An accessible pushchair designed for wheelchair users has been announced as this year’s winner of The Baby Products Association’s 2023 Concept and Innovation Award.
The accessible pushchair device designed by Designability | Photo © Designability
The pushchair, designed by Bath-based charity Designability, was recognised at the International Nursery Fair in Harrogate.
Known for designing innovative products that help disabled people live with greater independence, Designability said it was ‘delighted’ to receive the award for its groundbreaking design, which offers true freedom for disabled parents and carers.
The award was presented to Dario Canini, Designability’s Engineering Innovation Manager, by Marc Hardenberg, Chair of the Baby Products Association.
The company also received a certificate and prize of £1,000 for legal advice from sponsor Sarah Ludlam of legal company Brabners.
Dario Canini and Matt Ford with the award | Photo © Designability
Julie Milne, of the Baby Products Association, commented: “Every year, the judges are impressed with the creativity of the entries received and it’s always difficult deciding which stands out more than the others, as all products submitted will make a difference in the nursery industry.
“However, it was felt that Designability’s entry could be life-changing for parents who are wheelchair users as it is the first product of its kind that will allow them to use a regular pushchair just like any other parent.”
Designed with mass manufacture in mind, Designability’s design replaces the traditional rear wheels/footbrake assembly, turning any conventional pushchair into an accessible pushchair.
Matt Ford, Designability’s Director of Design and Innovation said: “We’re delighted to win this prestigious award.
“Having chosen the International Nursery Fair as the event to launch our accessible pushchair, it’s a huge honour to win, especially against such stiff competition.
“We’ve been developing the pushchair over the last four years and believe it will transform the lives of thousands of disabled parents and carers, enabling them to live with greater independence.
“It really is a game changer that helps address one of the main inequalities disabled parents and carers face; the ability to take their babies and very young children out independently.”
Currently in prototype format, the team from Designability are now looking for a commercial partner to bring the pushchair to market for the first time.
Matt explained: “As a national disability charity, we have been aware of the need for this product for many years. It is our most requested product, and we estimate that there are around 20,000 disabled parents in the UK alone who could benefit.
“Our hope long term is for this product to change the lives of disabled parents not just in the UK but across the world.”
Designability is a national charity which creates equality for disabled people, by removing barriers to independence, enabling them to live the life they choose.
Borne out of a partnership between the Royal United Hospital and the University of Bath in the 1960s, the charity is best known for its iconic Wizzybug powered wheelchairs for very young disabled children.
To date, they have been loaned to over 1,300 children, typically aged between 14 months and 5 years.
