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Special Needs

Benefits of a Weighted Vest for Kids with Sensory Processing Disorders

Benefits of a Weighted Vest for Kids with Sensory Processing Disorders
By Mike Price, OT, CIO/CMO

A weighted vest is a sensory support tool designed to provide gentle, evenly distributed pressure across a child’s torso. Commonly used for children with sensory processing challenges, the vest delivers consistent proprioceptive input that may assist with body awareness, positioning, and engagement in daily activities. It is often incorporated into structured routines in classrooms, therapy sessions, or home environments, where it may support focus and participation.

Adjustable weighted vests allow caregivers and professionals to tailor input levels based on each child’s comfort and needs. When used as part of a broader sensory support plan, these vests may help children navigate busy or overstimulating environments with greater ease. Overall, weighted vests offer a practical, adaptable option to encourage stability, participation, and confidence in everyday routines.


Danmar Positioning Pillows Keep You Comfortable and Supported

Danmar Positioning Pillows Keep You Comfortable and Supported
By Mike Price, OT, CIO/CMO

Maintaining posture and comfort can be challenging for individuals with limited mobility or special support needs. Danmar positioning pillows provide stable, adaptable support for the back, hips, legs, and head, helping users stay comfortable and engaged in daily activities. Suitable for therapy, schools, care facilities, or home use, these cushions promote independence, proper alignment, and confidence.


Guided Hands Helping People Create With Limited Hand Mobility

Guided Hands Helping People Create With Limited Hand Mobility
By Megan Smith, PT, Executive Director of HR

Guided Hands is an adaptive hand mobility device that supports participation in writing, drawing, and painting for people who live with limited hand control. By shifting movement from the fingers to the stronger muscles of the arm and shoulder, it allows users to guide tools like pens and paintbrushes with greater independence. In recreational therapy, classrooms, and home settings, this mechanical device promotes meaningful engagement, reduces frustration with fine motor tasks, and supports inclusive participation. With simple setup and customizable adaptations, Guided Hands serves as a practical mobility aid that complements therapy goals while helping protect dignity and encourage creative self-expression.


Your Guide to Special Needs Car Seats for Adults and Children

Your Guide to Special Needs Car Seats for Adults and Children
By Mike Price, OT, CIO/CMO

Special needs car seats provide added posture support, safety, and comfort for children and adults with medical or mobility needs. This guide explains why adaptive car seats matter, key features to look for, and the different types available, including pediatric seats, boosters, car beds, and adult options. It also covers safety, fit, and practical tips to help caregivers choose the right seat with confidence.


The Best No-Screen Tech Solutions for an Accessible Classroom

The Best No-Screen Tech Solutions for an Accessible Classroom
By Mike Price, OT, CIO/CMO

Accessible classrooms do not have to rely on screens or apps to support learning. This article explains how low-tech but high-tech classroom tools remove barriers through smart design, audio feedback, tactile interaction, and visual clarity. It covers no-screen solutions for communication, writing, reading support, time awareness, sensory regulation, and movement-based seating. These tools help students with disabilities, attention challenges, sensory needs, low vision, and communication differences stay engaged while reducing screen fatigue and classroom complexity.


Why the P-Pod Is an Underrated Tool for Special Needs Classrooms

Why the P-Pod Is an Underrated Tool for Special Needs Classrooms
By Mike Price, OT, CIO/CMO

The P-Pod sensory seating system is often associated with therapy settings, but it can also play a valuable role in special needs and inclusive classrooms. Designed to provide both postural support and calming sensory input, the P-Pod helps some students feel more secure, regulated, and ready to learn. Its molded inner seat supports upright posture, while the soft outer base offers gentle, even pressure that many students find grounding. Lightweight, restraint-free, and available in multiple sizes, the P-Pod can support attention, comfort, and participation when used as part of a broader classroom support plan.


How Ribcap Protective Helmets Keep You Safe During the Holidays

How Ribcap Protective Helmets Keep You Safe During the Holidays
By Mike Price, OT, CIO/CMO

The holiday season brings travel, winter activities, and time with loved ones, but it can also include slippery sidewalks, crowded spaces, and unfamiliar places. With a few easy precautions and supportive protective gear, it is possible to enjoy your favorite winter traditions with confidence and comfort.


Halo Helmets and Protective Helmets: A Buying Guide

Halo Helmets and Protective Helmets: A Buying Guide
By Mike Price, OT

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of protective helmets, with a focus on halo helmet models used for individuals at risk of head injury due to seizures, developmental conditions, or post-operative recovery. It outlines key features to consider, such as fit, impact absorption, and breathability, and includes expert-recommended product selections. Whether selecting a helmet for a child with autism or an adult recovering from brain surgery, this article helps caregivers and clinicians choose the safest and most comfortable option for everyday protection.


Top 8 Best Special Needs Helmets

Top 8 Best Special Needs Helmets
By Mike Price, OT

This guide highlights the 8 best special needs helmets for individuals with medical conditions such as epilepsy, autism, and cerebral palsy. Each helmet is selected for its unique features, ranging from soft-shell comfort to full-face protection, and is clinically suited for different risk levels and daily environments. With insights into helmet types, fit, and use cases, this article helps caregivers and professionals choose the right protective headgear to enhance safety and mobility.

 


Choosing the Best Special Needs Activity Chair: An Ultimate Guide

Choosing the Best Special Needs Activity Chair: An Ultimate Guide
By Mike Price, OT, CIO/CMO

Pediatric activity chairs give kids with special needs the opportunity to participate in activities with their peers and family members while their postural support needs are being met. Pediatric activity chairs that are correctly sized, provide the appropriate level of support, and allow for as much independence for students as possible contribute to the quality of life and overall health and wellbeing of kids with special needs. Our product experts give their top recommendations in this article.


How to Choose the Best Pediatric Walker

How to Choose the Best Pediatric Walker
By Hulet Smith, OT

Assistive devices like pediatric walkers can give kids the access they need and deserve, helping them to stay active and get the exercise and movement they require to stay healthy. Our product experts give their top recommendations in this article.


How to Choose the Best Pediatric Gait Trainer

How to Choose the Best Pediatric Gait Trainer
By Mike Price, OT

Pediatric gait trainers come in a variety of styles with multiple support options to meet specific needs. They can help improve both mental and physical health by helping your child stand and walk upright, which also encourages them to explore their world and interact more with others.  Our product experts give their top selections in this article.


How to Choose the Best Adult Changing Table

How to Choose the Best Adult Changing Table
By Hulet Smith, OT

An adult changing table provides safer transfers, comfortable positioning, and a secure space for caregivers to aid weakened or disabled adults who may need assistance with incontinence problems or getting dressed. 


Top 5 Multisensory Learning Tools

Top 5 Multisensory Learning Tools
By Megan Smith, PT

Multisensory learning tools give all students a more effective whole-brain teaching method, encouraging them to learn by stimulating the senses. Because every student has a different learning style, multisensory devices can help play to those strengths with visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile sensory feedback. Our product experts give their top recommendations in this article.


The 5 Best Handicap Friendly Swing Seats

The 5 Best Handicap Friendly Swing Seats
By Mike Price, OT

Handicap-friendly swings are an excellent way to develop vestibular, proprioceptive, muscular, and social skills. Not only will children and adults with disabilities work towards further developing these important skills, but they will have the same fun experience as everyone else. Our product experts give their top five selections in this article.


The 5 Best AAC Devices (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)

The 5 Best AAC Devices (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
By Mike Price, OT

Children who are unable to communicate and express themselves cannot participate in a meaningful way in many activities and are at a greater risk for cognitive, emotional, and social developmental delays. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices deliver crucial communication support, providing an immediate connection for kids who are non-verbal or those who are struggling to learn or regain speech abilities. Our product experts give their top five selections in this article.


Top 5 Safety Beds for Special Needs

Top 5 Safety Beds for Special Needs
By Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L

A special needs bed could make the difference between a daily struggle at bedtime and the path to deeper sleep. In addition to protecting against entrapment and falls out of bed, special needs safety beds provide an environment where sensory processing disorders can be managed and restorative sleep is easier to achieve. Our product experts give their top nine selections in this article.


Safety Beds: What Are They and Who Needs One?

Safety Beds: What Are They and Who Needs One?
By Hulet Smith, OT

Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial to good health and proper development.  Special needs children are often that much more challenged with winding down and going to sleep, often needing added support to optimize their safety and comfort and prevent them from wandering during the night. Our product experts give their top recommendations in this article.


Best School Desks for Children with Special Needs

Best School Desks for Children with Special Needs
By Hulet Smith, OT

To equip students with special needs to reach their highest academic potential, the classroom environment has to address their challenges and provide solutions so they can focus on school. To choose the best school desk for your child’s needs, do your research to find the perfect fit. Height-adjustable desks deliver flexibility, which is especially convenient if more than one child will be using a chair. Our product experts give their top recommendations in this article.


Top 5 Special Needs Car Seats

Top 5 Special Needs Car Seats
By Mike Price, OT

Car seats are designed specifically to safely and comfortably keep special needs kids properly supported during car rides, while making travel easier on parents and caregivers, providing a valuable tool for daily living. Our product experts give their top recommendations in this article.

 


Top 5 Posterior Pediatric Walkers

Top 5 Posterior Pediatric Walkers
By Hulet Smith, OT

Posterior pediatric walkers provide healthy, upright walking support for children and teens living with either temporary or permanent mobility impairments. Often used for kids with cerebral palsy, congenital disorders, and developmental delays. Posterior walkers are also used for support and re-learning how to walk following an injury, illness, or surgery. Our product experts give their top five selections in this article.


Top 5 Sensory Swings for Special Needs

Top 5 Sensory Swings for Special Needs
By Mike Price, OT

Sensory swings are tools therapists have relied on for years to support children with SPD, ADHD, or Autism. A sensory swing provides a soothing and safe environment to calm senses that have been overly stimulated, or provide stimulation to facilitate system regulation. Sensory swings stimulate the vestibular system and the proprioceptive system. Our product experts give their top five selections in this article.


The 5 Best Pediatric Standers

The 5 Best Pediatric Standers
By Mike Price, OT

Pediatric standers, also known as standing frames, standing aids, and standing systems, were created for children who are unable to stand on their own. By using these devices to enjoy upright positioning at various times and for various activities throughout their day, children may begin to build muscular strength and coordination in weak areas.


Top 5 Best Special Needs Strollers

Top 5 Best Special Needs Strollers
By Mike Price, OT

Our Top 5 Special Needs Strollers product review evaluates the features, benefits, cost, and customer reviews of more than 50 adaptive strollers. These are our Top 5 recommendations for you!


Best Pediatric Special Needs Changing Tables

Best Pediatric Special Needs Changing Tables
By Hulet Smith, OT

To keep children clean, healthy, and comfortable, special needs changing tables are designed to fit bigger kids with special needs that might make diaper changes complicated. Special needs changing tables are designed to aid caregivers in creating the healthiest environment possible. Our product experts give their top five selections in this article.

 


Top 5 Best Adult Changing Tables

Top 5 Best Adult Changing Tables
By Mike Price, OT

This article reviews our best adult changing tables that are designed for individuals with physical or developmental disabilities. We take into consideration various factors such as adjustability, safety features, and ease of use to provide an informed decision on which tables are most suitable for special needs. The article aims to help parents, caregivers, and professionals choose the right changing table to meet their daily needs while promoting independence, comfort, and overall well-being.


The 5 Best Tricycles for Special Needs Children & Teenagers

The 5 Best Tricycles for Special Needs Children & Teenagers
By Mike Price, OT

Kids with special needs often find barriers to physical activity and exercise. The benefits of increased strength and mobility, improved mood, and confidence can be provided for children with special needs by an adaptive tricycle. Our product experts give their top 4 selections in this article.

 


The Occupational Therapist's Master Guide for Children's Adaptive Equipment

The Occupational Therapist's Master Guide for Children's Adaptive Equipment
By Megan Smith, PT

Special needs products enable special needs children to experience, enjoy, and engage with their world in ways they would not be able to do without adaptive equipment. Rehabmart has a comprehensive listing of products in the Special Needs Store to support special needs kids and their caregivers. Our product experts give their top recommendations in this article.

 


Who Needs a Pediatric Stander?

Who Needs a Pediatric Stander?
By Morgan Hopkins, DPT, CMTPT

Pediatric standers are essential for children with mobility challenges caused by various medical conditions such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spinal injuries, and muscular dystrophy. These devices provide better postural support, strengthen muscles, and improve social engagement, allowing children to safely participate in upright positioning and weight-bearing activities. Their significance is enormous as they positively impact the daily lives and overall well-being of children with mobility challenges.


Strive to Be Better: Comparing the Strive Special Needs Stroller and the Trotter Mobility Chair

Strive to Be Better: Comparing the Strive Special Needs Stroller and the Trotter Mobility Chair
By Mike DeWilde, OTR/L

The Strive special needs stroller and Trotter mobility chair are perfect for parents or caregivers seeking a lightweight alternative to heavy wheelchairs. These devices offer stability, portability, and durability, allowing your special needs child to enjoy greater freedom while reducing caregiver burden. With customizable support, they facilitate user mobility and parental confidence. Invest in a push stroller today and give your child the mobility and excitement they deserve.


This Adaptive Musical Instrument Gives Students with Physical and Cognitive Disabilities the Ability to Play

This Adaptive Musical Instrument Gives Students with Physical and Cognitive Disabilities the Ability to Play
By Mike DeWilde, OTR/L

Arcana Strum Adaptive Musical Instrument delivers a feature-rich design that’s customizable to meet specific user requirements. The capabilities of this unique instrument to provide comprehensive music education should not be underestimated. With options for switching between melodic and harmonic mode, changing the chords to sevenths, transposing the scale of the notes, and adjusting note dynamics and duration, users have plenty of tools to learn the intricacies of music, from the basics to more advanced theory.

 


Enabling Devices | Adaptive Tools For Special Needs Adults and Children

Enabling Devices | Adaptive Tools For Special Needs Adults and Children
By Naheed Ali, MD, PhD

In a world where we increasingly rely on technology and digital devices, it is critically important Enabling devices are accessible to all people. This is where companies like Enabling Devices can provide such a benefit to the lives of people with different levels of ability. Our product experts give their top recommendations in this article.


A Tale of Two Pediatric Gait Trainers: the Klip vs. the Nimbo

A Tale of Two Pediatric Gait Trainers: the Klip vs. the Nimbo
By Megan Smith, PT

The Nimbo Walker by Drive Medical and the Klip Walker by Circle Specialty are very similar (and popular!) products. But which one should you buy? This article helps you make the best choice, and tells you the best features of these walkers. Read on to learn more!


How to Choose an Adult Gait Trainer

How to Choose an Adult Gait Trainer
By Mike Price, OT

Gait trainers provide the alignment, stability, and support needed to facilitate movement while improving function while gaining or regaining the ability to walk. They are used by people with cerebral palsy and spina bifida and those rehabilitating after injuries. Our product experts give their top recommendations in this article.


Special Tomato | Special Needs Strollers, Wheelchairs, and Car Seats

Special Tomato | Special Needs Strollers, Wheelchairs, and Car Seats
By Brittany Ferri, OTR/L

Having the right adaptive seat can make a world of difference for children and their parents and caretakers. It can be a boon in academic settings, allowing children with developmental disabilities to better stay on task. It can also enhance family bonding time. Our product experts give their top recommendations in this article.


How to Create an Accessible Inclusive Playground

How to Create an Accessible Inclusive Playground
By Mike Price, OT

Playgrounds are meant to be enjoyed by all who visit them, not just typical children who are able-bodied, but ALL children. Making playground equipment and activities accessible and inclusive for all kids brings children together to collaborate, enjoy, and grow in a space that welcomes all kids to a safe and fun place to play. Our product experts give their top recommendations in this article.


Smirthwaite Special Needs Furniture for Home and School | Our Brand Buying Guide

Smirthwaite Special Needs Furniture for Home and School | Our Brand Buying Guide
By Megan Smith, PT

SmirthWaite is a company that cares-- their story, and their continued passion for helping kids at the individual level is inspiring. When you are looking for simple, aesthetically charming and engaging furniture for the special needs child in your life, you would be hard pressed to find a better company than Smirthwaite. Our product experts give their top recommendations in this article.


Best Indoor Toys for Gross Motor Activities

Best Indoor Toys for Gross Motor Activities
By Hulet Smith, OT

Gross motor skills are foundational, working on strength, balance, and coordination through targeted gross motor skill activities will impact multiple aspects of a child’s development. Making these activities more like play than work will encourage participation, engagement, and enjoyment for kids. Rehabmart carries a large assortment of pediatric gross motor development products to support efforts to develop gross motor skills. Our product experts give their top recommendations in this article.


Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Pediatric Stander

Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Pediatric Stander
By Hulet Smith, OT

Sitting or lying for long periods of time can affect the body in negative ways. The ability to stand and be at eye-level with their peers and have the opportunity to participate in the same activities as their classmates is a key factor in overall development and quality of life. Pediatric standers are a tool to help meet the physical and social/emotional needs of kids who are not physically able to stand on their own. Our product experts give their top recommendations in this article.


How to Choose the Best Pediatric Bath Assist Equipment

How to Choose the Best Pediatric Bath Assist Equipment
By Megan Smith, PT

Bathing is a positive experience and playtime for young babies, and it is important for overall hygiene for kids of all ages. While bathing a special-needs child may be intimidating at first glance, thanks to the wide array of adaptive equipment and safety measures, bath or shower time can be fun for everyone. Our product experts give their top recommendations in this article.


How to Choose the Best Pediatric Special Needs Stroller

How to Choose the Best Pediatric Special Needs Stroller
By Hulet Smith, OT

A special needs stroller can have a significant impact on your child’s quality of life, opening up the world for exploration and new experiences. Children with disabilities might have additional considerations, but like every other child, they need to move and explore so that they can enjoy optimal health. Our product experts give their top recommendations in this article.


Obi Robotic Feeding Device Review

Obi Robotic Feeding Device Review
By Megan Smith, PT

The Obi Robotic Dining Assistant is the very first teachable robotic dining assistant, enabling persons who cannot feed themselves to have a dignified, independent dining experience!


6 Best Sensory Calming Tools and Toys for Kids with Special Needs

6 Best Sensory Calming Tools and Toys for Kids with Special Needs
By Megan Smith, PT

Children on the autism spectrum can find it difficult to express themselves. This can bring about overwhelming frustration and anger. Tools and techniques to help them relax before bed at night can make the days much better. Strategies and relaxation techniques should include using sensory calming toys, which are valuable tools to help a child self-regulate. Our product experts give their top five selections in this article.


Top 5 Best Rolling Pediatric Shower Chairs

Top 5 Best Rolling Pediatric Shower Chairs
By Mike Price, OT

A pediatric shower commode chair helps a caregiver navigate a small bathroom space. Our product experts give their top five selections in this article.


Ribcap Seizure Helmets: Stylish Soft Helmets for Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders

Ribcap Seizure Helmets: Stylish Soft Helmets for Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
By Hulet Smith, OT

When you hear the words "protective headwear", what do you think of? Large, obvious helmet-style hats covered in padding and stiff, dull fabrics? Ribcap Protective Headwear offers users sleek, modern design without sacrificing any protective features. Banish the bulk and embrace the sleek profile and full protection Ribcap has to offer! 


R82 Crocodile Gait Trainer: Review From 15 Years of Use

R82 Crocodile Gait Trainer: Review From 15 Years of Use
By Megan Smith, PT

After using walkers for 15 years, Sophia reviews the Crocodile Gait Trainer and tells us why it's won out as her favorite walker for use on any terrain. Check out her full review and learn more about the great features of R82's Crocodile.


5 Experts Weigh in on How to Choose the Best Special Needs Stroller

5 Experts Weigh in on How to Choose the Best Special Needs Stroller
By Hulet Smith, OT

Special needs strollers are a great way to keep kids active and engaged with their families, allowing them to explore the world and participate in family outings. To help you choose the best special needs stroller for your child, we reached out to some of the foremost industry experts to get their best tips. Read on to learn what they had to say.


4 Tips to Build an Accessible Space for Special Needs

4 Tips to Build an Accessible Space for Special Needs
By Sara McEvoy, PT, DPT

For children with special needs, accessibility ensures that they're able to engage and interact with their peers and communities, helping keep them happy and healthy. Here are our four best tips on how to make spaces more accessible for people with special needs!


How to Choose the Best Tools for an Inclusive, Engaging School

How to Choose the Best Tools for an Inclusive, Engaging School
By Hulet Smith, OT

Education is an important aspect of every child's development, but the traditional model hasn't always been very inclusive of individual needs. We've laid out this helpful buying guide to make it super simple to consider all the different aspects of creating an inclusive classroom at your school. Read on to find out what we recommend!


Special Needs Support + Active Engagement = Contoured Positioning Chairs

Special Needs Support + Active Engagement = Contoured Positioning Chairs
By Hulet Smith, OT

Proper posture support, eye-level engagement, and comfortable kid-friendly design can be an elusive combination to find in a seating system. Thankfully, many manufacturers on the market today are coming out with versatile contoured seating systems to promote all of these factors and more. Read on to learn more about these innovative tools and how they can help your child.


7 Amazing Tips to Help Improve Your Child's Posture

7 Amazing Tips to Help Improve Your Child's Posture
By Megan Smith, PT

Trouble with your child's posture? Whether due to a medical condition or just bad habits, poor posture can lead to a host of other problems including pain, poor concentration, and even respiratory and digestive complications. Luckily, improving your child's posture is completely possible, and we've compiled some of the best tips to help you help them!


Leggero: Making Better Strollers for Special Needs Kids

Leggero: Making Better Strollers for Special Needs Kids
By Megan Smith, PT

Leggero is a company dedicated to crafting high-quality strollers with exceptionally versatile positioning options that support a wide range of user needs. The lightweight aluminum frames are strong yet foldable, making them the perfect mobility solution to take on the go.


Ditch the Wheelchair and Leave Leg Braces Behind with the Freeloader Child Carrier!

Ditch the Wheelchair and Leave Leg Braces Behind with the Freeloader Child Carrier!
By Megan Smith, PT

Are you the parent of a toddler, or caring for a small child with special needs? The Freeloader Child Carrier will make life infinitely easier for any family looking for a way to take children along for the adventure, whether adventure means traveling, hiking, camping, or going on a trip to the grocery store! 


Help Loved Ones Stand for the First Time Ever with the EasyStand Sit-to-Stand Frame

Help Loved Ones Stand for the First Time Ever with the EasyStand Sit-to-Stand Frame
By Megan Smith, PT

Users with conditions like paraplegia and quadriplegia, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, and any other condition which directly impair a person’s ability to stand independently would reap the benefits of integrating an EasyStand Lift into everyday life! 


The Spirit APS Car Seat: Customizable Comfort for Children with Special Needs

The Spirit APS Car Seat: Customizable Comfort for Children with Special Needs
By Megan Smith, PT

Whether it’s running to the grocery store or meeting up with friends, Drive Medical’s APS Car Seats give comfort to children who have an array of needs when being taken on the town. Designed with input from therapists, this car seat provides the protection of a 5-point harness at higher weights than commercial seats, and allows for a reclined seating position, encouraging better postural control. 


Special Tomato: The Story of How a Garden Inspired a Family Brand of Special Needs Products

Special Tomato: The Story of How a Garden Inspired a Family Brand of Special Needs Products
By Megan Smith, PT

Special Tomato is a family-owned company which designs medical devices for children just like founder Tim Bergeron’s daughter, Carrie. Born out of a desire to provide children with special needs the medical systems which are enjoyable while promoting growth and development, Special Tomato products are defined by comfort and compassion. 


Danmar Protective Helmets: Preventing Head Injury for Children with Special Needs

Danmar Protective Helmets: Preventing Head Injury for Children with Special Needs
By Hulet Smith, OT

Finding the right special needs helmet can be overwhelming; but with a 50-year history of consistently providing assistive equipment specifically designed to reduce the risk of head injuries, Danmar products are the solution to your dilemma!