Disabilty Friendly Lunch Boxes

emily2anderson
emily2anderson Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener
edited July 2024 in Housing and independent living
Hi,
My name is Emily and I am a third year Occupational Therapy student at the University of Liverpool. I am currently in the middle of a 'Dragon's Den' module whereby we have to create a new product/app/piece of equipment with the aim to improve health and wellbeing. My aim is to design a disability friendly lunch box for children who may have limited grip/strength/movement in their hands, as I believe there is a huge need for a product like this. I hope to have this product give the children more independence and confidence when eating at school with their friends. I am seeking any advice regarding functional aspects of the lunch box and what parents may need it to include eg. easily washable fabric. Any advice or help is greatly appreciated!
Thank you! 

Comments

  • Ami2301
    Ami2301 Online Community Member Posts: 7,877 Championing
    Hi @emily2anderson welcome to the community! This is a fantastic idea ? I do hope members of the community will be in touch with you soon, I wish you all the best with your project! ?
  • Jean_OT
    Jean_OT Online Community Member Posts: 511 Empowering
    Hi @emily2anderson

    Welcome to the community, I hope your project is going well.

    Good Housing did a review of the 16 best lunch box/bags  https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/childrens-products/lunch-box-reviews/g2310/best-kids-lunch-box/?slide=1  you could probably devise your list of 'desirable properties' from there and market test it via a survey monkey (or similar)

     If I were designing a lunch container for a child with dexterity issues I would avoid plastic snap closures and stick to Velcro or zips with loops/big tabs.  Also, easy cleaned, funky design, and environmentally sustainable/friendly if possible.

    I thought this neoprene design was rather good,
    https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/childrens-products/lunch-box-reviews/g2310/best-kids-lunch-box/?slide=4
    add a big ball to the zip tab and maybe a shoulder carry strap and I think you would be onto a winner.

    Good Luck!

    Jean       
  • emily2anderson
    emily2anderson Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener
    Hi guys,
    Thank you so much, I'm sorry this has taken me so long to respond! I'm planning on using a magnet system as a closure for the lunch box, and as this is dishwasher safe, this will be easily washable. I am planning on having a detachable strap that make you able to carry the bag on your shoulder rather than using your hand. 

    I'm not sure if this will work or not but I'm hopefully working through it haha 

    Emily 

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