The Ability Curve: Rethinking Disability and Universal Design with Doug Katz - Episode 57

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron welcomes Doug Katz, a veteran, entrepreneur, and innovator in adaptive product design. Doug shares his journey from military service to creating the Nulu, an adaptive kitchen knife designed for people with disabilities and those experiencing age-related challenges. He discusses the importance of inclusive design, the "ability curve" model, and how adaptive products can enhance independence. Doug also emphasizes the need for greater awareness, affordability, and accessibility in adaptive technology while exploring the intersection of universal design and commercial viability. The episode offers valuable insights into inclusion, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways:

Ability Curve Model – Doug challenges the binary view of ability and disability, advocating for a spectrum-based "ability curve" to promote inclusive design.

Adaptive Innovation – The Nulu knife was designed with force transfer geometry, enabling people with dexterity challenges to cook with ease.

Affordability Challenge – Adaptive products often come at high costs due to limited production and investor hesitation, highlighting the need for scale and awareness.

Universal Design Matters – Large manufacturers overlook universal design in favor of traditional tools, despite clear market demand and benefits.

Future of Adaptive Tech – Doug envisions a future where inclusive products become mainstream through better awareness, design, and affordability.

Doug’s definition of inclusion:

In reality, the ability to accomplish a task, regardless of age and everything, is the definition of whether you are able-bodied.

Doug’s Bio:

Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Douglas Katz, a West Point graduate, disabled Army veteran, and adaptive product innovator on a mission to change lives in the kitchen. With an extensive career spanning the military, telecom, and lending, Doug has brought his problem-solving skills to a new frontier—adaptive technology. Inspired by his personal experiences as a disabled veteran and as a caretaker for an octogenarian, Doug set out to create the NULU knife, an adaptive kitchen tool designed to empower people of all abilities to cook safely and confidently.

Doug leads a talented team of over-50 professionals, most of whom are veterans, as they work to make independence in the kitchen accessible to everyone, from seniors and veterans to anyone facing physical limitations. Join us as Doug shares his journey, the story behind NULU, and his passion for designing tools that support independence and dignity at every stage of life.

Connect with Doug:

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/dougkatz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doug.katz.9

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglaskatz/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d.m.katz/

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest: 

Yes

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 28

No - 27

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