How It All Began

PETA, (Practical, Ergonomic & Therapeutic Aids), was established in 1975 by Lionel Crockett. Lionel had previously been working as a designer in the electronics industry but became aware, through a Radio 4 broadcast by the Disabled Living Foundation (DLF), of the lack of manufacturers designing items for people with disabilities; consequently he turned his design skills to address these needs.

His initial design was the first self-opening "loop scissor", which used a continuous handle rather than individual finger and thumb loops. Once made this was sent off to the DLF who had it evaluated by a lady with arthritis, she was delighted that, for the first time in 20 years, she was able to use scissors.

After the development of this Easi-Grip® scissor, Lionel worked in close contact with Occupational Therapists to understand the variety of special needs of children and adults with physical disabilities. It was through this contact with therapists that a wide range of adapted scissors was developed including products with extended loops, self-opening mechanisms and even table-top scissors. The range also recognised the needs of left-handers by offering most scissors as left-hand versions (green handles, whilst the right hand have blue handles).

In 1997 the book "Developing Scissors Skills – A Guide for Parents & Teachers" was added to the range. Written by two leading Paediatric Occupational Therapists, Sue Mahoney and Alison Markwell, this book breaks down the component steps in scissor skill development and provides exercises and activities for each skill level. This has since been adapted into work-cards for teachers and a simpler edition for home.

In the early 1990s the wife of Peta’s USA agent asked Lionel to design a garden tool that she could use, as her arthritis made it impossible for her to use conventional style tools. Using ergonomic design principles a range of garden tools was developed which were then tested and approved by the Mary Marlborough Centre at Nuffield Orthopaedic Hospital.

The success of the garden tool design was such that it was used to make a range of kitchen tools. Consequently the Peta Easi-Grip® trade name became associated with three product ranges.