Assistive technology is important for enhancing the lives of the elderly and those living with disabilities. For these individuals, daily living products can provide a better quality of life and one of inclusion (particularly for an aging population). They not only enhance mobility, coordination and strength for individuals but also greatly benefiting their physical and psychological health.
Technological advancements in assisted living products ensure a continual improvement in the quality of life for people with restricted coordination and limited strength.
Assistive Technology Around the World
The global recognition for the need to provide sustainable and necessary assistive technology solutions has seen a growing trend of increased funding to assistive technologies. Recently, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia announced a grant of $1.06 billion per annum to facilitate with growth in areas of need.
3.96 million Australians are living with a disability, that’s 20% of the population. And near 16% of the population are aged over 65 and requiring increased support and funding to help them stay independent. Thus the expansion of assistive living technology and products.
Uccello Kettle Born from Necessity
The Uccello Kettle was conceived, when its inventor, Andy De Petra, discovered personally, the frustrating challenges that everyday tasks (like pouring a cup of coffee) can bring. After being diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, Andy began searching for a small, light-weight kettle that would be easy to use, but to no avail.
As the saying goes, ”Necessity is the mother of all inventio”. So, Andy set about designing a new kettle with an even focus on both form and function. He envisaged a kettle on a “cradle” where, with a simple touch, it would tilt forwards to pour (from a rotating axis) to a constant point of delivery. Nothing like it existed on the market in the world. No more maneuvering a heavy receptacle full of potentially scalding water, something even the most able-bodied find tricky.
The Uccello Kettle’s uniquely designed arc of forward motion, has now become a first-of-its-kind. Bearing a remarkable resemblance to a small bird, the kettle was aptly named ”Uccello’‘, which means ”bird” in Italian (thanks to Andy’s Italian roots.
The patented ”tilt-to-pour” action designed by De Petra, joins the list of Australian-designed inventions that have improved safety and lifestyle for people the world over. From the stump jump field plough, mechanical sheep shears and the Hills Hoist clothesline to the more technological ultrasound, heart pacemaker and aircraft black box flight recorder.
Industry Endorsements in Australia
Since entering the market, the Uccello Kettle has contributed to a sustained and improved mental and physical lifestyle for customers of the homecare industry. The industry response in Australia has been rewarding, through associations with national Independent Living Centres, Arthritis WA and many others.
Uccello Designs is also a Commonwealth Government endorsed supplier to health sectors including:
- Arthritis WA
- Polio WA
- Multiple Sclerosis Society WA
- Pharmacies
plus numerous aged care facilities and lifestyle villages. Leading industry suppliers ATSA (Assistive Technology Suppliers Australia) have fully endorsed the Kettle;
(Uccello’s) innovative and highly functional electric kettle has rapidly been adopted by those in need of a safe and convenient method of dispensing hot/boiled water and is supported by other ATSA members.
Uccello Designs is a member in good standing… with ATSA and abides by the ATSA Industry Code of Practice. It has also been endorsed for funding by the Commonwealth Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans throughout Australia.
Chris Sparks, ATSA CEO
The Uccello Kettle had a powerful presence at the recent WA Occupational Therapy Association Conference and received extremely positive responses from the attendees. With its ergonomically designed handle and pivot mechanism, the Uccello Kettle is a significant innovation on traditional kettle designs and allows those who are less capable of lifting and holding a kettle to make beverages with ease.
The collaboration of Italian design, Australian innovation, standards and patent protection, combined with British safety technology has brought both form and function to assisted living products.
