Tactile Supply was founded by Shelby Brown, OTR/L, an occupational therapist with experience in home modification, care management, residential accessibility, and aging-in-place projects.

Shelby earned her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Washington University in St. Louis, where her training focused on the relationship between people, the activities that matter to them, and the environments in which everyday life happens.

Occupational therapy brings a unique perspective to the home. Rather than looking only at whether a space technically works, an occupational therapist considers how people actually use it every day:

• How easily someone can move through a space

• Whether important items are comfortable to reach and use

• How a layout supports everyday routines

• Where thoughtful design can improve comfort, safety, and independence

• How a home can continue working well as needs change over time

Through her work in homes, Shelby repeatedly saw the same disconnect: many products designed to support independence prioritized function while giving little consideration to how they actually looked and felt in a home.

Tactile Supply was created to close that gap.

The collection brings together products chosen for function, thoughtful design, quality, and their ability to integrate naturally into residential spaces—so homeowners and professionals don’t have to choose between a home that works well and one that feels beautiful.

Good design should make everyday life easier without announcing why.