The process begins with the manufacturer submitting a product to the Arthritis Foundation for an extensive scientific evaluation. The sole purpose of this evaluation is to determine, quite simply, how easy to use a given product is for people with arthritis. The testing process is as follows:

• When a product's submitted for test it gets evaluated under fail or pass conditions. These are set out according to product type. An example would be opening a lid on a medicine bottle or using the controls of a household kettle.
• An assessment then takes place simulating use by a person who has Arthritis to simulate use. This even extends to the opening of packaging from the initial purchase where applicable.
• Finally, a panel of eight testers who have moderate to severe arthritis are evaluated for torque, grip and endurance, muscle strength, pinch force and range of motion. They are asked to interact with the product as they normally would, they get to open and use the product, use its controls and following this an interview takes place by the group of scientists feedback is gathered in a real-world setting.

Which Acorn Stairlifts are covered?

Both the Acorn 130 Straight Stairlift plus the Acorn 180 Curved Stairlift have been scientifically tested receiving the Ease-of-Use Commendation.

Any other stairlifts on the market with this?

Our stairlifts at the moment are the only ones to be given this award. At Acorn we constantly strive to improve our products as a direct manufacturer of stairlifts we are always looking at ways of how we can improve user experience and customer satisfaction.

Want to know more about the Arthritis Foundation?

For further details on the Ease-of-Use Commendation and the Arthritis Foundation, click here arthritis.org