Who is Liftware?
What is The Level?
This post was sponsored by Verily. Personal opinions and thoughts are my own.
I was recently approached by Verily to review their self-leveling utensil for people living with limited hand or arm mobility, Liftware Level. I intentionally didn’t do a lot of research on the device beyond the main website as I wanted to have a genuine first impression of the Liftware Level and its functionality for people like you & me with cerebral palsy– whether you experience (spastic) hemiplegia (one lateral side of the body), monoplegia (one limb, usually an arm/hand), or even spastic quadriplegia.
So often, those with CP ask me about adaptive tools for making everyday tasks easier and Liftware Level definitely falls in that category. I am confident this tool is right for individuals who are frustrated with the mundane task of eating because of CP. What if you could use a spoon or fork that virtually takes your eating limitations out of the equation?
I would recommend this device for anyone who is:
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a) old enough to feed themselves
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b) struggles to feed themselves
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c) has moderate to severe tightness, spasticity in their fingers, hand, wrist or arm
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d) all of the above: WANTS TO EAT INDEPENDENTLY!
What Level executes so well is fine-tuning those precise motor skills that you can’t easily access on your own. You don’t have to concentrate on what your fingers are doing because your hand is strapped in so your fingers can rest easy. Its motion-stabilizing technology takes your limited mobility into account & you are ready to eat instantaneously.
Initial Thoughts on The Level Starter Kit: Well packaged, nice, minimal text. Just like their website, it is easy to understand what you are getting from the information on the box. Sometimes that can be difficult with certain products! It also came with stickers and care & use instructions.
Thoughts on Design: Very sleek, smooth design! It feels much slimmer than I imagined it being and operates using internal motors that respond fast to sudden movement. It is also extremely quiet! I thought it might be loud and robotic but it’s flexible and almost feels like skin does. It even looks like a teeny joint. It attaches using magnets and charges using a USB port so all around no hassle! The strap is fairly simple to adjust and is also magnetically attracted to device. It turns “on” the moment it locks in place and turns “off” by pulling the attachment off the stem! Done & done. Once spoon or fork is on, it immediately adapts to your hand movements and stabilizes the mouth part of the utensil which was pretty cool. I tried it alone for the first time and shamelessly pretended I was a spoon ninja.
This is Innovative Technology: In general, I have a positive disposition toward using tools (ehm my ExoSym) to help us adapt to a public that is light years behind adapting itself to the disabled population. I encourage all of us to utilize these tools as they continue to enhance if not for any other reason but to make life easier! There is a huge movement toward bionic-extensions of the body-and Liftware Level is an amazing piece of technology that does just that. Not only does it look cool and perform with precision, it exists to benefit so many people with CP & other neurological disadvantages.
Watch: Introducing Liftware Level
Watch: Stefanie uses Liftware Level
Date Night: Think about going out with friends or on a blind (….Tinder) dinner date. You might feel self conscious about spilling all over yourself in front of them, am I right? I can’t count how many times CP made me more nervous & more clumsy just when it mattered most. In these types of situations, Level would be a huge confidence booster. Not to mention it could save you from ruining your clothes or that cute, expensive blouse/ button-up you just bought.
Why You Should Care: I can see that Liftware as a company takes pride in helping people live more independent lives and in a sense, I think I aim to do the same with CPstrong. No one wants to feel like they can’t do something. While cerebral palsy has its limitations for us all, Verily has found a way to support us in working with our bodies, not against. Adapting is a big part of having a disability and Liftware Level gives people with limited hand movement the ability to eat in peace; the opportunity to not feel like they have to rely on someone else just to eat! To me, that is something worth trying.
Where do I buy the Liftware Level??
Click HERE to purchase all Liftware Level products, and read up on how it can make eating a more enjoyable experience. I am looking forward to reading what you guys think & hope to have sparked some interest in this awesome tool.
My first 15 readers who purchase a Level starter kit will receive a FREE Liftware Level carrying case!! Enter promo code:
CPSTRONG at check out.
