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Douglas Katz: From Personal Pain Point to Adaptive Innovation
Episode 719th January 2026 • The Disability Podcast by lunor.life • Christian Stylianou
00:00:00 00:36:52

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Summary

In this episode, Douglas M Katz shares his journey as a disabled veteran and inventor of an adaptive knife designed to assist those with disabilities in the kitchen. He discusses the inspiration behind his product, the impact it has had on the disabled community, and the importance of independence and universal design. Douglas emphasizes the need for innovative solutions in the adaptive product market and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. He also outlines his future plans for product development and the challenges of marketing adaptive products.

Takeaways

  • Douglas is a disabled veteran who invented a knife to help with his own issues.
  • He believes that understanding disability helps in accepting it.
  • The knife was designed to assist those with upper body disabilities.
  • The product has positively impacted the lives of many disabled individuals.
  • Douglas emphasizes the importance of independence for disabled people.
  • He discusses the concept of the 'ability curve' in relation to disability.
  • Marketing adaptive products is challenging due to societal perceptions.
  • There is a need for more innovative solutions in the adaptive product space.
  • Douglas encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to seek advice and feedback.
  • He plans to develop a personal use version of the knife and an adaptive cutting board.

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Douglas M Katz: https://linktr.ee/dougkatz

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