A company in Bradenton, Manatee County, Florida, is creating mask-face shield combos to make the lives of children and those with disabilities easier. Each of the mask-face shields hybrids are handcrafted in the Tyton Designs Bradenton warehouse of 301 blvd.
Owner Ty Salvatore is a parent of two little boys, says he created masks that are comfortable for children and for those who have special needs.
“I was born hearing impaired. I started focusing on what people are forgetting about and that’s people who have advanced needs. I know how important it is to have to see the educator’s mouth to hear or either to emulate what they’re doing and how they’re doing it,” explains Salvatore in a report to ABC 7 News.
Eleonora Raso says these hybrid masks are perfect for her daughter, Victoria who has a learning disability.
“She’s special needs and having ADHD, everything makes her nervous. So, for her to look at the speech therapist while she talks, she has to look at her mouth,” says Raso
Salvatore says Pasco County School District bought his masks for their employees.
The school district confirms they bought over a thousand masks for their bus drivers.
Now Salvatore hopes his hybrid mask will make their way into Manatee County Schools. He says he sent masks to the school district to review for their use.
“Manatee County School District asked if we could send some samples and we did about a week and a half ago for their review and we have not heard back either yay or nay,” says Salvatore.
