Stabilizing materials prevent items from sliding or slipping while in use. Individuals with tremors, ataxia, incoordination, and arm weakness can particularly benefit from extra support to keep items stable. These materials are considered low tech assistive technology. Most are easy to implement and many of the items can be found in department stores or online. This post will cover sheet or mat style materials, stabilizing materials on a roll, and grip dips or coatings. Lastly, we’ll cover some common use examples.
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Who Can Implement Stabilizing Materials?
Literally anyone! However, this post may be of most interest to DIY assistive technology enthusiasts from all walks (or wheels) of life. If you are a disabled person or caregiver needing specialized advice, please seek advice from an occupational therapy practitioner or assistive technology professional. Rounding up the crowd, you may be:
Amateur or professional assistive technology creators
Assistive Technology Professionals (ATPs)
Occupational Therapy Practioners (OTPs), Physical Therapists, or Speech Therapists
Caregivers
Teachers
Special Educators
Orientation and Mobility Specialists
Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists
Ergonomics Specialists
Rehab Engineers
Adult Day Services Providers
Wheelchair Technicians
Disability Services Providers
Inclusion Services Providers
Anyone else interested in DIY Assistive Technology
Sheet or Mat Style Stabilizing Materials for Grip and Anti-Slip
Dycem non-slip
Dycem non-slip is a plastic non-slip material that can be used to grip objects and surfaces. It is often used to prevent items from slipping off tables, desks, and other surfaces. One of the most common uses is to place Dycem under a plate to prevent it from sliding, but the possibilities are endless. A tip: Dycem loses its grip if exposed to dust and other particles. You can reactivate it by washing it with soap and water. Check it out here: Dycem Non-Slip
Shelf liner
Beaded shelf liner is an inexpensive alternative to Dycem. Traditionally, it’s used to line shelves and drawers to prevent items from shifting around but can be cut into any needed size and shape. For example, you could cut it into a 10-inch diameter circle to be used under a plate. Con-Tact and Gorilla Grip are a few brand options.
Variety of shelf liners for assistive technology projects
Spoon with a handle wrapped with strips of shelf liner materialGrip Solutions products
GRIP Solutions is a line of non-slip products that make everyday tasks easier and safer. They advertise their activity pads, boards, wedges, and rolls to have a good grip without stickiness.
Stabilizing Materials On a Roll: Grip Tapes, Hook and Loop, & Fasteners
Grip Tape
Grip tapes allow customization by cutting to fit and then sticking where you need it. Dycem Super Grip Tape and CatTongue Non-Abrasive Gription Roll are multi-purpose options. In the medical and sports worlds, many types of self-adhering/adhesive tapes and wraps can do the trick. Coban Self-Adherent Wrap, for example, adds friction and texture. It comes in a variety of colors to personalize as desired. Lastly, you can’t beat self-fusing silicone tape for a slightly tacky surface that is easy to clean and maintain.
Charging end of an Apple charging cord wrapped with self-adhering bandage wrap
Silicone tape fork adaptation to improve gripHook and Loop
Everyone knows hook and loop fasteners by the infamous brand name Velcro. Hook and loop is great for stabilizing objects that 1.) Won’t encounter liquids and 2.) Need to be repositioned or removed occasionally from the contact surfaces. Tips: When cutting hook and loop, round the sharp corners to prevent them from peeling up. Use a hair dryer to warm up the adhesive backing prior to sticking for improved bonding.
Hook and loop fastener dotsHeavy Duty Fasteners
Heavy Duty Fasteners, like Velco Brand Heavy Duty Fasteners and 3M Dual Lock Reclosable Fastener are designed for heavy and rugged use. They securely snap items together, while also allowing for occasional detachment.
Heavy duty fastener tapeGrip Dips and Coatings
For serious jobs, dips and coating sprays can be considered. But please do your due diligence and check the material safety information, especially for any food, drink, health, or hygiene-related projects. Plasti Dip is a popular manufacturer of non-slip rubber coatings.
Summary: Stabilizing Material Uses and Examples
This blog post covered seven stabilizing materials to prevent items from slipping, aiming to help people with tremors, incoordination, and weakness. Options include sheet or mat materials, anti-slip and grip materials on a roll, and grip dips or coatings. Stabilizing items can be used in a variety of ways to help people with physical challenges.
Examples:
A waiter with cerebral palsy uses shelf liner under a coffee maker to stabilize the machine while handling the coffee pot.
A child with muscular dystrophy uses a non-slip mat under a soap dispenser to prevent it from sliding or tipping.
A chef with arthritis uses a Dycem non-slip pad under a cutting board for safety while chopping vegetables.
A student with quadriplegia uses a pencil wrapped with Coban tape to prevent it from slipping out of the hand.
A gardener with tennis elbow uses a trowel dipped with Plasti Dip to improve traction.
Felt elbow pad and TV remote secured to a power wheelchair user’s tray top to prevent the items from sliding.
