Low-Tech Assistive Technolog For Multiple Disabilities
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1. Adaptive Scissors
- Push-Down Table Top Scissors
- Push-Down Table Top Scissors
- Cost: $14.95 (therapro.com)
- Description: These adaptive scissors have a large pad built into the handles that can be used to stabilize scissors. Scissors measure at 4-1/2" long.
- Push-down table top scissors would be suitable for individuals with multiple disabilities that have poor fine motor skills, weak grip, poor hand control, tremors, and one-handed cutting. With the help of an adult, the student can handle down as the helper moves the paper or "scoot" the scissors across the table during use.
- Pros: (1) User friendly (2) Safe
- Cons: (1) Stability may become an issue if it is pressed down too hard or shaken.
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2. Heavyweight Pen or Pencil with Pencil Grip
- Cost: $14.99 (enablemart.com)
- Description: A weighted pencil that already has a pencil grip that is suitable for children, adults, righties and lefties and weights 4 oz.
- For individuals with multiple disabilities, these unique, perfectly balanced writing tool improves control, reduces fatigue, and increases muscle strength. The built-in pencil grip provides optimal grip for both right and left handed individuals. It should help improve legibility and decreases hand tremors. It should also help those with carpel tunnel syndrome and a general lack of strength common in handwriting development.
- Pros: (1) Comfortable to use. (2) Fits perfectly within the grip.
- Cons: (1) Requires graphite refills.
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3. Adaptive Eating Utensils
- Universal Cuff Utensil Holder
- Universal Cuff Utensil Holder
- Cost: $40.21 (rehabmart.com)
- Description This utensil cuff holder closes with velcro. Two sizes are available that for adults and children. The specifications are 2" x 1.5" x 1". The universal can hold eating utensils, toothbrushes, or other small items.
- This utensil holder is designed and is ideal for children and adults with little or no hand strength. It is adjustable to meet the user's condition and hand size. For individuals with multiple disabilities who have little to no grip, they would simply put the strap on and stick the appropriate object such as a spoon or fork to eat with. Without any grips, the only motion that they would have to do is moving the arms to and from the plate.
- Pros: (1) Universal (2) User friendly.
- Cons: (1) May get dirty fast