It is generally accepted that being disabled does not necessarily mean becoming dependent. Special aids and simple adaptations have made it possible for the people with disabilities to do a number of things, including driving a car. But, surprisingly, while all other kinds of aids and appliances are available to the disabled people in India, availability of feeding aids has been virtually non-existent.

Recognizing the importance of this vital area, the Industrial Design & Development Centre (IDDC), IIT Delhi and the Spastics Society of Northern India (SSNI) entered into a perfect partnership, synergizing the skills and perceptions of engineers and rehabilitation professionals to devise special feeding aids for the disabled people. A preliminary assessment of possible feeding aids was prepared, and submitted to the Ministry of Welfare.

The Ministry studied the proposal and agreed to fund an R & D project design, develop and evaluate feeding aids with Prof L. K. Das (Chief Design Engineer) IDDC, IIT working as the Project Investigator and Vandana Bedi, Dy Director Training, SSNI as Co-Investigator.

The group evaluated the problem of self-feeding for the disabled people and took up the project to devise a special plate which would make it convenient to scoop out the last bits of food, even with partial hand functions. Four designs were prepared, on the principle of providing a scooping area where liquid or semi-solid food would collect. Curved side-walls were also provided in the scooping area, to allow a sliding motion in lifting the filled spoon out.

A major factor under consideration was the weight of the plate for stability, and it was decided to use ceramics.

The four different designs were field tested at the Spastic Societies in Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi and Madras. Around 100 children were involved in the testing process over a period of several months. The choice was finally narrowed down to two designs, one with a single depression for scooping, and another with two compartments.

The group also designed special ceramic mugs and adapted spoons for the disabled people.

The Ministry of Welfare has undertaken to produce these feeding aids. The first batch will be available by the end of December 1993. A major step in making the people with disabilities independent