Accessible Product Design Alliance
On 14 September 2021, Painauastralia CEO Carol Bennett spoke to ABC Radio National AM show’s presenter, Nas Campanella, about the obstacles some types of product packaging can present to those living with chronic pain and promoted the push to create accessible packaging and products
Products and packaging should be designed to be accessible for all consumers, regardless of their level of ability. Inaccessible products and packaging can cause day to day frustration for people without disability, but for those who live with chronic pain, particularly the kind that impairs use of their arm, wrist hands and/or fingers, these products and packaging can become impossible.
Up to 20% of the population have impairments that limit their ability to open, use and enjoy standard consumer products. These impairments include poor vision, issues with mobility and limited strength and dexterity. Those affected include older people, people with disability and people with chronic conditions such as arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions, chronic pain, neurological conditions, movement disorders and other related degenerative disorders.
Inaccessible products and packaging can cause unnecessary physical pain and discomfort, stress and frustration and impact a person’s independence. With the population ageing, and the increasing prevalence of people with chronic conditions and disability, accessible products and packaging should be at the forefront of design.
Painaustralia is proud to be a part of the Accessible Product Design Alliance which seeks to advocate to government and the packaging industry to improve packaging design and make products more accessible to consumers. Difficult to use products and packaging can affect people’s ability to manage their health, as well as undermining independence and self-esteem. An Australian study on patients with rheumatoid arthritis, for example, found that difficulties opening medication bottles was a major impediment to adherence to prescribed treatment.
On 14 September 2021, Painauastralia CEO Carol Bennett spoke to ABC Radio National AM show’s presenter, Nas Campanella, about the obstacles some types of product packaging can present to those living with chronic pain and promoted the push to create accessible packaging and products. Listen to the full interview here.
We will continue to keep you informed of the work in this area. You can find out more about the alliance at https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/accessible-design-division/accessible-product-design-alliance/
