As a quadriplegic, independence means everything. These tools make daily tasks easier, safer, and more empowering. Below are 10 highly-rated Amazon items!
1. RMS Deluxe Sock Aid
Summary: Foam-handled sock aid makes dressing effortless for limited mobility users. Ideal for putting on regular socks without bending.
These tools not only help but empower. From daily dressing and transfer aids to smart home tech, they build confidence and restore independence. Shopping with our links helps support the Quadcapable mission at no extra cost to you—thank you!
Quadriplegic Seeks Assistance for Home Modification
I need your help.
I am a C3 complete quadriplegic US Marine Corps Veteran passionate about living independently and providing leadership within the disabled and able-bodied community. My focus is on wheelchair accessibility and Smarthome technology to increase the independence of the individual affected by the disability and decrease the work and stress on caregivers providing services to that person.
My goal is to obtain assistance that can be used to modify an existing structure as a benefit and example to builders, realtors, people with disabilities, and their families to gain a better understanding of universal design and home accessibility.
Been a long hard road since August 2014
There is only so much you can modify when renting
Since my injury in 2014, I have rented properties in Florida and have made the necessary adjustments to facilitate my day-to-day living arrangements. These include my daughter (half the year), at least one live-in caregiver, various supplies, additional wheelchairs and storage for durable medical equipment. But there is only so much to do when renting. So, I have worked hard to improve my credit, sought assistance from the county and the Department of Veterans Affairs and I began the purchase of a new home.
Fortunately, being on disability and a VA pension provided me enough income to finance a $150,000 property, but not enough to modify it for my needs.
Given the amount, most properties within this range are not close to being accessible and definitely were not built for a 600 pound power wheelchair and a 200 pound adult male to easily enter and exit, shower, socialize, cook meals, etc. I have built a budget at $30,000 for interior modifications, an additional $20, 000 for exterior modifications.
Given the information available via several nonprofits have found the following to be a pretty accurate representation of expenditures. These are estimates and I expect to stay midrange on all. Are some examples of the costs necessary to modify my home.
How much does it cost to install a shower?
The average cost to install a shower stall, including the pan, doors, and plumbing is around $2,000-$6,000.
How much does it cost to install new, wider entryways with zero threshold?
Installing a permanent, entryway costs between $1,500-$3,250.
How much does it cost to remodel a bathroom?
The average cost to remodel a bathroom is around $18,000.
How much does it cost to build a handicap bathroom?
Bathroom renovations to accommodate a disability or aging in place, including a curb free shower, grab bars, and faucets with lever handle costs around $9,000.
As you can see there are many adaptations and modifications that need to be done to make the home accessible and to create a positive living environment for myself and my family. Every dollar that I can obtain towards this cause will help! I will be updating continuously and creating a Facebook presence for this particular project.
I hope to take this experience and use it to assist others to include: builders, architects, technology professionals, in the adaptation of residential properties to fit the needs of individuals with disabilities.
Knowing what to expect when you are expecting a new child can be confusing, especially for parents who are living with a disability. The sleepless nights, the added expenses and all the preparation that goes into planning for your new baby can leave you feeling stressed out. You’ve got a lot on your plate, but before you wrap up your planning, make sure you tackle these key new parent tasks. Here are some tips for adapting to parenthood as a person with a disability.
Create a Safe, Convenient Home
If you’re like most new parents, you may be getting your home ready for baby, otherwise known as nesting. Nesting is a normal and important part of any new parent’s routine before the new baby arrives. As you prepare your home, be sure you are thinking of essential home modifications that will make parenting easier and safer for you and your family. Install some grab bars in potentially slippery spots such as tubs and showers.
Pay attention to floors, ensuring that trip hazards are removed and that all mats/rugs are non-slip. For those with impaired vision, simple prep including labeling your child’s food and essentials with textured tape can make mealtime a little less hectic for everyone.
Tips for Adapting to Parenthood As a Person with a Disability
Set Up Your Support Network
Finding your own routine and methods as a new parent is important. But finding people and advice to help guide the way can be a real lifesaver. All new parents need some support from time to time. Whether it’s a meal train from friends, advice on how to wear your baby or emotional support, there are tons of helpful resources available for any new parent. As soon as you are comfortable, start researching and reaching out to find the help you need.
You can search online for parenting classes and resources, and may even be able to find help especially tailored for parents who are living with a disability. Many new parents find it helpful to hire help to take care of their child, or hiring help with chores around the house to make life easier.
Start Making Self-Care a Habit
Stress is a big part of any parents’ life, but stress can be especially intense for new parents. Getting used to a new sleeping schedule, caring for your little one and juggling responsibilities can leave you worn out. Basic, self-care such as eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise will give you the energy you need to tackle your new parental responsibilities. But it’s also important to find stress relief and take care of your mental health.
Simple stress-relieving practices are easiest for new parents. Beginning a new meditation practice or doing daily yoga can help alleviate your tensions. If you begin to feel completely overwhelmed, know that this is normal but be aware of signs of serious issues such as depression and anxiety. For parents who have just given birth, postpartum depression can be a real problem and professional help may be needed to help you feel like yourself again.
Before you welcome your new baby, it’s helpful to spend some time preparing a budget. Break your budget down to include your own expenses and health care costs, and make room for the initial expenses of a baby. If you need to pay for home upgrades, factor those in, too. Many new parents find this sort of planning help online. If you rely on any benefits for income, check into how having a child will have an impact. Finally, start making plans to begin saving for future goals. Setting aside funds now for future expenses, such as school, family trips and unexpected expenses will help you avoid stress for your family later.
If you’re becoming a new parent, you don’t have to be nervous or afraid. With some planning and preparation, you can get your life ready to welcome your new child and make being a new parent a little bit easier.
A great place to start:
Author
Harry Cline is creator of NewCaregiver.org and author of the upcoming book, The A-Z Home Care Handbook: Health Management How-Tos for Senior Caregivers. As a retired nursing home administrator, father of three, and caregiver to his ninety-year-old uncle, Harry knows how challenging and rewarding caregiving can be. He also understands that caregiving is often overwhelming for those just starting out. He created his website and is writing his new book to offer new caregivers everywhere help and support.
Training was provided @MCO on several different dates in 2017 and 2018… Training was free and was offered to any airline or service provider who wished to attend.. The purpose of the free training was to make sure their were trained personnel to utilize the Eagle lift that was purchased by MCO…
Recently, I traveled through Orlando’s International Airport to Minneapolis-St. Paul where I attended a portion of the Paralyzed Veterans of America National Convention. As a C3 complete quadriplegic, traveling often takes its toll. Due to the limited training of staff and airlines reluctance to understand my type of disability; I am disinclined to travel by airline. Having only traveled by airline once before (now 6: 2019) as a wheelchair using quadriplegic.
…the Orlando airport has ultimately worsened in respect to my needs.
At that time (2016), the Orlando airport utilized a lift system that properly on-boarded me to my seat. The issue then was that the gate agents and airport employees did not realize that the lift system existed, but were able to finally locate it with the paramedic services and
EMS.
Fast-forwardto May 2018 and apparently, the Orlando airport has ultimately worsened in respect to my needs.
According to the gate agent at the Delta terminal, they could no longer use the lift system due to the “training cost” associated with ensuring their employees were properly certified on the equipment. I used the device two years before but was told not all terminals or airlines have paid for the training.
…at the Delta terminal, they could no longer use the lift system due to the “training cost”
Airline Travel As a Wheelchair Using Quadriplegic
The general manager of Prospect Airport Services explained that Delta’s reasoning was accurate, and they could not even occupy the terminal because of insurance liability. I communicated to the gate agent the liability of manually lifting me and transferring me, is greater than if they were to use the lift. They quickly redirected back to the training cost. Why aren’t the airlines paying to train their employees? They need to know proper techniques to safely transfer customers with disabilities.
Utilizing the Eagle Lift for Airline Traveler with Limited Mobility
This is why airline travel as a wheelchair using quadriplegic and other people with disabilities is difficult. Further reducing our ability to live a normal life.
Why aren’t the airlines paying to train their employees?
Transferring with inappropriate equipment poses risks to the physical and emotional health of people with disabilities. According to Prospect Airport Services, the training cost $4000 per employee (it’s actually free).
Airlines Will Not Pay for the Training
Given that one of my tickets was $700; I assume the airlines could afford to provide passengers with dignity, respect, and safe mode of transfer. This is not the case at either the Orlando airport, that had the equipment, or the Minnesota St. Paul airport which did not have the equipment.
I made it through my travel with only minor bruises and a small device broken from my wheelchair. I believe that airline employees should have a better understanding to be gentle with this equipment. Ask anyone with paralysis if they do not have their wheelchair it is the same as someone taking their legs away from them.
Get Ready for More Wheelchair Users
Orlando is home of the 2018 38th annual National Veterans Wheelchair Games with several hundred wheelchair users flying into the Orlando airport. Accommodations will have to be made for these athletes at every gate and in every terminal. Great work has been done with the air access laws, Continuing efforts through air access laws is necessary to eliminate these issues.
It has taken me some time to develop a workstation that not only allows me to work from the comfort of home, while playing my favorite video games; but, also enjoy a bit of independence. The Quadriplegic PC Computer Setup Gaming Workstation Project ( and the new build) will hopefully motivate others to seek aid when needed to accomplish their computer setup goals. I also posted links to the equipment that I am putting together and currently using, down below.
The Quest Begins
In Aprilish, 2017, I began communicating with organizations in hopes to upgrade my Quadriplegic PC Computer Setup Gaming Workstation. That PC wasn’t able to provide the performance needed for the type of activities necessary: voice recognition, gaming, streaming, working, video-rendering, photo editing, etc..
First, I reached out to the Department of Veterans Affairs assistive technology department to find out if they could satiate my needs. Upon following up, was told it had been submitted to contracting, “and awaiting approval.” So I then patiently waited for 4 to 8 weeks to confirm such approval. Never received it.
Next, I sought to hopefully be sponsored and obtain a computer from another source. Gaming PC companies here in the United States. I also reached out to the Wounded Warrior Project out of Pittsburgh who told me of a charity called Stack Up.
Quadriplegic PC Computer Setup Gaming Workstation
L: Shadow R: Cuddles
During this period, I continued to stream and do my thing with my laptop (provided by the VA) and volunteered my time to help the Stack Up organization as a game lead, along with becoming part of the Redshirt Raiders Discord. Circa October, I received a phone call from Houstongirlgotu, Orlando Stack Lead, notifying me She had a Stackup T-shirt to drop off. After several hours of small talk about everything under the sun, another knock came at the door. Two other Stack Up members Cuddles & Shadow came to my door surprisingly holding a computer. I learned later, it was a custom built PC just for me!
Rigs 4 Vets is a program that I had not known about but would come to appreciate. Stack up gave me a great gaming computer that night. I have since made that PC into a stream computer after little less than two weeks later out of the blue a computer from the VA showed up (my current game PC). I believe I mentioned to Houstongirlgotu before the surprise about how many places I had gone to obtain a new computer and that they would probably, “come all at once.” Which, they kind of did.
Quadriplegic PC Computer Setup Gaming Workstation
Current Gaming PC (Dept of VA)
Motherboard ASUS X299 TUF MKII ATX
CPU i7-7740X Processor Overclocked (Overclocking (4.9 -5.2GHz)
DDR4 2666MHz Memory- 32GB (32GB (2x16GB))
MSI AERO 8GB OC GTX 1080
SSD 256GB M.2 Solid State
Optane None
CPU Cooling CORSAIR Hydro Series H100i V2 Water Cooler
Windows 10 Professional 64-Bit
The Florida Stack…
has gotten together numerous times since the upgrade. I stream regularly on my own channel, daily, twitch.tv/Quadcapable. Also through the stackupdotorg channel, Fridays 4 pm EST, in support of their mission and to contribute what I am able. I’m currently infatuated with upgrading and bettering my system. Starting to piece together a newer rig, as a Marine, always seeking the best.
Luckily, I was able to find a new home for some of the components from Stack Up. Re-donating the remains to another veteran, x7sage7x. Had the chance to also use those same components with my daughter. Transferring them to a new case and detailing the work on PC Part Picker.
Just remember if you want something; never stop fighting for it. You can always find good people to help you get it done. If you have questions about any of this, please let me know so I can help you too.
August 23, 2014 is the kind of day you don’t forget. Like a birthday, wedding anniversary, high school graduation, and the birth of a child you do not forget the traumatic events that change the course of your life, without consent, forever changing how you live. On my Alive Day, several years ago a seemingly innocent dive from the bow of my boat altered my life forever. But this is more of a telling of what came afterwards and not a call for pity.
Since my alive day I have:
Cheated death several times during my hospitalization.
Come to the realization that the VA healthcare system is superior to any civilian run spinal cord facility.
Realized the depth that my friends and family care for me.
Made many great new friends.
Used my personal experience to raise awareness for people living with spinal cord injuries.
Continue to be a partner to my fiancé and father to my three girls.
Received assistance from all types of sources. Including: Paralyzed Veterans of America, Chive Charities, Department of the VA, Stack-Up, The Internet
Renewed my faith in family, particularly my parents who have been more helpful than I could’ve imagined.
My Alive Day
Besides advocating for people and doing the charitable work that I do I have not changed that much. My fiancé Tina may disagree with that; but my mental character and capacities seem to be the same. It’s very important to understand that catastrophic injuries do not have to alter the type of individual you are, or the type of life you live. It definitely should not stop anyone from getting up every morning and facing the day just like anyone else. I’m no more an inspiration or hero then the person who works and takes care of the family. I just do it without hands.
Make sure every day that you meet your potential, hug your loved ones, and don’t put off anything that means anything. Life can change literally in the blink of an eye. #Charliestrong
I decided it would be “beneficial” to provide a video showing what I do on a typical morning. Specifically, what the attendant has to do to get me out of bed and to get my day started. We have streamlined this process and with the addition of the ceiling lift typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish. If you throw a shower into that it takes about 70 minutes.
[kwod]
A form of assisted coughing for patients with central nervous system disorders such as spinal cord injury who are unable to generate sufficient force to clear respiratory secretions. After a maximal inspiration, the patient coughs while an assistant exerts gentle upward and inward pressure with both hands on the abdomen. The increased intraabdominal pressure produces a more forceful cough. Manually Assisted Quad Coughing
I’m so grateful to Chive Charities for all their help in obtaining some of the equipment I can use on a daily basis to assist my fiancé and caregiver in their day-to-day activities getting me in and out of bed and a great night sleep next to the woman that I love. It’s awesome to know that there are people and organizations available to assist people with spinal cord injuries and a myriad of other diseases and disorders. The fact they also single out veterans and their programs is just another example of how great The Chive community is. I’m appreciative of being a part of it and hope to be so for many years to come.
-Chive on
Here is the link to my story: My Story Link
Two short years ago I was Considered by the VA as being catastrophically injured(C3 complete quadriplegic) during a seemingly harmless dive off of my boat into 5 feet of water. Little did I know that dive would change my life forever and catapult me into a whole new way of thinking.
These types of accidents and injuries tend to careen people into certain directions. The 1st direction is one of depression and of always asking “why me? “The 2nd direction is just trying to live your life one day at a time and be as happy as possible. The 3rd, and my chosen, direction is that of placing a person in a position to become passionate for a cause and to escalate their understanding for advocacy and helping others with a similar injury.
Since the accident I’ve been motivated to keep my family living a comfortable life and to also inject myself into as many positive roles to assist others that may need my knowledge and experience. In particular I become involved with the Paralyzed Veterans of America here in central Florida as a board member. I’ve attended several functions to promote awareness for spinal cord injury diseases and disorders nationwide and locally. I created a blog to share my story and hopes to help others quadcapable.com and I assist whomever I can whenever they ask. Sometimes I even help when they don’t ask.
To continue pursuing my goals I feel further education is necessary and I want to show others in my condition or with challenges that no matter what “if there’s a will there’s a way.” I hope to inspire people with a never quit attitude and an understanding that no matter what there is a community out there that will help you all you need to do is ask.
So I am asking my community to assist me with pursuing a Masters in Business Administration at Stetson University here in Deland Florida. Unfortunately I have applied for a myriad of grants and scholarships and I’ve come in so far but fortunately there is a community behind me that I hope will back me up and see my track record in the goals I have already accomplished will support me in this effort. I have already been accepted and currently enrolled to start school on Tuesday, August 30 with a deadline to pay this semester’s tuition by October 15, 2016.
Before you welcome your new baby, it’s helpful to spend some time preparing a budget. Break your budget down to include your own expenses and health care costs, and make room for the initial 
