Delve into assistive technology solutions that support communication, mobility, and independent living for individuals with physical, cognitive, or sensory challenges in all settings.
When it comes to developing essential cutting skills, adapted scissors for kids can make all the difference in supporting learners with physical, cognitive, or sensory-motor challenges. Therapists, educators, and parents know that one size rarely fits all—especially when it comes to fine motor tools. At Therapro, our wide selection of adaptive scissors offers tailored options to meet diverse needs, from improving grip and control to promoting bilateral coordination. This guide compares popular adapted scissors and offers practical tips for selecting the right tool based on each child’s abilities and goals.
1. Easi-Grip Loop Scissors:
Ideal for children with weak grip strength or limited dexterity, Easi-Grip Loop Scissors feature a self-opening mechanism and a continuous loop handle that automatically reopens after each cut. These are particularly effective for learners who have difficulty with standard scissor action due to conditions such as cerebral palsy or low muscle tone. Tip: Position the paper vertically to allow more shoulder stability while cutting.
2. Mounted Table Top Scissors:
For learners with severely limited hand function or the inability to grasp, Mounted Table Top Scissors can be operated with the palm, elbow, or even a fist. They stay secured to a surface and allow for one-handed use, making them an excellent choice for children recovering from surgery or those with hemiplegia. Tip: Use with a non-slip mat to ensure stability and safety during use.
3. Dual-Controlled Training Scissors:
Perfect for developing scissor skills with adult support, Dual-Controlled Training Scissors allow a therapist, teacher, or parent to guide the cutting motion alongside the child. This model is ideal for beginners who need extra hand-over-hand support while learning proper finger placement and control. Tip: Use these scissors for modeling open-close sequences before transitioning to independent use.
Therapist Tips for Success:
Start with snipping activities using short strips of paper to build confidence.
Reinforce midline orientation by centering the cutting activity.
Combine cutting with visual-motor integration tasks to strengthen tracking and planning skills.
Selecting the right pair of adapted scissors for kids can significantly enhance a learner’s sense of independence and participation in school and home activities. Visit the Adaptive Scissors Category Page for our full selection.
By choosing the right adapted scissors and using strategic therapist-informed techniques, you empower every child to achieve cutting success—one snip at a time.
July 26th marks National Disability Independence Day, a powerful reminder of the significance of inclusion, accessibility, and autonomy for individuals with disabilities. This day commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990—a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination and promotes equal opportunity in all areas of public life. As therapists, educators, and caregivers, we play a vital role in helping to support independence for individuals with diverse needs through adaptive tools, assistive technologies, and evidence-based practices.
At Therapro, we are proud to offer a range of therapeutic products that promote independence in daily activities. Whether supporting communication, self-care, or motor skill development, these tools empower individuals to participate more fully in their environments.
Here are a few standout resources to consider:
The Functionalhand Created by an occupational therapist and physical therapist duo, The Functionalhand is a dynamic assistive grasping aid that enables individuals with limited hand function to independently hold tools, utensils, or toys. Its flexible yet secure design allows users to insert a wide range of objects without needing a tight grip, making it ideal for daily living tasks, therapy activities, and leisure.
EazyHold® Universal Cuffs EazyHold cuffs are soft silicone adaptive aids that gently and securely fasten around the hand to hold items such as toothbrushes, pencils, or spoons. Available in various sizes, they’re especially useful for individuals with weak grip, limb differences, or developmental delays, promoting functional independence in self-care, feeding, and learning tasks.
Used separately, both The Functionalhand and EazyHolds empower users by reducing physical barriers to participation—but when used together, they create a highly supportive and adaptive system for grasping. The Functionalhand supports the arches of the hand and positions tools in a precise, functional orientation for use, even when the user has limited intrinsic hand strength. EazyHold, on the other hand, secures the object to the hand when grip is absent or cannot be sustained. For example, a user painting with a brush may use the Functionalhand to stabilize and position the brush correctly, while the EazyHold cuff wraps over the hand and brush to prevent it from slipping or falling. This combination enables active participation in tasks that would otherwise be inaccessible—an essential approach when working to support independence for individuals with varying physical capabilities.
Adapted Utensils for Independent Eating Feeding independence is essential for dignity and participation at mealtimes. Tools such as the Rocker Knife allow individuals with limited strength or use of only one hand to safely and effectively cut food with a simple rocking motion. KEatlery™ Weighted Dinnerware are designed to provide added stability and control for users with tremors or unsteady hands. Meanwhile, Big-Grip Cutlery features wide, cushioned handles that are easier to grasp, making them ideal for individuals with arthritis, poor fine motor control, or low muscle tone. These utensils promote confidence, reduce dependence, and foster greater inclusion at mealtime.
Control USB As digital access becomes increasingly essential for education, employment, and social connection, tools like the Control USB are critical for ensuring accessibility. This switch interface allows individuals with physical disabilities to control household electronics directly from their computer. With plug-and-play ease, it is ideal for users with limited mobility or those using alternative access methods. Incorporating this device into therapy or home use supports digital literacy and empowers users to participate more fully in today’s tech-driven world.
TimeCue Time management can be a significant barrier to independence. The TimeCue is a mid-tech assistive technology tool that offers simple, one-step auditory cues to help individuals transition between tasks independently—ideal for classrooms, therapy sessions, and home routines.
These products are just a few examples of how the right tools cansupport independence for individualsacross a variety of functional domains. Therapists and families can find even more resources in our growing Assistive Technology category, which includes communication aids, visual supports, and adaptive devices.
As we celebrate Disability Independence Day, let’s reflect on the progress made and renew our commitment to creating inclusive, empowering environments. Visit the Therablog to explore more ideas, tips, and tools that help individuals of all abilities thrive.
Vision is the interpretation of what an individual sees. The visual system includes the following components: acuity, binocularity, fixation, and visual tracking. Low vision is a condition characterized by reduced vision that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. “Challenged vision” seems to be a more descriptive term for this multi-faceted diagnosis because low vision seems to imply decreased visual acuity whereas challenged vision is a broader term and implies how vision problems affect visual perception. However, for this article, the term “low vision” will continue to be used to be inclusive of the many difficulties that are more inclusive than only visual acuity. Low vision may manifest with a number of problems including blurry vision, decreased depth perception, poor reading skills, discomfort sustaining visual attention, headaches, and more. Low vision can severely affect children’s ability to learn, develop social skills, and participate in daily activities.
The Vision Council is an organization that aspires to be a vision care leader in “enabling better vision for better lives.” Its mission includes promoting growth in vision care through advocacy, education, research, and consumer outreach. In June 2024, The Vision Council published a report: Focused inSights: Patients with Low Vision. Results were based on two Focus Groups representing participants with low vision (adults) and primary caregivers of children with low vision. Children were diagnosed, primarily by optometrists (41%), typically when a child began school. Symptoms included: blurry vision, light sensitivity, inability to see in low light, and struggles with reading. From there they were referred to other providers including low vision specialists, occupational therapists, and assistive technology specialists.
Developmental Challenges for Children with Low Vison:
Children with low vision often face developmental delays, particularly in motor skills, visual-spatial tasks, and academic skills including reading and writing. These challenges can lead to difficulties in reading, writing, and navigating the environment. The lack of visual cues can also hinder their social interactions and ability to learn from their surroundings. Low vision can lead to emotional and psychological challenges, such as frustration, anxiety, or social withdrawal, which are common in children dealing with impaired visual functioning.
Educational Needs for Children with Low Vision:
Education for children with low vision must be tailored to their specific needs. This often includes the use of assistive technologies, such as screen readers, to support their learning. Schools provide individualized education plans (IEPs) to accommodate these children effectively. Additionally, teachers can arrange their classrooms to avoid visual overstimulation for all students. Incorporating movement into a teaching activity, like pairing up with a classmate to throw and catch letter beanbags to learn letters, works on learning letters while using bilateral skills and spatial skills.
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Therapeutic Interventions for Children with Low Vision:
Vision is considered more than optical clarity or muscle and nerve functioning; it examines vision development and is influenced by what the child sees along with their physical actions. Occupational therapy, vision therapy with a behavioral/developmental optometrist, and a vision professional with specialized training can help children with low vision develop compensatory skills. These therapies focus on improving the child’s ability to perform daily activities, enhancing their remaining vision, and promoting independence.
A Year Of Mini-Moves For The In-Sync ChildThe In-Sync Activity Cards BookGrowing an In-Sync Child
Parental and Caregiver Support:
Parents and caregivers play a vital role in supporting children with low vision. This support includes advocating for appropriate services, creating an accessible home environment, and helping children develop self-care and independence skills. Family involvement is crucial in helping children adapt to their visual challenges. Family is a crucial component of the child’s team. Consistent carryover of teachers’ , therapists’, and vision specialists’ recommendations optimizes a child’s visual skills and visual development at home, school, and in the community.
Summary:
Early detection, intervention, and support are crucial to managing the impact of low vision on a child’s development. The quality of vision affects a child’s intellectual, emotional, behavioral, and social growth and development. Working as a team with teachers, therapists, and vision specialists will empower parents and caregivers to support their child with low vision effectively.
