Written by
Sarah Kovac, disabled editor covering adaptive products.
Christopher Groux, senior editor and accessibility aficionado with cerebral palsy.
Updated August 21, 2024
Products are chosen independently by our editors. Purchases made through our links may earn us a commission.
At Reviewed, one of our key missions is testing out adaptive products that make life easier and more accessible for people who are aging or who have a disability. We want to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own.
But more than just affirming opinions or making smart purchases, accessibility means unlocking new abilities and simplified routines for a population that’s all too familiar with daily annoyances and frustrations.
In 2024 there have been many amazing product innovations and adaptations. Mainstay categories like OTC hearing aids continue to improve, offering consumers better listening devices with enhanced capabilities at more affordable prices. In gaming, modular controllers allow those with dexterity disabilities to comfortably explore a beloved hobby.
For Best of Year 2024, we’re proud to feature a diverse selection of products in adaptive footwear, fashion, toys, pet care, and more. But, while remarkably different, each of these products aims to accomplish one goal: improving the quality of life for those in need.
The eight winners selected by our accessibility editors showcase the best of what the industry has to offer. Here are our favorite accessibility products of 2024. Or, you can see all the 2024 Best of Year Awards we’ve announced thus far.
Best adaptive footwear
Kizik Brisbane
The footwear brand of choice of our accessibility editor, Sarah Kovac, Kizik continues to impress with its truly hands-free slip-on shoe line. The new Brisbane from Kizik is, to no one’s surprise, another instant favorite.
It retains the cage-like heel structure of other shoes in the lineup. This structure allows the heel to bounce back into shape over and over without being too stiff. It’s what makes Kizik shoes stand out from the crowd.
The Brisbane keeps the great heel design and adds a new sense of style. With multiple color options in both suede and leather and a casual look, these shoes will mesh with just about any outfit.
Read our full review.
Pros
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Awesome slip-on design
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Variety of sizes
Cons
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Leather heel creases after wear
Buy now at Kizik
Best OTC hearing aid
Jabra Enhance Select 500
We tested lots of OTC hearing aids this year, but, when it comes to new products, the Jabra Enhance Select 500 is the best. We love that these hearing aids offer Bluetooth streaming across both Android and iOS.
But, if you’re not a media junkie, you might appreciate having a hearing aid with a whopping 24 hours of battery life on a single charge. You’ll have to pay a premium price for the features, but at least the cost yields amazing results.
Read our full review.
Pros
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Simple to use yet customizable
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Great battery life and fast charging
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Streaming works on all devices
Cons
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Added cost for customized hearing test
Buy now at Jabra
Best adaptive peripheral device
Sony PlayStation Access Controller
If you have a PlayStation 5, this is the most accessible controller you can buy. Unlike a standard remote, the Access Controller is a controller kit that allows users to customize the placement of every single button on the device by swapping simple magnetic attachments.
Intuitive software that’s built into every console helps all users make the most of Sony’s impressive games catalog.
Read our full review.
Pros
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Easy customization
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Quick profile switches
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Setup is a breeze
Cons
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No second thumbstick
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No touchpad swiping
$89.00 from Amazon
$89.99 from Best Buy
$89.99 from Target
$89.00 from Walmart
Best adaptive fashion
Victoria's Secret Adaptive Lightly Lined Front-Close Full Coverage Bra
Victoria’s Secret was one of a few big-name brands to enter the accessibility space over the past year, and we couldn’t be happier. Our reviewer loves these adaptive bras and panties for their sexy designs, functional magnetic closures, and simple, one-handed adjustment.
The buttons featured in this article only link to the bra, but the full review features links to the entire set in a wide range of colors and styles.
Read our full review.
Pros
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Strong magnetic closure
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Adjusters sit in front
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Classic VS design
Cons
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Sizing can be difficult
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Magnets could be too strong
Buy now at Victoria's Secret
Buy now at Amazon
Best mobility aid
Convaid Coaster (C8001)
The Convaid Coaster stroller fills an important need for those who require mobility but may not have the ability or desire to push themselves. Expanding upon the feature set that made the previous model Convaid Cruiser so popular, we appreciated its successor for its ultra-smooth ride and maximum adjustability for growth.
Its optional accessories, like a full-coverage sun canopy, make this already stellar stroller even better.
Read our full review.
Pros
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Smooth ride
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Very adjustable
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Accessories add a wide range of features
Cons
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Not all popular features are standard
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Sunshade may block driver's view
Buy now at Spinlife
Best adaptive toy
Lego Braille Bricks Play with Braille – English Alphabet
Lego has been a bastion of creativity for decades. In late 2023, the legendary company expanded its educational offering to include teaching basic Braille skills to people ages 6 and up.
The Braille Bricks feature letters and numbers printed on each brick, with the proper Braille alphabet signal arranged in the brick’s studs. This product stood out thanks to its obvious universal appeal and unique digital collection of games.
Read our full review.
Pros
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Large and universal use
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Fun and copious online activities
Cons
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Packaging easily damaged
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Shapes lack variety for building
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Be My Eyes help is not truly independent
Buy now at Lego
Best innovation in aging
Harac Nail Clippers
Trimming your nails is one of the most notoriously difficult tasks for the elderly and disabled. The Harac Adaptive Nail Trimmers make that task easier thanks to its large ergonomic handle and sharp blades.
These clippers can even lie flat for tabletop use. Place your finger or toe under the blade, give the tool a light squeeze, and you’ll be off to the races. This winner is a personal favorite of our senior accessibility editor.
Read more about the Harac Adaptive Nail Trimmers.
Pros
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Design compensates for weak grip
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Can be placed on flat surfaces
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Available in a variety of colors
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File included
Cons
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May be tough for some to use on toenails
Buy now at Amazon
Best adaptive pet product
Sassy Woof Hands Free Rope Leash
The Sassy Woof Hands-Free Rope Leash emerged as our best hands-free dog leash after weeks of testing. Its sturdy material and easy adjustment make it a must-have product. It doesn’t hurt to know it’s sold in several colors. If you need a leash that stands up to a decent pull, Sassy Woof’s is it.
Read more about the Sassy Woof Hands-Free Rope Leash.
Pros
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Reinforced base
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Sold in many colors
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Easy to adjust and use cross-body
Cons
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Not ideal for running
Other Best of Year awards, at a glance
- Best of Year large appliance products: Electrolux, GE, and more
- Best of Year kitchen and cooking products: All-Clad, Hedley & Bennett, and more
- Best of Year home products: Flexzilla, Levoit, and more
- Best of Year pets products: Farmer’s Dog, Wisdom Panel, and more
- Best of Year beauty products: Hot Tools, CoverGirl, and more
- Best of Year health and fitness products: Fitbit, Peloton, and more
- Best of Year sleep products: Brooklinen, Avocado, and more
- Best of Year style products: Lululemon, Bombas, and more
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