ThisAbles | Assistive Technology Devices For Ikea Products

Ikea, is well known and popular for their modern assembled furniture. Some people love them and some people hate them, but their brand and popularity can’t be denied. So it’s nice to see a company this large work to make their products accessible for people with disabilities. By working with Israeli non-profits, they started ThisAbles. A project that creates assistive technology devices for Ikea products.

Ikea teamed up with Israeli non-profits Milbat and Access Israel to create thirteen different products that work with their most popular products.These can be seen below.

Brief description of each product:

• Glass Bumper – A panel that protects glass doors against collision.
• Mega Switch – An oversized switch that makes it possible to operate the lamp without the need for precise use of the fingers.
• Easy Handle – A handle for opening the door with the forearm or the whole hand, without having to use the fingers..
• Insider – Three mirror connectors that make the content of high compartments visible from a low point of view.
• Popup Handle – A handle enabling to open the door using the forearm or the entire hand, without requiring the use of the fingers.
• Couch Lift – Special add-on legs making the couch higher for easier sitting down and getting up.
• Friendly Zipper – Rings that are attached to a zipper handle and facilitate the grip and usage.
• Curtain Gripper – A rigid handle that makes it easier to open and close a bathroom curtain.
• Cane By Me – A rack used to place the walking cane next to the bed so that it is always available and easy to use.
• Stuff Reader – A device used to position a special smart sticker that contains information about the compartment content. The content is read aloud using a scanning pen.
• Snap Cup – A Device that enables people with mobility difficulties to keep a glass close at hand.
• Finger Brush – A device that enables holding drawing and painting tools for people with difficulty operating their fingers.
• Spot On Shelf – Clear marking of the boundaries of the compartment for people visually impaired.

Now I do realize that some will think that some of these devices are a little condescending in that they treat people with disabilities as helpless. I know my friends who are visually impaired might roll their eyes at two of the products. But I do like that Ikea worked with non-profits and directly with people with disabilities. I also like how they have made all the products available to the public via 3D printing plans that can be downloaded for free. I also like how they have a suggestion page if there is a product you would like to make accessible.

For more information on ThisAbles, visit ThisAbles.com or watch the video below.