Hi! My name is Susan Hoffman. I am an Occupational Therapy Assistant with 14 years of experience and a Professional Seamstress with 40 years experience.

Through working in the OT field I have become aware of the need for kid friendly and economical weighted products for the autistic and special needs population.Nine years ago I began sewing different items to meet this need.

I collaborated with a local OTR/L who had many years of experience in the field of Sensory Integration at the local United Cerebral Palsy Center.  She trialed my early products on the kids in her practice and helped me to refine my designs.

I have been fortunate with my endeavors and have been blessed by having most of the State of Maine agencies purchasing my products because of their quality and reasonable prices.   I would now like to offer these products over the net in an attempt to help more families, teachers, and caregivers who have family members and clients who have sensory needs.

I guarantee the quality of materials and workmanship of my products.  They are machine washable and machine dryable and have been used by clients, washed repeatedly for several years and proven to be durable.  My blankets are constructed of   Malden Mills Polarfleece, which is the best fleece in the world.  Comforters are constructed of cotton prints and backed with solid color cloth or fleece as        desired.   Items are constructed on a "made to order" basis so you can choose color and prints of your choice.  I also offer weighted sheets for  individuals with temperature modulation problems  or  hot climates or for summer use. 

My vests  come in preschool Velcro sided variety available in novelty prints of zoo animals, school tools, or trains, added by request Princess and Bob the Builder.  Zipper front camo, denim or kaki vests are available for school age boys or zipper front butterfly pattern vests are available for girls.  School teachers have advised me that school age kids still require the weight for sensory input but refuse to use the commercial vests because the look funny and make them feel self conscious, but they enjoy wearing my vests and benefit greatly from them.

In the Bangor area my products can be borrowed and trialed from the TECH CENTER or from PENQUIS AUTISM  PROGECT.  Check for phone and address listings in the phone book.

Weighted items do not work for all individuals but if your OT thinks they would help your loved one give me a call.

Sue Hoffman COTA/L
132 Station Rd. Etna, Me. 04434
207-269-2816
sueotseamstress@TDS.net
Fleece Blanket.
                      Preschool and Zipper Vests
        Comforter and Adult Vest

New England Adaptive Equipment
Providing Adaptive Equipment to Individuals with Autism and Other Disabilities
{Formerly New England Embroidery}