I think Disability Equipment manufacturers are missing a trick – we want our equipment to look good and ‘on trend’ in design terms. Most think we want to live with equipment designed in the 70’s.
Robin Levien, Director of Studio Levien a respected Product Designer had this to say on Disability Equipment:
“I do agree with you about how bad it is, I always think the products look as if they are from the Marquis de Sade’s basement.”
If you agree or not do let me know through the ‘contact us’ section.
I do agree with your comment ‘why so naff?’. I am a recent bilateral below the knee amputee and am horrified with the awful equipment on offer. I have also lost my fingers – so certain ordinary everyday equipment is not suitable for me. It has taken a great deal of time and research to find everyday items that are attractive as well as suitable. I have no intention of making our home look like a hospital ward. My husband has managed to solve most of the problems, but it has taken some time. Just because we are ‘disabled’ doesn’t mean we are third class citizens. We should all be ‘enabled’ rather than ‘disabled’.
I’m so glad you agree. If you have any tips or know of some great products please let us know.
Would love to talk as am working on the idea of a shopping website featuring stylish products and accessories for the disability/mobility market. There seems to be a real gap in the online market for a quality website where you can rely on finding the best DESIGNED aids for daily living rather than having to search all over the web. Am based in London if you are interested in talking.
hi judith
Thats true but there are a couple of sites in existence . If you combine everything that would be useful. You may want to blog/advertise on our site when you’re up and running as we have quite a large community.