When Tim Bergeron was working as an Industrial Designer creating products for children with special needs, he had no idea he would one day need to purchase this equipment for his own family. In 1976, his daughter Carrie was born with Down syndrome. At that time there were not many choices on the market for comfortable and attractive products for special needs children. Tim was then inspired to develop a product line under the Tumble Forms® brand that was softer and more colorful than traditional positioning and rehabilitation therapy equipment. Then in 1988, Tim went on to form his own company whose goal was to manufacture products that offered even more comfort and durability while being used in therapy, or for long periods of time. After some trial and error, Tim created a new Soft-Touch™ material that met those requirements and the Special Tomato® brand was born.

The Special Tomato® brand name was inspired by Tim’s daughter when she was asking him questions about why she was different than other kids. Tim was harvesting tomatoes at the time and noticed one tomato appeared different than the others. He and Carrie took that tomato back to the house and cut it open. It was just as delicious as the others but it just had a different shape. He used that metaphor to describe how Carrie was beautiful and unique in her own right and didn’t need to be worried about her differences from other children. Since that time, the Special Tomato has inspired the name of the company, its logo and the philosophy behind the company.

Since the Special Tomato Company was created, their product line has grown from therapy cushions and seat cushions to a full product line that includes pediatric strollers, pushchairs, floor sitters, car seats and high chairs and more. Steve Fischer, VP of Sales and Marketing at Bergeron Health Care, the parent company of Special Tomato, says that key to the products' success is versatility and intelligent design. “Parents love the durability of the products, as well as the cheerful colors and non-clinical look of the equipment.” says Fischer. “Therapists love the fact that the Soft Touch™ material does not stick to the child's skin, and is antimicrobial and soft while still offering proper support for their clients.” He also attributes the popularity of the products to the simplicity of design and the affordability of the individual products. 

One example of a product that a child can use from infancy up to 90 lbs. is the Special Tomato® EIO Pushchair. The EIO Pushchair combines the portability and ease of a lightweight stroller (only 22 lbs.) with the extra support that is required of a special needs stroller. For those children who need mild to moderate positioning, the EIO is a perfect fit with its padded head pillow as well as the back lateral and hip lateral cushioning. The EIO offers complete versatility with its fully adjustable back rest (25 to 75 degrees), adjustable leg rest and height adjustable handle. With its swivel wheels, one touch brakes and removable rear wheels, parents can take the EIO stroller from rough terrain to the mall with ease. Once they arrive at the mall, parents can remove the hood and fill the large attached shopping basket with goodies. 

Another Special Tomato product that will grow with a child is the Special Tomato® Height Right Chair. This stylish hardwood chair offers secure positioning for a child with mild to moderate support needs. The Height Right Chair features a fully adjustable seat and foot rest and a 3 point pelvic belt to hold a child securely in place. Optional purchases include a wood tray, Soft Touch™ pelvic positioning cushions and foot pads for added comfort and security. There will never be a need to buy another high chair because the Height Right chair will accommodate a child from 6 pounds to 250 pounds.

With its commitment to quality, durability and affordability, the Special Tomato Company will continue to create products that consumers love. Who knew that all those years ago that Tim Bergeron would create a successful, internationally-recognized company simply by trying to create a product that would best fit the needs of his daughter? The story of the Special Tomato company serves as a reminder to us all that we don’t have to travel far to find inspiration all around us.

Rachel Huber,
Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO