August 12, 2026 — The Pathmaker Table Series from Haskell Education was a multi-award and dual-category winner in the Best of NeoCon 2026 competition. The Education Solutions jury gave it Silver, Business Impact, and People’s Choice Awards while the Tables: Height-Adjustable jury team presented Silver and Innovation Awards.
The Pathmaker Table represents a breakthrough in inclusive design as the first truly ADA-compliant table collection purpose-built for hands-on learning environments. Guided by universal design principles, it seamlessly integrates accessibility and equity into a large-format table without the need for special modifications or separate seating. In a classroom or school setting, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and most local building codes require that a certain percentage of tables be wheelchair accessible. Specifically, at least 5% of classroom tables must meet this standard. For hands-on learning environments, this requirement is particularly challenging as most large-format tables are not height adjustable. Tables that are height adjustable typically require an able-bodied individual (or two) to adjust the height. Often, these table solutions don’t match the rest of the furniture in the classroom and are placed in the corner of the room. This can leave a student feeling isolated and singled out, sitting alone in a corner and away from materials.
Featuring a height range of 29-in. to 42-in. and a cord-free battery power system, it serves “all bodies and all minds” without the need for specialized modifications or cables that impede traffic. By ensuring every student sits at the same table — literally and figuratively, the Pathmaker ensures all learners are seen equally.
As expert Dr. Rosemarie Rossetti notes, building Universal Design (UD) principles into the environment “reduces barriers to engagement,” allowing students to perform to their potential. The Pathmaker transforms the classroom into a space of belonging, where every individual’s value is affirmed “without exception and without spotlight.”
The Best of NeoCon jurors remarked:
A height-adjustable table for everyone. ADA-height for children and adults; we love that! Integrated power for height-adjustability and for top power, which is nice. Four top finishes: butcher block, stainless steel, solid surface, and epoxy . . . good for different settings! It’s fully mobile and has rounded corners that are nice for safety. Height-adjustable tables on both sides, love this feature for equal access! The charging cart to accompany it is useful. It’ll be nice to have the chargers concealed and locked for a better aesthetic and to ensure students/younger users are not tempted to tamper with them. Overall, I love the solution, the story and the involvement with community members.
The Pathmaker Table is most likely to be specified in NextGen learning environments, including STEM/STEAM labs, Makerspaces, and CTE classrooms where large-format, height-adjustable surfaces have historically been scarce. It solves the critical problem of “separate seating” and the physical barriers inherent in cord-dependent furniture. By integrating UD as a “fundamental condition of good design” rather than a secondary modification, it eliminates the specialized, non-matching furniture that traditionally leaves students feeling “isolated and singled out”.
The true innovation of the Pathmaker Table lies in its fully self-controlled, height-adjustable engineering that provides up to three fully ADA-compliant seating areas with the cantilevered design and up to four with the full table design. This cord-free learning environment is a primary differentiator; the integrated battery system offers days of height adjustability on a single charge, ensuring there are “no cables or cords impeding access or traffic”. As Education Wellness Consultant Anna Iversen emphasizes, “The Pathmaker table is a space in which every learner can perform to their potential, while safeguarding personal dignity and affirming every individual’s value”.
The jurors also commented:
The research behind the Pathmaker Table Series addresses real challenges faced in educational environments. I appreciate the thoughtful approach taken to recognize these needs and to design a solution that promotes accessibility, inclusion, and equitable participation for all students. We’re seeing more maker space and flex labs in education, and this is a great product to specify. Additionally, this table is accommodating to schools who do not have the budget to add in floor boxes, but still want powered furniture features. Aesthetically, I’d like to see other leg options or styles in the future as well as a cleaner/sleeker storage look.
Additional features include multiple storage solutions that place access to the materials needed within easy reach of all students. Pathmaker is the result of three years of rigorous testing and development. Built for high-impact zones, it follows strict manufacturing standards, using responsibly sourced wood and low-VOC finishes to ensure longevity, repairability and refurbishment.
Haskell Education uses energy-efficient production methods, renewable energy sources, water-based adhesives and finishes, and waste-reduction programs to minimize environmental impact during manufacturing. Sustainable sourcing practices, including recycled raw materials, are also utilized throughout the manufacturing and product development process to support long-term environmental responsibility and resource conservation.
Haskell Education contributes positively to the environment by reducing landfill waste, conserving natural resources, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and improving indoor environmental quality. Low-VOC materials and finishes help support healthier indoor air quality (IAQ) for students, teachers and staff in educational environments. Long product life cycles and modular designs further reduce replacement frequency and material consumption over time, helping schools reduce overall environmental impact and operational waste. Haskell Education also offers a take-back program to support circular economy initiatives. In addition, the company maintains repurpose and reuse programs designed to divert products from landfills and support sustainable disposal practices whenever possible.
The jurors’ parting words:
Fantastic solution for inclusive design. Everyone is welcome at the table. This is a great accessible table with a wide variety of standard options rather than added features. It can be used in many settings and supports users of all abilities.
Learn more about the ADA-compliant, height-adjustable Pathmaker Table Series at Haskell Education, and watch the Pathmaker video on YouTube.
