What are trays and wheelchair trays?

• Definition: Trays and wheelchair trays are flat surfaces used on tables or wheelchairs.
• Purpose: They provide a stable platform for food, drinks, and other items.
• Importance: Vital for disabled peopl, aiding in independent eating and drinking, and social activity participation.

How can trays and wheelchair trays promote social inclusion?

• Independence: Enable disabled individuals to eat and drink independently, boosting self-esteem and confidence.
• Participation in Social Activities: Facilitate involvement in gatherings, enhancing social interaction.
• Accessibility: Improve access and reduce barriers, especially in public places like restaurants.

Examples of how trays and wheelchair trays can be used to promote social inclusion

1. Spinal Cord Injury: Allows independent eating and drinking in various settings.
2. Cerebral Palsy: Supports hands during eating and social activities like games.
3. Visual Impairment: Assists in locating food and drinks, preventing spills.
4. Developmental Disability: Aids in learning new skills such as using a knife and fork for eating, sensory toys and games.

Benefits of trays and wheelchair trays for social inclusion

• Autonomy and Independence
• Boosted Self-Esteem and Confidence
• Reduced Isolation and Dependence
• Increased Social Participation
• Enhanced Accessibility
• Improved Quality of Life

How to choose the right tray or wheelchair tray

• Consider User’s Needs: Size, shape, and special features like raised edges.
• Intended Use: Different trays for eating/drinking and carrying items.
• Environment of Use: Weatherproof options for outdoor use.

Enhancing Daily Independence: A Comparative Guide to the Tipsi Tray, Topple Tray, and Trabasack Mini Bag and Tray

Understanding Your Options for Enhanced Mobility and Convenience

When it comes to selecting aids that enhance daily living for individuals with disabilities, choosing the right product is crucial. Today, we’re focusing on three innovative products from Disability Health Shop: the Tipsi Tray, the Topple Tray, and the Trabasack Mini Bag and Tray.

Tipsi Tray: A Stable Solution for Shaky Hands

The Tipsi Tray is specifically designed for one-handed use, making it a perfect choice for individuals with conditions that result in shaky hands. Its level and stable design prevents spills, ensuring a hassle-free experience during your daily activities. Learn more about the Tipsi Tray here.

Topple Tray: Lightweight and Portable

Following the Tipsi Tray, the Topple Tray offers a more compact, lightweight solution. It maintains the benefits of single-handed use but adds the advantages of portability and ease. This tray is ideal for individuals who are always on the move. Discover more about the Topple Tray here.

Trabasack Mini Connect Bag and Tray: Versatile and Practical

Combining the functions of a travel bag and a wheelchair tray, the Trabasack Mini Bag and Tray is a game-changer. Not only does it provide a sturdy surface for various activities, but it also offers the convenience of a bag. Its velcro receptive surface ensures that items remain secure during travel. Get more details about the Trabasack Mini Connect Bag and Tray here.

Research showing the importance of sharing food and drink with friends and Family

Research indicates that sharing food and drink and eating with other people is indeed important for social inclusion and well-being. Here are some key findings from the research:

1. Importance of Belonging and Togetherness: Studies highlight the significance of belonging, togetherness, and interpersonal support in various cultures and religions, emphasizing that food rituals and communal eating are associated with improved physical health and reduced risks for various health conditions.
2. Connection Between Social Eating and Happiness: Research from the University of Oxford reveals that the frequency of eating with others is positively correlated with feelings of happiness and satisfaction with life, indicating the importance of social eating in fostering well-being and social connections.
3. Communal Eating and Social Bonding: The Washington Post discusses a study titled “Breaking Bread: The Functions of Social Eating,” which demonstrates a strong connection between communal eating and social bonding, suggesting that communal eating may have evolved as a mechanism for humans to enhance social connections and well-being.
4. Evolutionary and Social Nature of Commensality: Scholarly discussions on commensality and food sharing highlight the evolutionary and social significance of eating together, emphasizing its role in connecting individuals as biological organisms to social beings and fostering internal solidarity.
5. Food as a Means of Inclusion and Exclusion: The sharing of food is recognized as a means of inclusion, while eating separately or differently may contribute to exclusion. Food can serve as a language through which social affinities are expressed, and prohibitions on specific foods may differentiate between social selves and others[5].

In summary, the research consistently underscores the importance of sharing food and eating with others as a fundamental aspect of social inclusion, well-being, and the formation of social bonds across various cultures and societies

Where to purchase trays and wheelchair trays

• Sources:
  • Medical Supply Stores
  • Online Retailers
  • Disability Organizations
  • NHS Wheelchair services may provide a tray, but it is not standard

Why we need the right wheelchair or specialist trays!

Trays and wheelchair trays play a crucial role in fostering social inclusion for disabled individuals, enhancing independence, participation, and quality of life.

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If you or someone you know has difficulty dressing due to a disability, injury, or condition affecting one hand, there are a variety of products available to make the process easier. Here are some of the best one-handed dressing aids:

1. Button Hook

A button hook is a simple tool that allows you to button shirts, blouses, and other clothing with small buttons using only one hand. It has a hook on one end and a loop on the other to pull the button through the buttonhole.

2. Zipper Puller

A zipper puller is a small device that clips onto a zipper and provides a larger, easier-to-grasp pull tab. This can be especially helpful for individuals with limited dexterity or strength in one hand.

3. Dressing Stick

A dressing stick is a long, lightweight tool with hooks or loops on either end. It can be used to pull up pants or skirts, reach for items that are out of reach, or manipulate clothing in other ways.

4. Sock Aid

A sock aid is a device that helps you put on socks without bending down or using both hands. It has a cradle for the foot and a long handle that you can hold onto while pulling the sock up.

5. Elastic Shoelaces

Elastic shoelaces are a convenient alternative to traditional laces, allowing you to slip your shoes on and off without tying and untying them. They can be adjusted to fit snugly without being too tight. A better alternative with real nylon laces that give better support are greeper laces.

6. One-Handed Belt

A one-handed belt is a belt that can be fastened and unfastened with just one hand. It uses a magnetic or hook-and-loop closure rather than a traditional buckle.

7. Adaptive Clothing

Adaptive clothing is designed specifically for individuals with disabilities, making it easier to dress independently. Features can include velcro closures, snap buttons, and open-back designs for individuals who use wheelchairs. A large range of adaptive clothing including velcro trousers can be found here.

8. Reacher Grabber

A reacher grabber is a tool that allows you to pick up items from the floor or high shelves without having to bend down or stretch up. It has a long handle with a claw or gripping device on the end. There is a range of premium reacher grabbers including a shoe helper grabber available. 

One-Handed Dressing Techniques

A practical guide to dressing with one hand can be found here.

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Amazon ‘Echo dot’ is now arond £50 and can connect to your mobile phone.

If you need help and can’t reach a phone, Amazon’s Alexa could be a lifeline.

Amazon has added a new function to Alexa to allow you to link your mobile phone and call a friend or relative.  You can use it to phone or message anyone hands-free using the alexa family of devices including Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Plus, Echo Show or the Alexa app on android smart phones or iphones, all with no extra cost.

Could Alexa supplement or replace telecare alarms for some people?

Amazon echo

Alarms needn’t be stigmatising but some people may feel that way. Image from https://www.telecarechoice.co.uk/ who are a private telecare provider

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Using a purpose made safety cutter makes opening those eagerly awaited mail order products so much quicker and safer! We’re buying more online than ever before and with online shopping comes box after box of not always well-wrapped goodies. Getting packages open is not easy at the best of times and it can be highly problematic if you have a disability which effects your limbs, grip, fine motor skills or coordination. Here we’re looking at some gadgets designed to make ripping open boxes and getting to your goodies easier than ever before, with an eye on their suitability for disabled people.

Many of the package openers on the market are utility tools which can be used around the home in other ways. Many cutters double up as kitchen tools, can be used for cutting ties off clothes, couponing, arts and crafts and much more.

iSlice Safety Cutter

The iSlice Safety Cutter features a ceramic blade, which is quick, easy and safe to use. The device is a complete replacement for scissors and traditional safety knives. It can be used for removing film, shrink wrap or difficult moulded plastic packaging. It is also magnetised and has a built-in keyring hole making it portable and easy to use on the go.

Westcott Box Opener

Once again featuring a ceramic blade, this Westcott Utility Cutter benefits from a durable and robust design. Ceramic lasts up to 10 times longer than stainless steel so it makes for a long-lasting blade. The compact size of this box opener makes it a popular choice and the fixed blade and finger loop help when guiding and controlling the blade.

Zibra Open-It!

Sold as a product which relieves the stress of “wrap rage”, the Zibra Open-It is a strong utility cutter. It can slice through hard packaging as well as paper and plastic, easily breaking through twist ties and zip ties. It has additional functionality allowing it to pop bottle caps and unscrew bottle caps.

Nimble: The One-Finger Package Opener – Our Top Pick!

Nimble Safety Cutter

Topping our list of package openers is the Nimble. This smart and unique device stands out because of its accessible design. Using just a single finger, this device makes it easy for people with a range of disabilities to easily cut and slice as required. A single finger swipe can cut open a box, food packaging or any other item, without any risk of injury. The safe blade profile offers no risk of injury and it the one-finger operation design (patent pending) means even if you have limited hand mobility, you should be able to properly use and benefit from the Nimble.

The Nimble package opener is suitable for people with joint paint, little hand strength, tremors and reduced hand-eye coordination, as well as in many other situations. The device was developed and tested by over 150 people, some with disabilities, some without and the result is this effective and well-designed cutter for many different items in the home.

Safe on the skin

A unique benefit of the Nimble is the small blade means it is very difficult to hurt yourself. It is so small that the ridges of your skin ridges actually move out of the way and it doesn’t cut you. I know it sounds incredible but it is probably the safest cutter on the market today. This makes it particularly useful for anyone with dexterity problems. The bright yellow colour is also a boon for those with a visual impairment.

You can see exactly how the Nimble works in this useful video:

Order your nimble directly from Trabasack.com here

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The following is a wonderful review of the Trabasack Mini Connect, kindly written for us by fellow blogger Zec.

Zec has been a wheelchair user for a number of years, and we’re glad to say that his Trabasack Mini Connect seems to have provided the perfect perch for his tablet computer whilst not only out-and-about, but at home, too!

Please read on for Zec’s review and you will find further info about his blog at the end.

I have on my lap a bag/tray called a Trabasack© that was sent to me to try and review, I always review honestly. I have seen a Trabasack on Facebook and Twitter before but and here is a confession, I thought it’s something I wouldn’t need as I thought it might be for someone who has higher needs than me.

A brand new Trabasack Mini Connect in packaging – ready to be tried and tested!

The one I have on my lap is the Mini Connect, it’s the smaller of the two that I was sent but I have immediately decided it’s my favourite.

It’s about 14 by 10 inches with two very sturdy fabric carry handles; on one side is a flat tray that is covered with a fabric that the hook side of Velcro will attach to. A zip with a double open zip with rings attached to the zipper that allow very easy opening even if you have poor grip, manual dexterity and arthritic hands would be able to open it easily.

Inside a zipped pocket contains a bean bag that allows the bag to mould to your legs, this means it’s not only very comfortable and this is important because my legs are very sensitive, it also means the bag is level on your lap. I use a Sony Xperia Z tablet because a laptop hurts my legs; I spend a lot of time laid in bed or on the settee and the tablet is ideal.

Securing items such as tablet computers or iPads to the surface of the Mini Connect is quick and easy, using our adhesive velcro tape.

Now that I have the Trabasack Mini Connect it’s even better, I used a pack of Trabasack Hook sticking tape, a pack contains four 2.5 x 30cm pieces and I used two pieces on my tablet case and attached it to the tray, in hindsight one piece cut into two would have been adequate because it is more than secure. I’m laid slightly to one side but the Mini Connect is still sat straight and secure, inside I have my meds for today and my mobile phone, although there is room for it on the tray and that is what I have just done now I have thought of it.

I keep my glasses secure when not wearing them by sliding an arm through one of the D rings. Laid in bed the tablet can sit on the Trabasack on my stomach or on the quilt and doesn’t slip and slide about. I have hung the Trabasack on the back of my wheelchair next to the settee to watch a film and there must be many more ways that I haven’t used yet. It is also ideal for when I have an outpatient appointment; I take my tablet along to pass the time because quite often it’s a long wait.

Now I’m not a slim person, some may even go as far as to say I had a big belly and I guess they are right. So sat in my wheelchair, my lap space is at a premium, having the tablet on my lap is awkward and I have to make sure I hold it, in between I have to put it in my rucksack on the back of my wheelchair and its almost asking for someone to steal it, but now it can sit on my lap secure and I can put it inside the Trabasack when I’m finished and know it’s in sight and safe.

Here Zec’s phone and tablet computer sit safe and secure upon the tray surface of the Mini Connect.

I have had the Trabasack Mini Connect for a good few weeks, my tablet is always attached to the front and when I am not using it, I just flip the tablet case closed and it stays there. All I do when I want it is to pick up the Mini connect by the handles and onto my lap and open the tablet, it then sits on my lap so naturally, it even sits on one leg without a balance problem. Yesterday I took the tablet off of the Trabasack for the first time and honestly I didn’t like it and put it straight back on, it’s perfect and my in-laws were talking about getting one for their iPads.

The Trabasack can be carried by the handles, over one shoulder with one strap or worn like a rucksack. In a wheelchair a strap can go around your waist (unless you are a biscuit eater like me) or two side straps can attach to the wheelchair or buggy. I slide a strap around my thighs and it is secure. The thing is, the Trabasack Mini isn’t just handy because I have a disability, it would be useful on the train or in a car, its handy storage for a tablet or notebook and some extra items that you need to take along. The design is perfect and the optional media mount attachment can be used to hold an ipad, tablet or kindle at the right angle or wrapped to hold a bottle in place.

All in all a great product that serves as a bag and a surface to work on and connect your tech.

Thanks again Zec for such a fantastic and positive review of the Trabasack Mini Connect! If you’d like to read more about Zec, please visit his blog “Sat on My Butt” for lots of insightful life stories, and his journey living with chronic pain.

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Greeper Laces and The National Autistic Society have teamed up to offer Thomas the Tank Engine Laces

Greeper Laces have recently launched a new collection of Thomas the Tank Engine laces to appeal to young fans of the hugely popular TV and book character. These new Thomas the Tank Engine Laces use  the same technology as all other products in their range but have the added bonus of raising money for charity and appealing even more to young wearers of Greepers.

The new Greeper Laces have been launched with The National Autistic Society and their launch coincides with the 70^th birthday of the popular engine, who is a big hit with young children around the UK and beyond. Each pair of Greeper Thomas the Tank Engine Laces raises money for the National Autistic Society. They are popular with parents of children with Autistic Spectrum disorder but many other people too, as they offer independence to children with a range of motor disabilities.

Greeper Laces have previously featured in Your Autism Magazine and have a great relationship with the National Autistic Society so supporting their work through a new product is a positive move forward.

 Thomas the Tank Engine and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Thomas The Tank Engine is 70

Research from the National Autistic Society, via a survey in 2001, found evidence to suggest the perceived ‘special relationship’ those with autism spectrum disorder have with Thomas the Tank Engine is common. It found that people with autism spectrum disorders relate more closely to Thomas than other characters. The research found that 57% children on the autism spectrum related to Thomas before any other children’s character.

With this in mind it is with great timing and due to research and understanding that Greeper made the move to launch their Thomas the Tank Engine laces.

Greeper Thomas the Tank Engine Laces

Greeper Thomas the Tank Engine Laces

The Greeper Thomas the Tank Engine Laces are designed to provide a fun and appealing option for younger children. They work in the same way as regular Greeper laces. Once they are applied to the shoes, they never come undone and they have the appearance of regularly tied laces. They remove the need to always choose Velcro shoes, which can feel babyish and awkward for children as they get older.

Each pair of Thomas the Tank Engine laces is black and they measures 100cm, making them suitable for up to six pairs of eyelets in children’s shoe sizes. They feature a Thomas the Tank Engine toggle at the point laces would naturally be tied and ensures they are instantly recognisable for fans of the popular train.

How do Greeper Laces work?

Greeper Laces are designed to provide a no-nonsense way of wearing shoes that require laces, with no need to tie them by hand. They are designed to be easy to loosen or tighten without untying them or needing to fiddle with their design. This video from shows exactly how they are fitted:

Once in place there is no need to mess with the fitting and as the video shows, they can be tightened and loosened via the attached toggle, which in the case of the new special edition Thomas the Tank laces, features the little Thomas charm.

Who wears Greeper Laces?

Greeper Laces for Triathletes

As mentioned Greeper Laces are a great choice for anybody who has difficulties with their fine or gross motor skills but they are also worn by triathletes, and have received a Best Triathlon Laces Award by 220 Triathlon Magazine. Consumers voted for Greepers as the best choice due to the strength, their polyester construction and their innovative locking system.

Greeper Laces come in a wide range of different styles and colours to ensure there is a pair for everybody. There are specific sports and hikers laces as well as those designed for everyday wear. They come in both flat and regular styles to ensure the range provides something for every individual who needs or wants to wear them.

Greeper even provide the Greeper Assist. This allows for one-handed adjustment, ideal for individuals with a weaker side or with one hand. The products have been designed with the aim of providing an easy to wear and adjust solution. It means people can stop relying on others or only wearing Velcro shoes. Greepers allow people to choose their own shoes and not have to think about making sure they only choose the ones that are easiest to wear, without thinking about personal style preferences.

Thomas the Tank Engine Laces Available Now

The new, limited edition Thomas the Tank Engine Greeper Laces are available now, Their fun design is bound to be popular with children up and down the country, as a chance to enjoy their favourite character and celebrate his 70^th birthday, whilst also supporting the National Autistic Society.

Buy now! We have 50 pairs of these special laces. Postage to UK only.

Buy with confidence, this site is owned by Trabasack. Postage will be by Royal Mail 1st class within 2 working days.

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