be a part of the change. Support Adriana’s advocacy by sharing her story, contributing to her cause, or participating in upcoming events.