Handy Grips
Kelly Sant

Photo of child in front of the gripsFor young disabled children who are floor bound, the restricted nature of their play environment can limit their ability to experience the world holistically. By creating opportunities for independent movement and self determination. My project ’Xplore the Floor’ stimulates sensory curiosity leading to the development of natural exercise routines.

The three products I have produced have been designed to be used separately or as apart of an integrated, modular play landscape – the tactile mats (Massage mat and Donut rug) can be used as a massage surface while a collection of rubber wall-mounted hand grips (Handy Grips) extends the play surface, providing physical support to exploratory children. The grips can be manipulated to make faces for fun.

Close up of the gripsThe underlying factor in this project is that although the products are specifically designed with children in mind all of the products can be enjoyed by other family members, this concept hopes to include rather than exclude.

© The City Gallery, Leicester and the artists: 2001

This site was built by Ju Gosling aka ju90 during an artist's residency at Oriel 31 in November 2001

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