ADAPTIVE TABLEWARE: WHAT IS IT AND WHY IT MATTERS?
25.06.25
The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, and one of today’s key challenges is creating accessible spaces for people with reduced mobility — veterans, amputees, people with cerebral palsy, the effects of stroke, or Parkinson’s disease. Together with rehabilitation and prosthetics experts, we have developed adaptive tableware. By sharing our experience, we hope to encourage more venues and projects across the country to join such efforts. As the war continues, it is our responsibility to adapt and provide outstanding service for those who stood, and still stand, in defence of our peace and independence.

Plates

People with reduced mobility are often forced to adjust to using conventional tableware that does not take their needs into account. Specially designed plates and ergonomic utensils, however, can make it possible to regain a sense of independence.

In our discussions with the Lviv Habilitation Center, we learned that adaptive tableware is already available worldwide. One of the most widely used examples is the one-handed plate, designed for comfortable use with a single hand.

Such a plate has several distinctive design features:
  • raised edges that make it easier to separate food or scoop it up with utensils;
  • small vertical pegs on the surface, which help keep food in place and also allow spreading something on bread using just one hand;
  • a non-slip base, often with silicone pads, that prevents the plate from sliding across the table.
For now, it is not easy to buy such plates in Ukraine, let alone enough sets to equip each of our venues with at least a few. That is why we decided to design and produce them in our own ceramics workshop. To ensure the plates are truly convenient, we tested them in collaboration with experts from the Superhumans Centre. Together, we went through every stage of development, modelling, and product testing. Adjusting the design and appearance of the adaptive plate, followed by testing and production of approved prototypes, took several months.


‘The collaboration between Holding of Emotions !FEST and the Superhumans Centre began when we offered assistance with meals for the centre’s patients. At first, we organised catering, and later we set up a kitchen unit directly at the centre. While working there, we initially purchased adaptive utensils (spoons and forks), and then we started thinking about special plates, too,’ recalls Marysia Yarmil, leader of the Trapezna group. The first batch of adaptive plates we designed and produced was donated to the Superhumans Centre.

Mariia Kosovska, an occupational therapist at the Superhumans Centre, notes that feedback on the most convenient version of the adaptive plate is still limited, as many people with disabilities try to manage without assistive tools. However, such tableware is gradually becoming part of daily routines, making mealtimes more comfortable.

Today, all diners and restaurants within the Holding have adaptive tableware, making it easier for people with prosthetics or reduced mobility to enjoy their meals.

We are also happy to create adaptive plates for other food establishments or projects. For inquiries, you can contact Oleh at: (063) 813 52 57.

Utensils

What about forks, spoons, and knives? Adaptive utensils are relatively easy to find and purchase online; they are more common than plates. This is how we bought utensil sets to accompany the one-handed plates for our chain. But what should one do if one can’t buy special tableware yet still wants to make one’s space more inclusive?


Occupational therapists recommend several practical solutions:
  • forks, spoons, and table knives should be lightweight and feature wide, flat handles. This design makes them easier to grip with a prosthesis or to fix on a stump;
  • plates should have high, steep edges to allow food to be pushed against the side, making it easier to scoop or pierce;
  • to prevent slipping on the table or tablecloth, plates can be placed on a silicone mat, which provides extra stability.

What about ‘eating with your hands’and Rebernia?


When adaptive plates became more widely used in restaurants, we began developing a custom solution for our Rebernia restaurants. After all, we’ve always encouraged our guests to eat ribs the proper way — with their hands.

To preserve the signature atmosphere of our Rebernia restaurants, we designed a special serving board that allows people with different types of prosthetics to comfortably enjoy their meals.


What about ‘eatinSo, starting in July, every one of our Rebernia locations will feature adaptive wooden boards
developed in collaboration with occupational therapists from Superhumans, as well as our in-house designer and restaurant chefs.

What makes the board user-friendly?
  • special metal prongs to hold food (meat, bread, vegetables) in place, making it easier to cut or tear into pieces;
  • a raised edge that keeps food from sliding off the board;
  •  non-slip silicone feet for extra stability on the table;
  • a built-in sauce dip to keep everything neatly contained.
We are also working on various modifications to the board: there is a version for one person with a raised edge and a version for a group without the edge, but with convenient recesses. 

In addition to the board, the Rebernia team is also developing a set of custom accessories to make our spaces even more accessible and comfortable. Starting this summer, alongside the boards, our restaurants will also offer:

  • metal skewers with a ring attachment that can be easily secured to a prosthesis;
  • special grip holders for mugs, making them easier to hold;
  • spoons and forks designed for stumps — stable, easy to fix in place, and non-slip.

What else?

We’re also learning how to respond to the challenges of our time. That’s why we regularly hold training sessions for our staff to help them better understand how to communicate with and support veterans and military personnel.

Everything starts with humanity. We believe it’s essential for more hospitality businesses to invest in training their teams so they know how to act and communicate in situations that involve inclusion and accessibility. There are already many organisations ready to help with this. So, let’s share knowledge and learn from one another. Glory to Ukraine! The struggle continues.