Zipper Buddy, DifferenceMakers
ZipperBuddy is developing a velcro piece that attaches to a garment and acts in the same way zippers do and can be used one-handed.
Contribution to a Healthier Lifestyle Award (Sponsored by Enterprise Bank)
Team ZipperBuddy is made up of Liberal Arts senior Sandi DeRuntz and Business Administration senior Valerie Heath. They have brought attention to the everyday problem that people with disabilities and impairments face when trying to stay warm. Zippers can be a big issue when it comes to clothing because not everybody can close a zipper. Therefore, Team ZipperBuddy is working to create an adaptive device to assist people in zipping clothes. The team won the Contribution to a Healthier Lifestyle Award (Sponsored by Enterprise Bank) and $4,000 worth of funding at the 2024 DifferenceMaker $50,000 Idea Challenge.
Additionally, team ZipperBuddy explained why it is important for people living with disabilities and impairments to be able to wear clothing that includes zippers. The solution they are working on is a separate, individual piece that attaches to the garment and acts in the same way zippers do, except this solution utilizes velcro to connect the clothing together and can be used one-handed. This velcro solution allows people who struggle with zippers to have an easy, effective way of getting dressed. With the funding they received from the Idea Challenge, they plan to do focus groups, comparative testing, and trials to have their product to market by the fall.
To learn more visit the ZipperBuddy website!