Adapted Feeding
Adapted cups and drinking aids help those with special needs pick up and drink from a cup without accidental spills or excessive strain. There are a variety of adaptive drinking cups, straws, and other aids designed to assist those with swallowing and/or mobility concerns.
Dysphagia cups allow the user to drink while tucking their chin toward their chest, making it easier to swallow. They’re a great option for those recovering from a stroke or neurological difficulties. Feeding cups feature long spouts and a spill-proof design that’s convenient for infants to adults. Those with limited head and neck movement can try extra long drinking straws for flexible, hands-free drinking.
Specialized seating for feeding most often comes with a tray or attachable surface for eating and for work. Some students who require a specialized seat or wheelchair may need a universal tray that can be attached for eating and not as a workstation. Some examples are below.
Adaptive Eating Utensils are designed to assist individuals who experience difficulty feeding themselves with a standard cutlery. Typically used by people with disabilities such as Parkinson's disease, arthritis, post-stroke recovery, physical disabilities, poor fine-motor skills, or grasping difficulties, adaptive eating utensils can be larger, bendable or weighted, have angled or foam handles to enhance grips, or clips and straps that slip over the hand.
Adaptive plates and bowls address eating problems commonly experienced by people with special needs. These dinnerware items are designed to allow individuals with disabilities to eat independently. They include features such as built-up rims and non-skid surfaces, which make it easier for the user to grasp and eat food with utensils.
The Dycem No Slip Placemats are made of non slip material that is not sticky, but grips on both sides. Dycem mats can be used on trays, tables and carts to prevent plates and cups from sliding.