Adaptive Utensils: Where to Find Them

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A variety of adaptive eating utensils are available for a wide range of disability needs. Some are grip and tool utensils designed for people living with specific disabilities, while others are adaptive tools that can be added to standard utensils to make them easier for people with disabilities to handle.

For eating utensils there are four basic adaptive styles available that address issues such as limited grip, restricted motion and muscle control.

The first and most common style of adaptive utensil comes in the form of wide plastic handles that enable those with difficulties gripping to get a better hold on their fork, knife or spoon. These handles are often textured to prevent slipping and also help to enhance grip by providing a texture that helps stimulate response. For people interested in these grip-related adaptations, utensils can be ordered whole, but slip-on grips designed to work with standard cutlery are also available.

Also available in the realm of adaptive eating utensils are angled utensils. These come in right and left- handed versions and are ideal for those with a limited range of motion in their arms. These are also designed with thick handles in case grip is an issue. Lefties beware: most stores carry only a limited number of left-handed tools. Call or write ahead to make sure they are in stock if your order is time sensitive.

Meanwhile, weighted utensils, both with and without thickened grips, offer options for people living with Parkinson's and other disabilities that produce muscle spasms and tremors. These heaver utensils respond less to tremors and therefore help make dining a steadier experience.

Finally, in the realm of utensils there are grip assistance tools, which help to strap standard or adaptive utensils to the hand, further helping to compensate for grip problems.

Dining tools for people living with disabilities don't stop with utensils though. Also available are no-slip place mats, suction cups to help keep standard plates and bowls in place, specially designed cups to assist those who can't tilt their heads back or need to grip beverages with two hands, splash and spill guards and uniquely shaped plates and bowls designed to make it easier to get food onto your fork or spoon.

Thanks to the Internet, finding these adaptive utensils is easy. They are available from a range of retailers, including some online drug stores and Web sites geared specifically to people living with disabilities.

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