Tag Archives: adaptive utensils

Adaptive utensils are specially designed eating tools that support individuals with fine motor challenges, limited grip strength, or physical disabilities in achieving greater independence during meals.

ezpz Mini Feeding Set

Facilitation of Feeding Skill Development

Feeding Therapy, Feeding Tools, , , , ,

Feeding specialists must select appropriate tools when facilitating feeding skill development. There are a myriad of materials available that make it challenging for therapists to select the tools that match the needs of their pediatric clients. Therapro is always in quest of useful, practical, and therapeutic oral-motor and feeding tools that will promote feeding skill development. Innovative designs are widely available to therapists and families for utensils, cups, and oral tools that are designed to help advance oral development and feeding skills. We’ve reviewed extensively what is available to therapists and families, and are able to offer these new items from ezpz with our stamp of approval. All materials used are safe and a breeze to clean.

ezpz Oral Development Tools used for Facilitating early Feeding Skill Development

Oral Development: Oral Development Tools are designed to provide oral sensorimotor input for babies and youngsters who are beginning to explore their mouths. The 3 tools (loop, smile, and stick) are easy to grasp and provide smooth and textured surfaces. They can be used without food to explore oral movement for pre-speech activities, provide oral sensation, and can also be dipped in liquids and graded food textures to facilitate oral motor skills of the lips, tongue, jaw, and cheeks. The Oral Development Tools are a great tool for facilitating early feeding skill development.

The ezpz Developmental Utensil Set

Utensils: The Developmental Utensil Set consists of utensils for infants age 4 months+ called Tiny Spoons; Mini Utensils (fork and spoon) for infants age 12 months; and Happy Utensils (fork, spoon, and knife) for children 2 years+. The entire set consists of 7 utensils that can be used as the child’s feeding skills develop.  The Happy Utensils are available as a separate set that encourages safe and successful self-feeding. These utensils are a great tool for facilitating the development of scooping, piercing, spreading, and cutting needed for successful self-feeding.

Developmental Cup Set

Cups: The Developmental Cup Set is a developmental training system for teaching cup and straw drinking skills. It introduces open cup drinking for infants 4 months+ using a Tiny Cup (2 oz). The Mini Cup and Straw Training System is the next level with a 4 oz cup, screw on lid and flexible, durable straw for infants 9 months+. For the older toddler (2 years+), the Happy Cup and Straw System consists of an 8 oz cup with screw on lid and flexible, durable straw. The system promotes oral skills including lip closure, lip rounding, tongue cupping and elevation. All 3 of the cups are available individually as well as in the set.

These ezpz tools are a great resource for facilitating feeding skill development. You will be able to examine and try out these new products and many more when you visit Therapro’s exhibit at the ASHA Conference in Boston on November 16-18. We’ll see you then!

Guest Blogger: Filomena Connor, MSOTR, Retired

The functionalhand

Celebrating Independence Day: Tools for Independent Living

Assistive Technology, Daily Living, Independent Living, , , , ,

Independence Day is a time to celebrate freedom and the spirit of self-reliance. For occupational therapists, this occasion holds a special significance as they empower individuals to regain independence in their daily lives. In this blog post, we will explore three remarkable tools that occupational therapists use to support independent living: the FunctionalHand, EaZyHolds, and Sock Aids. These innovative devices have revolutionized the way people with physical limitations can perform essential tasks, enhancing their overall quality of life.

The functionalhand

Functional Hand: The FunctionalHand is a groundbreaking tool designed to assist individuals with limited hand dexterity and strength. Occupational therapists recognize the importance of hand function in performing numerous activities of daily living (ADLs), such as eating, grooming, and writing. Created by Linda Merry, OTR and Celine Skertich, PT the FunctionalHand is tailored to assist individuals who have difficulty with grasp, providing a means to hold objects for fun and function. Check out this video of Krista painting her nails using the FunctionalHand, By promoting independence in ADLs, the FunctionalHand restores confidence and autonomy to individuals facing hand-related challenges.

EaZyHolds

EaZyHolds: Another remarkable tool in an occupational therapist’s arsenal are EaZyHolds. This ingenious device addresses the difficulties faced by individuals with reduced grip strength or fine motor skills. EaZyHolds can be attached to a variety of objects, such as utensils, brushes, and writing instruments creating a strap that minimizes the need for grip strength. These handles ensure a secure and comfortable grip. By minimizing the effort required to hold objects, EaZyHolds empower individuals to engage in activities they may have previously found challenging. Whether it’s enjoying a meal, painting, or digging in the garden, EaZyHolds promote independence and enable users to pursue their passions with confidence.

Sock and Stocking Aid

Sock Aids: Putting on socks may seem like a simple task for most, but for individuals with limited mobility, it can be a significant hurdle. Sock Aids are assistive devices designed to make donning socks a breeze. Occupational therapists often recommend Sock Aids to individuals with arthritis, back pain, or limited range of motion. These devices consist of a flexible, sock-shaped cradle attached to long handles. By sliding the sock onto the cradle and using the handles to position it on the foot, individuals can effortlessly put on their socks without straining or bending. Sock Aids not only save time and energy but also restore a sense of independence in dressing, allowing individuals to start their day on the right foot.

As we celebrate Independence Day, it is important to acknowledge the invaluable role occupational therapists play in promoting autonomy and self-sufficiency. Through innovative tools like the FunctionalHand, EaZyHolds, and Sock Aids, these professionals empower individuals with physical limitations to overcome challenges and regain independence in their daily lives. By harnessing the power of technology and creative design, occupational therapists inspire hope, resilience, and a renewed sense of freedom. Let us salute their unwavering dedication and commitment to enhancing the quality of life for countless individuals, as we commemorate the spirit of independence on this special day.

The functionalhand® Supports Your Child’s Learning!

Assistive Technology, School-Based Practice, , , , , , ,

For children who have difficulty with muscle tone, movement and motor skills, they may lack the hand control to hold writing utensils.  This may impact their ability to complete academic skills at the level they are capable of. The functionalhand® supports learning by reduces fine motor demands allowing your child to focus on discovering letters, numbers, counting skills and so much more.

Child using the functionalhand to write the letter A

Children learn through a variety of sensory experiences. Processing auditory and visual cues in combination with movement enhances cognitive or academic concepts.  The functionalhand® reduces the physical demands of academic tasks and allows the child to have more energy to focus on learning. Tracing and copying activities are completed with less effort.

Child using the functionalhand tool to participate in a writing activity

The functionalhand® allows children to participate in formal writing programs that teach letters such as “Handwriting without tears”.

Child using the functionalhand® to support participation in a math activity

Dot markers are another “tool” that the functionalhand® assists children to hold and practice number recognition and matching skills.

Child using the functionalhand® to support participation in a counting activity
Child using the functionalhand® to support a learning activity

In addition to number recognition, there are a variety of activities a child can participate in that supports math skills.  This universal device enables individuals who cannot hold a writing utensil in their hand, to complete academic skills.

Guest Bloggers: Linda Merry, OTR/L, NDT/C and Celine Rosati Skertich, PT, MS, PCS, NDT/C, creators of The functionalhand®.