Medical equipment firm launches inclusive range

A medical equipment supplier in Sheffield has launched with plans to develop assistive products that combine practical support with contemporary design.

Founded by sisters Jules Shiel-Boulger and Toria Chan, STEPS Inclusive Design draws on decades of experience in serious injury rehabilitation to create products that support independent living while fitting more naturally into home environments.

The business was established after the founders identified a gap in the market for assistive products that balance clinical function with comfort, usability and appearance.

Its first range, the Lana Collection, includes a perching stool and a shower stool designed to provide stability and support without the institutional look often associated with rehabilitation equipment.

Product development is led by head of design Toby Chan, pictured below, whose background spans product engineering, manufacturing and specialist design.

The collection was created in partnership with Sheffield-based NorthSky Design, with a focus on producing durable, user-centred products for everyday living.

Toby said: “Over the past 18 months, we have worked with specialist occupational therapists and physiotherapists to re-imagine assistive products that balance clinical function with thoughtful design. 

“What began as a bespoke designing solution for clients at STEPS Rehabilitation, has evolved into STEPS Inclusive Design – a business built around a simple goal of redefining what inclusive products can be.”

Toby Chan, head of design at STEPS Inclusive Design

Jules and Toria say their products will appeal to clinicians, case managers and legal professionals supporting people recovering from injury or illness, as demand grows for rehabilitation solutions that better reflect the needs of modern homes.

They said: “Since the planning stages of STEPS Rehabilitation well over ten years ago, we have consistently struggled to find attractive and non-clinical looking designed equipment and aids for our building and so we have decided to do something about it and start a new business.”

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