Breakfast, lunch, and dinner: all are vital for maintaining the nutrition of people living with muscular dystrophy. Snacktimes, too, are a great way to provide nutrition if those snacks are low-sugar natural foods such as nuts, fresh fruit, berries, or dried fruit such as dates, plums, and raisins.

Not only that, but persons with muscular dystrophy appreciate the continuity and solid routine afforded by regular mealtimes.

For those mealtimes to be truly effective, independence must be established. And one route to independence is to give people with muscular dystrophy the freedom to use their own tableware. Most dishes, bowls, and plates are not appropriate for people with disabilities. Specially adapted tableware is available which helps bridge the gap between a person’s desire–and their ability to complete that desire.

Symptoms of muscular dystrophy include muscle contractions and limited range of movement. There is a company called Freedom Dinnerware which produces specially adapted cup holders and tableware for persons with muscular dystrophy.

Cup Holders

Whether in a wheelchair or at the dinner table, it can be difficult to consume beverages. Freedom’s line of cup holders for people with muscular dystrophy accepts cups ranging from 6 to 46 ounces. These sturdy cup holders are available in an attractive neutral color which blends in with any furnishings.

But there are two features which distinguish these cup holders from others. First, these cupholders fold down flat, so that they are easy to transport. Second—and the best thing about these cup holders–is that they employ a patented vacuum base system which is unique to the Freedom Dinnerware line of adaptive products. This vacuum base easily applies to any flat, smooth surface. It is virtually impossible to knock off by accident. But when it comes time to remove the suction base, it is easy to do so simply by lifting one corner of the suction base.

Divider Plates

Because hand tremors often mix unrelated foods on the dinner plate, a divider plate is one necessary addition to the set of tableware for a person with muscular dystrophy. A divider plate has one large section, along with two smaller sections, to keep main courses and side courses separate. Made of virtually indestructible plastic, these divider plates use the same proprietary base system as the cupholders—for secure adhesion to flat surfaces.

Snack Bowls and Scoop Plates

Any person with muscular dystrophy will appreciate a snack bowl that lets them nibble on nourishing snacks between meals. Both the snack bowls and scoop plates use the same unique suction base. But the scoop bowl is different in that its lip is specially contoured to keep food in. Hand tremors and muscle contractions are no match for the scoop plate.

Best of all, Freedom adapted tableware can be washed in the dishwasher and is microwave safe (the suction base, though, should be washed by hand).

Persons with muscular dystrophy love dishes and plates that are designed uniquely for them. No longer do they need to tolerate tableware unsuited for their needs. With Freedom Dinnerware, adapted tableware such as bowls, plates, dishes, and cup holders are uniquely suited for the needs of persons with muscular dystrophy.