I was proud to introduce the 7th Edition of the Occupational Therapy Toolkit to AOTA conference attendees in Salt Lake City and talk to therapists who use my collection of illustrated patient handouts each and every day. Of course, I also had my picture taken with Fred Sammons – the quintessential conference experience. (If you haven’t met Fred Sammons, check out his bio at www.aotf.org.)
Another great part of the AOTA Conference is looking at all the other products designed to help our patients. I am a big fan of new products designed by fellow OTs. Check out my favorites!
Cheryl Hall, OT
Author and Illustrator, Occupational Therapy Toolkit
Unbuckle Me
Designed by an OT, Unbuckle Me is a simple, clever tool to help unbuckle a car seat using 50% of the effort needed otherwise. The lightweight tool slips on and off easily and should be stored out of reach when the child is buckled in. With less effort, folks with arthritis, limited motion or reduced thumb strength can unbuckle kids quickly and with less pain.
www.unbuckleme.com
Zubits
Shoes pose such a challenge for folks with disabilities that there were multiple solutions presented at the conference, but my favorite was Zubits. Using your own laces, you attach the Zubits magnet to each side of the shoe. The magnets are super strong and stay connected even if you are very active. While strong, the magnets separate easily when you step on the heel of your shoe or you can easily twist the two sides apart. Zubits come in several colors to match your favorite shoes.
www.zubits.com
Clinitote
Clinitote is a product designed by an OT for OTs! When I worked home health, I was always trying new bags to tote all my clinical equipment and personal items. The Clinitote fits the bill perfectly with a professional look and plenty of compartments and pockets to keep you organized. The bag is easy to wipe down and comes with two hangers so you don’t have to leave it on the floor.
www.clinitote.com
Orfit
I spent some time at this booth having two thumb splints made and all I can say is wow – what a great product! This company has a number of products, but I test drove the Orficast More. Made of a thermoplastic thread knitted with nylon it was easier to handle and the finished product was more breathable and stretchable than traditional thermoplastics. The result was a more comfortable splint which could increase patient usage and compliance.
www.orfit.com
3E LoveThis business has one of my favorite backstories. Started by siblings, this social entrepreneurial business has, at its core, the mission to change the perception of disability in the world. 3E Love started as a small t shirt company and has grown to an international movement of acceptance. The three E’s behind the mission are Embrace, Empower and Educate. The copyrighted heart/wheelchair logo is featured on a number of products besides t-shirts including bracelets, bags, temporary tattoos, coffee mugs, even Valentines. The company also offers fundraising ideas and will customize designs.
www.3elove.com
More Cow Belt – Custom Gait Belts
Another business started and operated by an OT, More Cow Belt adds some excitement to your therapy life by offering gait belts in great, fun patterns! Made to last from high quality cotton webbing, these gait belts come in 3 lengths and over 100 prints. They will even customize belts with your company logo. Visit their web site to see other fun products like Punny Therapy Tees; you can even nominate your favorite OT!
www.morecowbelt.com
