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Low-Tech Lifesavers: Greeper Shoe Laces

Low-Tech Lifesavers: Greeper Shoe Laces


Searching for “Disabled Shoe laces “? Greeper laces are always tied, useful for top sportsmen and people with disabilities a truly universal design.

With the Paralympics coming up we thought we would feature a neat gadget used by top athletes like World Ironman Champion Chrissie Wellington MBE.

Chrissie Wellington, top sportswoman, running with greeper laces on

Shoelaces as used by top sportswoman Chrissie Wellington MBE

At Living With Disability we were really excited when we first heard about greeper laces as we realised the difference they could make to so many lives. You see, Greeper Shoe Laces carry the tagline ‘One Applied, Always Tied’ and you can adjust, loosen or do anything you need with your shoe laces without every needing to tie and untie them. This really is an innovative, yet simple creation which we had to share.

There are many groups of people living with disabilities who can significantly benefit from Greeper Shoe Laces. Firstly, we thought of those living with a range of learning disabilities which have made tying shoe laces very difficult. In the past, many people living with certain learning disabilities were seen only wearing Velcro shoes but with Greeper Shoe Laces, the range of shoes to choose from is wider and more accessible. Secondly, Greeper Shoe Laces are a great idea for children with autism who frequently remove their shoes, as there’s no need to retie and they can be put back on in seconds. We also believe Greeper Shoe Laces would be a great idea for anybody living with painful conditions such as arthritis which make bending and stretching difficult. You can simple slip your shoes on and off and the laces remain tied. People who are overweight or have back pain can also benefit as the laces remove the need for bending of reaching down to retie them during the day.

Once applied they stay on all day long

Greeper Shoe Laces require a little initial fitting but once it’s done, they’re there to stay. They come in a huge range of colours and two different lengths, so you can fit them in your trainers or boots. The really ‘inclusive design’ wow factor is the fact that they can be used in any shoes or training boots, removing the need to find expensive specialist footwear and allowing athletes to choose the absolutely most suitable shoes for the event. They’re a great help and remove one more of those pesky daily tasks which can become a difficult chore. This informational video shoes exactly how Greeper Shoe Laces work:

Range of Greeper Laces

There are several styles in the Greeper lace range. No matter what the occasion or task, there is a Greeper lace in a style and colour to fit your needs and tastes.

Image of some Greeper laces in a bright neon pink colour

Sports Greeper laces in Neon Pink

Sports Greeper Laces

Greeper Sports laces are ideal for all types of sports shoes. Whether you enjoy tennis, running or golf; the Sports range are an oval type like the ones usually included with running shoes. They are also perfect for school shoes such as smart footwear or plimsoles used for gym.

Sports Greeper Laces are available in the following colours:

  • Neon Green
  • Purple
  • Red
  • Neon Orange
  • Yellow
  • Blue
  • Black
  • Neon Pink
  • White
  • Grey
Image of the brown and beige Greeper laces for hiking boots

Beige and Brown Hiker-style Greeper Laces

Hiker Greeper Laces

Greeper Hiker Laces are ideal for outdoor hiking and walking boots. They are longer than any of the other styles (150cm). This allows for the extra length needed when threading through the eyelets of boots. Greeper Hiker Laces feature a durable yet lightweight nylon toggle with high tension springs. This ensures that your laces will stay tight no matter the incline or conditions.

Hiker Greeper Laces are available in the following colour combinations:

  • Purple/Black
  • Brown/Black
  • Beige/Brown
  • Black/White
  • Pink/Purple
Image of Greeper Execs laces in black

Smart and stylish – Black Greeper Execs laces

Execs Greeper Laces

The Execs range of Greeper Laces are a stylish and formal option for smart shoes and occasions. Perfect for classic men’s shoes, business footwear and both girl’s and boy’s school shoes.
Execs Greeper Laces are available in either Brown or Black.

 

 

 

Image of Greeper Flats shoelaces in a bold orange colour.

Modern and Fresh – The Greeper Flats range in Orange

Flats Greeper Laces

The Flats range of Greeper Laces are most popular amongst younger sporting-types. They are 10mm wide, flat laces that are usually found in less-formal sports footwear. They are ideal for pumps and “Converse” skater style footwear, and are available in with either the SureGrip or Sports toggle.

Flats Greeper Laces are available in the following colours:

  • Pink
  • Black
  • White
  • Red
  • Purple
  • Orange
  • Brown

 

Thomas the Tank Engine Greeper Laces for Children

Image is a photograph of a pair of smart, black school shoes with black Greeper dress laces featuring a small Thomas the Tank Engine emblem in the centerAll children will struggle to learn how to tie their own laces, however for a number of children with fine motorskill issues, SEN and autism – this can be a frustrating new skill to learn, and may cause a lot of stress to both the child and care-giver when it comes to putting on their shoes. Greepers are ideal for children who struggle to fasten their own laces, and Greeper have designed an extra-special fun pair of laces featuring the most famous train in the world – Thomas the Tank Engine himself!

Officially endorsed by the NAS (National Autistic Society), these Thomas-themed Greepers are perfect for children who often remove their shoes when out and about, as the “stay tied” functionality means shoes can be quickly placed back on feet without having to retie the laces. For every pair of Thomas the Tank Engine laces sold, Greeper make a contribution to the NAS.

 

At Living with Disability we are particularly excited about this product because it really is a brand new idea and something we think thousands of people could benefit from. If you’re interested in making a purchase, please checkout the range of Greepers available from Trabasack.com

Ingenious Ideas: Bibetta Clothes Protectors, Bibs and Pashminas

Ingenious Ideas: Bibetta Clothes Protectors

Lady wiyth a silk like clothes protector that is styled as a pashmina, looks fashionable and dignified

Silk-like style clothes protectors – new pashmina from Bibetta

The Bibetta range of clothes protectors has recently come to our attention and we think it’s a brilliant product range, which allows for safety, comfort and dignity whilst eating and drinking. The Bibetta range includes both Tabard and Pashmina style clothes protectors which allow the user to feel comfortable and safe whilst eating or drinking, with no risk of spills or damage to clothing or bare skin. Lightweight and easy to put on, the Bibetta range is great for use in the home or whilst out and about and makes eating and drinking in public a less anxious affair, if you live with a disability which effects chewing and swallowing for example. Along with other items like the Hydrant and Liquid Level Indicator, Bibetta Clothes Protectors go along way to ensuring your comfortable and secure whilst dining, as this lady says in a tweet:

[blackbirdpie url=”https://twitter.com/Jentay61/status/243302296186929152″]

 

Tabard Style Clothes Protectors – Functional and Dignified

Adult clothes protector bibs

A Functional Bibetta Tabard put to great use

The Tabard Style Clothes protectors from Bibetta are designed with functionality and comfort in mind. Available in a range of sizes for teenagers and adults and made from strong, long-lasting materials. To aid with eating and drinking the tabards are 100% waterproof, almost impossible to stain and can be popped into the washing machine and tumble dryer and remain in perfect condition. They’re soft, flexible and easy to wear and their durability means they last a lot longer than traditional clothes protecting bibs.

As the photo shows, the product is designed with an over-the-shoulder shape which means they look much more like a tabard than a traditional bib, just without the back so easy to put on and take off. This makes a change from traditional bibs which can look uncomfortable and less dignified. Their ergonomically shaped design at the front allows for completely free arm movement, allowing for easy access to drinks and food. Made from flexible Neoprene, the tabards are easily fold-able and can be stored without difficulty.

Pashmina Style Clothes Protectors – Elegant and Practical

adult clothes protector bibs

The Bibetta Pashmina is attractive and practical

As the photo shows clearly, these Pashmina Style Clothes Protectors offer a completely discrete and dignified solution for avoiding drips and spills onto clothes, keeping them entirely clean. It combines the fashionable elegance of an attractive scarf with the functional protection you may need from a bib. The pashmina is designed with style and dignity in mind and comes in a range of colours to complement any outfit beautifully.  It’s made from a soft and luxurious feeling silk-like fabric which adds to its attractiveness and the front is absorbent, keeping away moisture from the skin and allowing for more comfort. It has two further layers, the middle layer is also absorbent whilst the back is waterproof, allowing your skin and clothes to remain completely dry, even if spillage does occur. Like the other products, Bibetta Pashminas are extremely durable despite their delicate appearance and therefore can be machine washed and tumble dried and remain in great condition.

The Bibetta team pride themselves on offering top quality products with durability and dignity at the core of their ethos and both these products deliver that and much more. To find out more and make a purchase, please visit the Disability Horizons Store.

 

 

 

UPDATE

We know wearing a clothes protector can be an awkward social experience and were pleased to see the issue tackled in this blog post from Simon Stevens,  an Independent Disability Issues Consultant, Trainer and Activist:

 A bib is a covering of the fact worn to protect clothes during mealtimes or from drooling. It is generally seen as something  as normally worn by babies but as someone with cerebral palsy, I wear a bib at home all day because of my own drooling. Am I a baby? Not at all, just someone using something I find useful.

10 years ago, bibs for adults were a taboo subject but now I feel that it is more accepted for many disabled people to wear bibs if they wish to do, as well as use a whole range of specialist equipment which were previously less acceptable. I feel this is all due to an improved inclusion of disabled people on their own terms.

People with significant impairments often find things that some regard as babyish as useful to their chosen lifestyle and I am clear the pressure to act normal is less than what it used to be.

 

High-Tech Helpers: EnuSens Toilet Training Alarm System

High-Tech Helpers: EnuSens Toilet Training Alarm System

Helping your child understand toilet training

Having an older child who suffers from bladder weakness and needs more support in their toilet training can be a very testing and difficult thing to live with. However, this new product, exhibited at Naidex’s New Product Showcase has been designed with education and sensitivity in mind. EnuSens is an enurises monitor which has education and support as its main goals, helping to guide children into waking up when nature calls without having to be attached to a noisy buzzer or rely on uncomfortable training underwear, that never ever feels good. This new toilet training alarm system is designed to work on your child’s confidence, understanding their own body and their self-esteem.

Working with your child to understand their body

bed wetting alarm

High Tech sensors make this system discrete and reliable for detecting enuresis

EnuSensTM can be used to help educate children to wake up and use the bathroom. Some children can respond faster than others to this type of training, depending on age and other various factors. What’s more this product also helps children understand how their body works, if they have the capacity to do and it also can be used in a number of healthcare settings. Receiving positive feedback from the Convention has seen the product easily available online and the soft cotton sensor means all chances of being uncomfortable can be eliminated. What’s more, you could use these product in conjunction with Brolly Sheets or the Uriwell range to create an even less clinical atmosphere.

Used by Adults

This product can also be used by adults, either in bed or perhaps whilst out and about in a wheelchair. The hardwearing sensor allows for comfort as well as easy positioning in the correct position in the chair and if you have a support team or carers, it allows them to respond immediately to any accidents or leakage. Even better, although there is an alarm option this can be silenced so there is no need to feel undignified or embarrassed by any little accidents and they can be handled safely without any need for upset.

If you’re interested in this product, click in the below box:

 

image
title DRI Sleeper Bed Wetting Alarm Wet-Stop3 Bedwetting Alarm-Green TensCare Dry Night Trainer Bed Wetting Alarm Rodger Wireless Bedwetting Enuresis Alarm – NEW 2012 Model The Astric Dry Bed Bedwetting Alarm
Weight 0.22 pound 0.1 pound
Binding Personal Care Personal Care Personal Care Electronics Electronics
price 37.14 32.95 25.99 98.95 104.00
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Brand DRI Sleeper TensCare Rodger Wireless Bed Wetting Alarm Astric Medical
Feature
  • DRI Sleeper is effective in upto 90% of Children over the age of 5
  • Night dryness is achieved in most cases within just a few weeks
  • Highly acclaimed and Affordable
  • Safety Electronics
  • Small & Easy to use
Label AnzAcare Limited PottyMD LLC TensCare Rodger BV Astric Medical
ProductGroup Health and Beauty Health and Beauty Health and Beauty CE CE
Title DRI Sleeper Bed Wetting Alarm Wet-Stop3 Bedwetting Alarm-Green TensCare Dry Night Trainer Bed Wetting Alarm Rodger Wireless Bedwetting Enuresis Alarm – NEW 2012 Model The Astric Dry Bed Bedwetting Alarm
Warranty 60 Day Warranty on the Alarm Unit & 30 Day Warranty on the Sensor Manufacturer warranty for 1 year from date of purchase – non transferrable
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