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Selma Blair wants to help you shop with accessibility in mind this holiday season. The veteran actress and disability justice activist recently teamed up with QVC to curate an accessible gift guide. From adaptive clothing items to innovative kitchen gadgets, her picks are designed to make everyday tasks easier for people with disabilities.
Blair knows firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate an able-bodied world with a disability. In 2018, the Cruel Intentions star was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic and potentially disabling disease of the central nervous system.
Like many of the 1 million Americans living with MS, Blair experiences pain flare-ups and restricted mobility as a result of this condition. She is now in remission, but she continues to use her platform to advocate for accessibility in Hollywood and beyond. It’s no wonder she was named QVC’s official ambassador for accessibility.
Below, we’ve rounded up all 15 products Blair selected for her gift guide with an explanation of what makes them accessible. Plenty of her picks can benefit able-bodied people, too. (Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t appreciate a leverage-boosting, 5-in-1 jar opener?)
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Guide Beauty Fan Brush
Image Credit: QVC Blair serves as chief creative officer of the accessible beauty brand Guide Beauty. It’s the brainchild of celebrity makeup artist Terri Bryant, who noticed the lack of accessible beauty tools on the market after she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Guide Beauty’s Fan Brush features a shortened handle and guide ring, making makeup application a breeze for anyone with limited grip strength or dexterity. Its elegant design is a lovely bonus.
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Anti x Proof Leak-Resistant Underwear
Image Credit: QVC These lace-trimmed, leak-resistant panties from Anti x Proof are a godsend for anyone who struggles with urinary incontinence. Each pair features an absorbent gusset core that can hold up to four teaspoons of liquid. They’re super functional undies, but you wouldn’t know it from their silky-soft fabric and classy exterior.
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Kuhn Rikon 5-in-1 Jar Opener
Image Credit: Amazon Blair included Kuhn Rikon’s 5-in-1 jar opener for people with limited grip strength or dexterity, but pretty much anyone could benefit this handy gadget. Its innovative design provides greater leverage to open stubborn jars, beer-styles bottles, and pull-ring cans. And don’t worry, it’s still small enough to fit in your kitchen drawer.
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Slick Chicks Adaptive Zip Front Lounge Bra
Image Credit: QVC This sleek, adaptive lounge bra from Slick Chicks features an easy-access zip front and removable padding. It’s a practical design for people who are breastfeeding, recovering from surgery, or have limited range of motion. Plus, it comes in two colors and a wide range of bra sizes.
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Tommie Copper Lower Back Support Tank
Image Credit: Amazon Whether you have a disability that affects your spine or get period-related backaches, you’ll appreciate this back support tank from Tommie Cooper. Its compressive design includes built-in panels to help ease lower back pain. Although this tank is highly functional, it still looks sleek, and its breathable fabric ensures you’ll feel supported, not sweaty. Snag yours in white, black, or nude.
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Carex Soft Grip Folding Cane
Image Credit: Amazon For people with limited mobility, canes can make a world of difference. Blair herself often uses one as a mobility aid when she walks red carpets. She recommends this convenient model from Carex, a stalwart medical supply company. It’s a lightweight yet sturdy cane, and the foldable design makes it perfect for travel. Plus, its soft handle is more comfortable for prolonged use.
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WHILL Model F Folding Power Wheelchair
Image Credit: QVC Wheelchairs are another popular mobility aid for people with a variety of disabilities — but if you’ve ever traveled with someone who uses a wheelchair, then you know how cumbersome they can be to transport. This lightweight, foldable model from Whill will make jetsetting more seamless. It’s ideal for frequent flyers or anyone who has an on-the-go lifestyle.
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Bed of Nails Acupressure Pillow and Mat Set
Image Credit: Amazon Taking a cue from the time-honored tradition of acupuncture, this acupressure pillow and mat set from Bed of Nails contains thousands of nails in targeted areas to help alleviate muscle tension. (Don’t be alarmed by the word “nails”: They’re not sharp enough to penetrate your skin.) It’s a solid gift idea for anyone who experiences tension headaches, neck pain, or backaches.
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Boom Home Medical Loona Portable Urinal
Image Credit: QVC Relieving yourself on the go can present a host of challenges for people with disabilities. Depending on your location, an accessible bathroom stall might not be readily available. Enter Boom Home Medical’s Loona model, a portable urinal designed for women and people who are assigned female at birth. (Pro tip: It’s an equally pragmatic pick for folks who love road trips, camping, or other activities with limited bathroom access.)
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Tempur-Pedic Cool Luxury Mattress Protector
Image Credit: QVC If you’re concerned about night sweats or incontinence, look no further than this Tempur-Pedic mattress protector. Its waterproof design will help guard your mattress from any accidents or spills. Plus, it’s machine washable for easy clean-up.
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Limitless MagniFlex Collapsible Visual Aid
Image Credit: Amazon This travel-friendly magnifying visual aid from Limitless can be used flat or hands-free, making it a solid choice for prolonged use. Its collapsible design features a built-in LED light for reading in dark rooms. It’s also shatter-proof, so you can chuck it in your purse without worrying about breaking any glass.
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Empower Cordless Rotary Cutter
Image Credit: QVC Cutting with scissors can be tough on your hands, especially if you have issues with grip strength or dexterity. That’s why Blair recommends this super-powered rotary cutter from Empower. It’s rechargeable and cordless, and its self-sharpening blade can cut through everything from paper to plastic.
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Motag Hand Grip Trainers with Rep Counter
Image Credit: QVC These electronic handheld trainers from the fitness brand Motag are designed to help you build grip strength and seamlessly track your reps. They also come in fun hues like pink and yellow. It’s a practical yet cute stocking stuffer for anyone looking to improve their grip strength or dexterity.
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BEDGEAR Gemini Series Cooling Pillow
Image Credit: QVC Whether you get night sweats or simply struggle to get comfortable in bed at night, this cooling, machine-washable pillow from BEDGEAR can help. Each side features a different fabric: One is moisture-wicking, and the other is always cool to the touch. It also comes with a hypoallergenic zip cover, making it safe bet for people with allergies or sensitive skin.
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Asobu Dog Bowl Water Bottle
Image Credit: Amazon Between its easy-grip handle and convenient 2-in-1 design, Asobu’s dog bowl water bottle is perfect for people with service dogs. The top part of insulated bottle holds enough water for you and your pooch, while the bottom section unscrews to become a dog bowl for easy drinking on the go. Plus, it comes in multiple colors and patterns.
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