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!
Here is my seven years after breaking my neck update.
Besides some lingering depression life is good. Over the last seven years, I’ve managed to cofound a nonprofit to help other people with paralysis become more independent. I partnered up with a longtime friend and built a business assisting assistive technology specialists throughout the Department of Veteran Affairs to provide better care to our veterans as a vendor and consultant.
I have been a director on two different nonprofit boards. This morning I was asked by a doctoral student to assist with input on a new assistive device that they are hoping will make better lives for people with limited mobility.
They called me an “expert” which I found interesting.
Became a grandfather in the last year which has been awesome. Had three daughters who graduated high school and one that’s almost done with college.
Learned the depth of my parent’s love for me. Still having a difficult time showing appreciation for that.
Been through the ups and downs that people have during their lives. Relationships ending, relationships beginning, relationships changing. Depression, happiness, anger, and every other spectrum of emotion.
The point being I’m still living a normal existence regardless of the barriers put in front of me. Being a quadriplegic doesn’t make me extraordinary or special. But I think my resilience and fortitude and ability to persevere have always created the momentum that makes me successful in life regardless of circumstance.
“You will never feel your body again…” said the neurosurgeon after I was flown from the scene of my accident and awaited my surgery for a cervical spinal cord injury. That was 6 years ago and I can still remember the feeling of frustration not knowing how my life would continue. I realized then something about myself, I can overcome anything.
Today, I am still fighting. I’ve taken the last several years to invest my knowledge and expertise in cofounding a nonprofit to assist others in similar situations to what my family and I dealt with throughout the course of my injury. I am proof that there is a life after spinal cord injuries. There is a life living with chronic diseases and disorders. There is hope. You can still be someone’s partner, a father, an entrepreneur, and accomplish whatever purpose you set out for yourself.
Stand up for Me Inc. is the culmination of my knowledge and expertise and also a continuing experience to learn more from my peers and others in my new community. Help me help others find their passion and overcome the obstacles that at times feels insurmountable. Donations are fully tax-deductible and as easy as clicking the link. Whether it’s $5 dollars or $5000 every dime helps stand up for me reduce the burden on caregivers, increase the independence of our clients, and improve the quality of life for families who are giving up!
Charlie is currently the Executive Director of Stand up for Me, Inc. as well as operating a Service Connected Veteran Owned Small Business that deals directly with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the DOD to integrate environmental control units and other assistive technology into the homes of veterans to increase their quality of life and reducing the burden on their caregivers.
Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
■ Acapulco:
20% off for military personnel in uniform or with valid ID.
■ Applebee’s:
Discount varies per location, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
■ Arby’s:
Discount varies per location, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
■ Back Yard Burgers:
Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
■ Bennigan’s:
Active military and vets get 10% off your total check at Bennigan’s.
■ Ben & Jerry’s:
Ask about it the next time you order a scoop of ice cream. Varies by location but is typically 15%.
■ Bob Evans:
10% discounts with your Veterans ID.
■ Boston Market:
20% with military ID.
■ Burger King:
10% off military discount just show proper ID.
■ Captain D’s:
Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
■ Carl’s Jr.:
Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
■ Champs Sports:
Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
■ Chevy’s Fresh Mex:
20% simply ask and have a valid military ID with you (unconfirmed).
■ Chick Fil A:
Varies, Discount with ID card (location dependent), discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
■ Chipotle:
Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
■ Cinnabon:
15% off at participating locations with a valid military ID.
■ CiCi’s Pizza:
A large majority of CiCi’s locations offer a military discounts, ask about it.
■ Cold Stone Creamery:
Discount varies, must present military ID.
■ Cracker Barrel:
10-15% off, at manager’s discretion.
■ Dairy Queen:
Get a 10% off your food and ice cream at select Dairy Queen locations. Must have valid military ID.
■ Del Taco:
50% off at participating locations with valid military ID.
■ Denny’s:
10% Discount simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
■ Dutch Bros Coffee:
Just tell the barista you’re a Vet and they’ll give you $0.50 off any cup of coffee.
■ Dunkin’ Donuts:
Veterans advantage members save 10% on all online orders. They also send free coffee to the troops overseas.
■ Famous Dave’s BBQ:
All active and retired military can get a 10% discount. Just ask your server for your discount.
■ Fire Department Coffee:
A veteran owned company offering 15% discount to veterans on all items in our store.
■ Friendly’s Ice Cream Stores:
Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
■ Fuddruckers Burgers:
Show your server your military ID and get a discount of either 10% or 15% off.
■ Golden Corral:
Flash your military ID and get 10% off your bill every time you dine.
■ Hardee’s:
According to reader Roman, they’ll give you a 10% discount if you tell them you’re a vet.
■ Hard Rock Cafe:
Get a slick 15% off discount when you show your military ID.
■ Hooter’s:
Varies by location but most Hooter’s will give a flat 15% off discount to active and retired military personnel. Often times the discount is only available on certain nights.
■ IHOP:
10% off your entire meal when you show your military ID to your IHOP server.
■ Java Café:
Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
■ Johnny Rockets:
Personnel in uniform will receive a 50% discount.
■ KFC:
Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
■ Lone Star Steakhouse:
10% off every day with ID and 20% off discount for military, police, and fire fighters every Monday. The cool thing is the discount is good for the entire table.
■ Long John Silver’s:
Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
■ Longhorn Steakhouse:
10% military discount.
■ Margaritaville:
10% off with valid military ID.
■ McDonald’s:
Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
■ Old Country Buffet:
Old Country Buffet offers a 10% daily military discount to all active duty, reserve or retired military personnel with a valid ID.
■ Panchero’s Mexican Grill:
Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
■ Pancho’s Mexican Buffet:
Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
■ Panda Express:
10% military discount for active personnel. Just flash your ID before ordering your tasty grub.
■ Papa Murphy’s:
Participating locations will take 50% off one pizza.
■ Pizza Hut:
Discount amount varies by location but always ask and have your military ID at the ready.
■ Popeye’s:
10% off with a valid military ID.
■ Quizno’s:
Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
■ Raising Cane’s Chickens:
Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
■ Red Robin:
Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
■ Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory:
10% military discount.
■ Schlotzsky’s Deli:
30% off with military ID.
■ Shoney’s:
15% off at participating locations
■ Sizzler:
Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
■ Sonic:
Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
■ Subway:
10% off, if not in a military town.
■ Sweet Tomatoes:
10% off with military ID.
■ Taco Bell:
Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
■ Texas De Brazil:
Get 15% off your meal total with your military ID.
■ Texas Roadhouse:
Get up to 20% off your bill total with your active military ID. Discount varies by location, ask your server.
■ The Melting Pot:
Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
■ Wendy’s:
Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with 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.
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power of people with disabilities.
Money Follows the Person (MFP) is a Medicaid program that has helped over 75,000 people with disabilities and seniors move out of nursing homes or institutions and back into their communities. MFP restores the dignity and liberty of people with disabilities by promoting and supporting choice and community living.
Funding for the MFP program expired in 2016, and states have already scaled back their plans by approximately 40%. We need your help and advocacy to get the Senate and House of Representatives to pass the bipartisan EMPOWER Care Act (S.2227 and H.R.5306), which would extend and improve the MFP program. Last year was the first time that the number of people that transitioned to the community had declined.
By passing the EMPOWER Care Act and funding the Money Follows the Person program, Congress can help more people with disabilities transition out of institutions and nursing homes and back into the community. Without action NOW, more people will be trapped in institutions.
Help people living in nursing facilities and other institutional settings move back into their communities!
Take Action
Use the advocacy tool below to send an email, tweet, and Facebook post directly to your Senators and Representative to tell them to support the EMPOWER Care Act and fund the MFP program.
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.
Best Live Streaming Camera. For under $50, currently on sale, you can have in my opinion the best entry-level streaming camera for video calling, web streaming, twitch streaming, YouTube live and video recording currently on the market.
At this price point, the number of options are excellent with great streaming at 60 Hz or 30 Hz plug-and-play capability I use mine currently in both a 2 camera and 1 camera set up.
Full HD 1080p video calling (up to 1920 x 1080 pixels) with the latest version of Skype for Windows
720p HD video calling (up to 1280 x 720 pixels) with supported clients. Full HD video recording (up to 1920 x 1080 pixels)
H.264 video compression, Built-in dual stereo mics with automatic noise reduction. Automatic low-light correction, Tripod-ready universal clip fits laptops, LCD or monitors
Compatible with: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 or later. Works in USB Video Device Class (UVC) mode: Mac OS 10.6 or later (HD 720p on FaceTime for Mac or other supported video-calling clients; Full HD 1080p video recording with QuickTime Player) Chrome OS, Android v 5.0 or above (with supported video-calling clients), USB port, Internet connection
Product Description Best Live Streaming Camera
Style: C920 Webcam
HD Pro Webcam C920
With the Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920, you’ll be seen in more clarity and detail than ever before with Full HD 1080p video calling—the highest quality available. Enjoy vibrant, true to life video clips that capture the smallest details. No time to talk? Send the people you care about a Full HD video clip.
Trust me just buy one here:
Advanced Compression Technology
Faster, smoother, and compatible with more computers, H.264 encoding takes the pressure of compressing off your computer so you can enjoy quick uploads.
Logitech Quality
The C920 goes above and beyond the typical webcam, offering amazing clarity and detail thanks to the five-element, Full HD glass lens and precisely tuned autofocus. Dual mics capture natural stereo sound for superior audio.
Connect Like a Pro
Whatever your network, connect with everyone you care about through Full HD 1080p on Skype, and fluid HD 720p on FaceTime for Mac. You can also make high-quality video calls with Google Hangouts and nearly all other video-calling clients. Two mics with automatic noise reduction allow friends, family, and clients to hear the real you. Best Live Streaming Camera
Compatibility & System Requirements
Mac OS 10.6 or later (HD 720p on FaceTime for Mac or other supported video-calling clients; Full HD 1080p video recording with QuickTime Player)
Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 or later
Android v 5.0 or above
Chrome OS
Available USB port
Internet connection
Technical Specifications
Full HD 1080p video calling (up to 1920 x 1080 pixels) with the latest version of Skype for Windows
720p HD video calling (up to 1280 x 720 pixels) with supported clients
Full HD video recording (up to 1920 x 1080 pixels)
H.264 video compression
Full HD glass lens with precise autofocus
Built-in dual mics with automatic noise reduction
Automatic low-light correction
Tripod-ready universal clip fits laptops and LCD monitors
Package Contents
Webcam & 6-foot cable
User documentation
2 year limited warranty
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.
