Do you have a new product that is taking the market by storm? If so, then why not consider entering the Independent Living Design Awards (ILDA) this year. Entry details can be downloaded at the bottom of the page.
2009 was ILDA's most successful ever year with a record number of entries submitted. These were whittled down to a shortlist and each company made a presentation to the judges who, after much deliberation, agreed on the three winners.
The competition is open to all companies and is truly democratic. For example, the three winners of the 2009 Awards were a company with over 200 years of tradition and service, a worldwide prosthetics company and a brand new company with a product that was pleasingly logical. A “Why didn't we think of that!” idea.
Sue Norris, Chair of the Judges said: “Our huge thanks go to all the companies who entered. Many of this year's entries were simple ideas created directly as a result of listening to users and acting on their needs. You all deserve our congratulations. The passion for the products, which make such a difference to people's lives, shone through in every single presentation”.
The winners received their trophies at the BHTA Annual Awards Dinner and are shown above with Ade Adepitan, wheelchair athlete and TV personality.
The team from Chas A Blatchford won the First Prize for their Echelon Foot. “Bioengineers, prosthetists and artificial limb users combined to create this unique hydraulically powered foot that enables the user to maintain a healthy posture in all walking environments: A bio-engineering triumph”
The Salts Healthcare team were runners-up with their Dermacol product “An entirely unique solution to the age old problem of leakage and sore skin suffered by many ostomists”. Some of the quotes the judges liked from satisfied users were “Not housebound, not depressed, out and about” “Has given me my life back” and “They are magic”.”
Clare Thomas from brand new company Equipable, won third prize with Trabasack “Derived from the Latin for table and bag, this smart and funky product in a range of coloured trims to suit all personalities provides the answer to working, playing and eating whilst sitting in a wheelchair. We all want one for Christmas!”
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