You find so much information on the Internet about adaptive tableware that it is difficult to separate myths from facts. If you are in the market for adaptive tableware, there is a chance that you have a pressing need for it. You or your spouse or child may have a condition such as muscular dystrophy, Huntington’s Disease, stroke, or cerebral palsy, to name a few. This condition limits one’s ability to feed him or herself independently at the table. By searching for adaptive tableware, you are taking a positive step toward independence. Adaptive tableware is a special type of tableware—dishes, plates, bowls, and cup holders—which helps those with special conditions enjoy better mealtimes. But what is it and how does it work?

Myth: Adaptive tableware uses ineffective suction cups to stick to the table.

Partially true. Most adaptive tableware uses either two methods to adhere the tableware to the table: suction cups or non-slip pads. The suction cups work only briefly, and will not work at all if the surface is less than perfectly clean. So- called non-slip pads simply do not work—at all. Freedom Dinnerware uses a different system. Its adaptive tablewaresticks quite well to any flat, smooth, and clean surface with a patented vacuum base system. The base is wide, and because of this increased surface area it allows the base to stick with greater strength.

Myth: Adaptive tableware is unattractive.

False. Freedom’s adaptive dishes, plates, and cup holders all are manufactured in a neutral color guaranteed to match any décor. Also, care is taken to make certain that the style matches: the cup holders can fold flat and out of the way; the bowls, plates, and dishes are sleek, attractive, and fit with any existing tableware you may have.

Myth: No cupholders really “hold” the cup.

False. With the Freedom line of adaptive cup holders, extra-strong arms grip the cup—yet easily release when the person needs the beverage.

Myth: Most adaptive bowls let the food slip out.

True. Most manufacturers do not take the care to scientifically contour the lips of their bowls and plates to ensure that a person can easily “scoop” food onto their fork or spoon. Freedom Dinnerware, though, designs its scoop plates and bowls with just the right angle for easy eating!

Myth: You cannot run the entire set of adaptive dinnerware through the dishwasher.

True. Even with the Freedom line of adaptive bowls, plates, and cup holders, the special vacuum base must be detached before running the upper section through the dishwasher. However, note that this is just the vacuum base section—the part that typically does not get dirty.

Myth: Most adaptive bowls and plates can be microwaved.

False. Most adaptive dinnerware is made of low-grade plastic, which can melt in the microwave. By contrast, Freedom Dinnerware’s adaptive bowls, plates, and dishes can all be microwaved. Note, though, that you would not want to microwave the vacuum base.

Myth: Adaptive tableware is only for “sick” people.

Absolutely false. Any parent who has witnessed their one year-old child accidentally or purposely fling a bowl of squash off the feeding tray will realize the value in adaptive dishes and plates. Such tableware will stay in place on the tray or table. And the scoop plate is especially valuable for toddlers learning to feed independently.