I am 62, and my wife is 60, we are without children and retired. We
live in Slovenia (Europe). Both of us have health problems. I have had
a serious heart condition since I was 15 (it has been later operated
upon). My wife has been hit by a brain stroke when she was 20. The
stroke left her a hemiplegic (with the lefthand side of her body
paralysed). Eventually she recovered some walking ability, but her
left arm remains completely unusable.

I learnt that there are quite a few household and kitchen appliances
designed and manufactured for helping singlehanded people. In my
country, however, none can be bought. Surprisingly enough, even supply
on the Internet is not very rich (or, at least, not well classified
and not easy to find). Eventually I found a company I was  pleased
with:  "www.dynamic-living.com". They offer a great variety of aids
for disabled persons, classified by type of disability, and by
purpose. They have, however, (at least from my point of view) a big
drawback: they are located in Connecticut (USA) and they do not ship
outside continental USA.

Anyway, the best stocked such companies are located in USA, and many
of them do not ship outside USA. How can the disabled (single handed)
persons outside USA (which represent the majority of such persons in
the world) be helped ?

---

Request for Question Clarification by leli-ga on 18 Apr 2003 08:17 PDT

Hello silvo

I'm sorry to hear about you and your wife's health problems.

We would certainly like to help you find the products you need, if we
can.

There is one company which would probably help you. They ask that
orders from outside the USA should be sent in writing. Then they send
an invoice and ask that you organize a bank draft in US currency.
Would an arrangement of this kind be suitable?

They have a wide range of products but not exactly the same as what's
available at Dynamic Living.

If their web address and contact details would be a satisfactory
answer to your question, just let us know.

But perhaps you would rather tell us if there are any aids which are
especially important to you, as every company has a slightly different
range? We'd like to find you just what you want, if at all possible.

Looking forward to hearing back from you.

Leli

Hello again silvo


After looking into this for you, I find that there are quite a number
of businesses who should be able to help you.

As someone who lives in the UK, I understand your frustration with US
companies who do not make it easy for overseas customers, especially
when the products are not available elsewhere.

However, I think that as long as you can email back and forth about
payment and delivery arrangements, you will be able to order from
several US companies who stock kitchen aids suitable for someone
having to work with one hand only. Of course, shipping costs will
probably be more reasonable if you can buy everything you want from
just one supplier.




========
MAXIAIDS
========

ORDERING & SHIPPING

The company's website explains their system for non-US orders like
this:

"All orders must be submitted in writing first, specifying mode of
shipping desired. Upon receipt, we will send you an invoice form
indicating costs and shipping charges. All orders will be shipped from
our warehouse, Farmingdale, New York. Remittance must be made in U.S.
currency, by draft payable on a New York bank only."

Even though that sounds a little complicated, this company has such a
large range of products, that I think you will want to browse through
their site.


PRODUCTS INCLUDE:

(from: "Everyday Products" - click on list on left)

Cutting Board 
Mounted on four suctions cups for anchoring board securely. This white
food grade poly-propylene cutting board has stainless steel spikes to
hold food for peeling and slicing. Corner guards keep bread from
sliding when spreading butter or slicing in half.

Pot stabilizer
Holds onto the pot handle while you stir the contents. Cons-tructed of
aluminum w/rubber suction cups. Easy storage, folds up when not in
use. For use by the one handed cook.

MaxiAids
http://www.maxiaids.com/Scripts/default.asp



================
THE WRIGHT STUFF
================

ORDERING & SHIPPING

This is what I heard via a prompt and helpful email:

"We can ship products to Slovenia via United States Postal Service.
Anticipated delivery time for Global Express Mail is 3-5 days, or
Airmail Parcel Post is 4 - 10 days.  For a package that weighs 10
pounds, Global Express is estimated at $54.00, and for Airmail $38.00.
If you'll let me know the items are interested in, I can see if we
have them in stock, and provide a more accurate estimate of the
delivery charges and timeframe."


PRODUCTS

Some of the products in their "arthritis" range might be helpful for
your wife, for example:

Grater with suction Feet     $ 19.95  

This specially designed grater has suction feet to hold the grater
securely in place. Comes with a reversible plastic plate for either
fine or coarse grating. The attached bin holds the grated food for
easy usage and convenient clean up.

Jar Opener.      $ 14.95  

Attach this opener to the underside of any counter, cabinet, or shelf
to open screw on lids from 3/8 in. to 3 3/8 in. diameter. Can be
operated with one hand. Supplied with 2 mounting screws ready for
installation.

Wright Stuff home page
http://www.thewright-stuff.com/



=============
COMFORT HOUSE
=============

ORDERING & SHIPPING

"If your international order is a first-time order with Comfort House,
you will be asked to fax a copy of the front and reverse of your
credit card to us at 973-242-0131 for security reasons. We will not
waive this requirement unless you pay by American Express card, so
please do not ask us to. To keep your order safe, we will also not
discuss our security procedures. If you do not wish to comply with our
security procedures, but would like to complete your order, please
mail your payment to us."
http://www.comforthouse.com/info.html

PRODUCTS

Although they have "assistive products" and "mobility aids" sections
clearly marked on their site, the kitchen things which you might want
are mixed in with general kitchen appliances, for example:

A Cordless Can Opener

# Hands-free; walks around cans.
# Comfortable, ergonomic grip.
# Rechargeable. Stores in its own countertop charger base.

Find their full index at:
http://www.comforthouse.com



==========
REHAB MART
==========

ORDERING & SHIPPING

Will accept overseas orders with money order or cashier's check
payment

PRODUCTS INCLUDE:

One-hand Fruit/Vegetable Peeler 
Special easy-to-work peeler is a big help in the kitchen.  Ideal for
one-handed users.  Has hardened blade fixed to the clamping device.

Spill-Not Jar Holder 
Ideal for one-handed operation or for those with weak grasps. 
Plastic, non skid base has three rubber lined, cone-shaped openings to
hold jars or bottles from 1” to over 4 “ in diameter.  Rubber lid
opener provides a firm grip for easy opening of tops.

RehabMart home page
http://www.rehabstuff.com/



===================
LIFE SOLUTIONS PLUS
===================

ORDERING & SHIPPING

They do accept overseas orders and ask that you contact them to
arrange details.

PRODUCTS INCLUDE:

Pan Holder
This handy holding tool enables pans to be stirred with one hand and
guards against spills. The wire frame is covered with epoxy to prevent
scratches to stoves and pans. The Pan Holder has suction-cup feet that
hold the pan on the stove while in use. Works best on electric stoves.

Life Solutions Plus
http://www.lifesolutionsplus.com/main.asp



=====================
AMAZING HANDICAP AIDS
=====================

ORDERING & SHIPPING

This is from their email to me:

"We ship goods worldwide. However, the customer is 100% responsible
for any country taxes and/or import taxes as well as any additional
paperwork or permissions that may be required for product entry into a
foreign country."

This company has less choice than some of the others, but you might
wish to check them out.


PRODUCTS INCLUDE:

Preparation Board 

Board is a good household aid for people who have problems in carrying
out some jobs with one hand, or people with two weak hands, who have
problems in grasping and holding things.  The clamps allow it to be
easily fixed in position and it can be adapted for left and right
handed use.
Board stands firmly on four pads of anti-skid material. Suction pads
are supplied and can be fitted to board if it is to be used on an
especially slippery or damp surface.


http://amazinghandicapaids.com/General%20Aids.htm




*******************

FURTHER INFORMATION

*******************



========
LAKELAND
========

Not a specialist disability aids company but a UK kitchen and
household goods business with some items which could be useful, such
as a one-handed jar and bottle opener, non-slip mats to put under
kitchen equipment etc. They accept orders from overseas.
(I have used this company myself and found them very reliable.)
http://www.lakelandlimited.com/


=======================
ACCESSIBLE ENVIRONMENTS
=======================

Not sure if their goods will interest you but they definitely ship
goods worldwide.
http://www.acessinc.com/handicap_accessories.htm



=============================================================
DIRECTORY: SHOPPING AND SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
=============================================================

Many links to browse through:
http://uk.dir.yahoo.com/business_and_economy/shopping_and_services/disabilities/

I have already contacted some of these and can tell you that
"Disability Products" does not ship outside the US. Nor does "Allegro
Medical". I am still hoping to hear back from a couple of other
companies and, of course, I will let you know if I do receive any more
information.


=========
KEEP ABLE
=========

This UK company would send you a mail order catalog, offering many
smaller household aids, e.g. a one-handed tray.
http://www.keepable.co.uk/html/index.htm


I very much hope this will help you find kitchen equipment that will
be useful for your wife and yourself. Please remember that if you need
to ask for further explanation, I will do my best to help. Just ask me
to clarify my answer.


Good luck with your shopping! 


Regards - Leli




search on Google using various combinations of these terms:

kitchen cooking cook
aids assistive assistance
rehab disability disabled handicap handicapped

also froogle:
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=kitchen+aids+disability+&btnG=Froogle+Search

---

Clarification of Answer by leli-ga on 19 Apr 2003 03:06 PDT

Now I can refer you to another company who have replied to my email:

===========================
INDEPENDENT LIVING PRODUCTS
===========================

They say:

"Hello, we do ship our products internationally, what items are you
interested in?? Depending on the items and weight we would be able to
tell
you the cost of shipping and time frame. Thank you"

Customer Service
Independent Living Products
1-800-377-8033
http://www.ilp-online.com

I'm glad to be able to add them to the list as they seem to have a
good choice of kitchen gadgets.

Leli

---

Clarification of Answer by leli-ga on 19 Apr 2003 04:27 PDT

An extra note about "Comfort House":

Despite their policy about first time users who want to pay by credit
card having to send them a preliminary fax, I've now discovered that
they then make it easy for customers. Slovenia is actually an option
offered at the stage where you fill in your shipping address! As you
and I both know, this is quite unusual and might be a big help if you
think you are going to place more than one order.

You can see how this would work by adding something to the shopping
cart on the website and starting the checkout process.

Leli

---

Clarification of Answer by leli-ga on 20 Apr 2003 07:43 PDT

One more piece of information has arrived:

"Independent Living UK"
http://www.independent-living.co.uk/

This company says they will send goods to Slovenia. Their website does
not describe everything they stock and so you might want to send for a
catalogue.

Independent Living
11 Hale Lane, 
Mill Hill, 
London, NW7 3NU
UK

I do hope some of these addresses will be useful.

Leli

---

Request for Answer Clarification by silvo-ga on 21 Apr 2003 11:03 PDT

Dear Leli, 

This mail is really the question clarification, you requested on 18
Apr 2003 08:17 PDT, right after you have received the question.

Immediately after I have received your request for question
clarification I set out to provide one. I took me two days and I did
not mail it immediately. Three days, however, are a long time in our
electronic age, and you were obviously quite busy during this period.
After I have looked into my mailbox again, I found you have done a
great deal for me inbetween. I am certainly gratefull to you, although
-admittedely - I have not read all of it yet. Although this
clarification may be late  for you, I am mailing it anyway.

******************************************************************************
Firstly, I thank you for your speedy reaction and reply, resp. 

There should be no problems with the payment (I just have to cough up
the money). Our currency  (Slovenian Tolar – SIT) is freely
convertible. My bank (Nova Ljubljanska banka) has correspondent banks
all around the world. It just has to ask it's correspondent bank in
USA to issue a bank draft on the seller's bank. I also posess a VISA
credit card.

For electrical appliances there is, however, a technical problem. The
electricity network in America is not the same as the one in Europe.
Sockets and plugs are different (although this can be easily overcome
through an extension chord),  and the frequency  of the alternating
current coming to the socket (60 Hz in America vs. 50 in Europe) is
different.  This difference cannot be overcome so easily.  We will
have to ask the selling company if the appliance will operate on 50
Hz. Fortunately there is just one such appliance on the list (see
asterisk).
 
You wrote you found an USA company with a great variety of goods
needed, although not as many as Dynamic Living. I agree with your
suggestion to list all the articles I need (and can afford, resp.)
explicitly, reviewing Dynamic Living's supply. Afterward we can look
after and find the best supplier.

Dynamic Living Code	Name	Description	Price in US$
DL2100	One-Handed in a Two-Handed World	a book with usefull
recommendation for single handed people	19.99
DL5161	Clamp-It	a table clamp that will hold a variety of tools for
you.	29.99
DL1205	Button Hook	for buttoning up	12.49
DL1209B	Shoelaces	elastic black (3 pairs)	5.99
DL1209R	Shoelaces	elastic brown (3 pairs)	5.99
			
DL32105	Spill Not	jar and bottle holder	19.99
DL3006	Electric Jar Opener*		32.99
DL32102	Un-Skru	jar and bottle opener	8.99
DL33023	Ulu Knife with Chopping Bowl		39.99
DL33025	Ulu Sharpener		8.99
DL3005	Toss-n-Chop	scissors for cutting vegetables	29.99
DL32201 	Stovetop Pan Holder	stabilizes the pan while stirring	11.99
DL3310	Knife/forks	for one-handed cutting	49.99



Hopefully, the company you have found offers all the items listed (and
is not considerably more expensive than Dynamic Living).  If not, we
will have to look for another supplier.
*******************************************************************************

---

Clarification of Answer by leli-ga on 22 Apr 2003 01:53 PDT

Thanks for your message, silvo. 

Please forgive me if I add a little more to your reading matter! 

After looking over your list, I think you will be able to get
everything except the Toss-n-Chop scissors. Unfortunately, nowhere has
exactly the same range as Dynamic Living, and you may have to use more
than one supplier. Only you will be able to decide the best way of
proceeding, checking shipping costs etc. (days of reading and
emailing, perhaps?!), but let me tell you what I know.

Amazon.com have the book you want:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0965280519/qid=1050971017/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/102-5784259-0244112?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

"Maxi-Aids" have:

the clamp
the bottle holder 
a variety of non-electric jar openers 
a different kind of knife/fork combination
a different kind of rocking knife
various scissors for use with one hand but not the toss'n'chop kitchen
ones
a large button hook
a small button aid

"Independent Living Products" have:

the pan holder
the electric jar opener
choice of non-electric jar openers
a one-handed rocking knife
"good grip" button hook
Try putting "one hand" in the search box; this brings up more than 20
products.


"Making Life Easier" (part of "The Wright Stuff") have:

the elastic shoe laces in black, brown and white
a single-handed rocker knife
a button aid/zipper pull
This is a better address for exploring their product range than the
one I gave you before:
http://www.shop.store.yahoo.com/makinglifeeasier/

The special fork/knife you like is available from Allenbeys (see
below).

I used froogle.com (a new Google idea for shopping searches) to look
for some items, for example:

pan holder suction frame
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=pan+holder+suction+OR+frame&btnG=Froogle+Search
ulu knife
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=ulu+knife&btnG=Froogle+Search
un-skru
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=un-skru&btnG=Froogle+Search
toss & chop scissors
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=scissors+%22toss+*+chop%22&btnG=Froogle+Search

This led me to three more companies who will undertake international
shipping!

Aids for Arthritis: electric jar opener
http://www.aidsforarthritis.com/catalog/product3.html

Allenbeys: spring-mounted fork/knife  
http://store.yahoo.com/allenbeys/info.html

Life with Ease
http://www.lifewithease.com/ulu.html

Westons - based in the UK: the pan holder
http://www.westons.com/acatalog/info.html

Sadly, I haven't found anywhere which will deliver the "Toss & Chop"
scissors to you.


If you want the electric jar opener, you will have to buy both a
transformer (to change from one electrical system to the other) and an
adapter (to fit it into the socket). If you cannot buy these nearer
home, it is possible to order them from the US, for example from this
website which has plenty of explanation:

Hi-Lo converter/transformer
http://www.walkabouttravelgear.com/elect.htm
Adapter/plug
http://www.walkabouttravelgear.com/400.htm

I must thank my colleague, chromedome, for help with the electrical
information. He also explained to me that some "higher-drain"
appliances (e.g. microwave) would need a stronger transformer and that
the 50-60 Hz difference could cause problems with computer monitors or
record players where timing is important.


I realise you may have to spend some hours or days working on your
shopping list. When you have had time to think it through, if you find
you have more queries, please make another clarification request and I
will do my best to help.


Best regards - Leli

You might find the following URL useful, it includes links to UK
suppliers who may be more willing to send to Slovenia

http://www.hemihelp.org.uk/Leaflets/hbleaflets18.htm

Owain

Just to keep you up to date:

I have sent out inquiries to both US and UK supppliers.

UK suppliers of disability aids often work through a printed catalog,
not a website. Unfortunately, as it is the Easter weekend, most
English offices will not be open before Tuesday.

Leli