Accessible Cups: This IS Your Cup of Tea
By Barbara & Jim Twardowski
Do you have a favorite cup? For me, it's a "Keep Calm and Carry On" coffee mug. The motto reminds me of my trip to London. Because I have weak hands that tend to shake, this lightweight cup is my go-to beverage holder. Whenever I use heavier cups, I tend to spill the contents.
Finding the perfect cup requires a bit of searching. Here are four new cups on the market that might work well for people who have shaking hands, those for whom solid foods pose swallowing difficulties, and those who need to stay hydrated or take medications when away from home.
Zoku Slush and Shake Maker
Do you get cravings for a chocolate shake, but hesitate because of the calorie count? With the Zoku Slush and Shake Maker, you can turn skim milk into a lighter version of ice cream.
Store the cup in the freezer for 6-18 hours (depends on the freezer's temperature) before the first use. Pour 2% skim milk and Hersey's chocolate syrup into the cup. Wait about five minutes for the ice crystals to magically form. Using the special plastic spoon that comes with the cup, gently scrape the interior walls. The mixture thickened into a delicious slushy shake consistency. The protective sleeve prevents frozen fingers.
This nifty Zoku Slush and Shake Maker costs $19.99, plus shipping. You can find a recipe blog and ordering info on www.zokuhome.com. The Maple Iced Coffee Latte or the Grapefruit Mint Slush look easy to make. If you want to get fancy, some of the recipes, like the Raspberry Lemonade Slush, require a blender.
Two tips you will want to consider before buying:
- The cup has to be hand washed—it cannot be cleaned in a dishwasher.
- No artificial sweeteners can be placed in the cup.
Make healthy slushies, fruit smoothies, milk shakes and even frozen alcoholic drinks (adults only!) in less than 15 minutes!
GoCup
If you dislike drinking out of water fountains, the GoCup is a compact option.
This telescoping travel cup also includes a very handy pill holder. The portable cup comes in both 4 and 8 ounce sizes, and four colors (blue, green, black, and clear). A GoCup easily fits in a purse or lunch kit. Made from silicone, the easy-to-open cup is BPA-free and PC-free. Prices are $9.99-$12.99, plus shipping.
WaterWeek
Stop wasting money on bottled water! The colorful WaterWeek water bottles come in a set of five with a refrigerator tray. The dishwasher-safe BPA-free bottles are a fun and money-saving alternative to bottled water. Available in 10, 16 and 24 ounce sizes, keeping track of daily water intake is a snap. Note that bottles cannot be frozen. Prices are $16.99-$19.99, plus shipping.
Mighty Mug
Avoid spills with Mighty Mug—the cup that does not fall over when accidentally knocked. The clever cup grips flat surfaces, like desk tops, and holds on tight. Available in a variety of colors, styles and sizes—prices range from $14.99-$24.99, plus shipping. The Mighty Mug is BPA-free and dishwasher safe.For more information, visit www.zokuhome.com, www.humangear.com, reduceeveryday.com and www.themightymug.com.
Barbara and Jim Twardowski are freelance writers specializing in disability and travel topics. Their articles can be seen in AAA Home & Away, Global Traveler, Quest and many other outlets.
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