A day in the life, Adapted technology, Awareness, Home automation

9 Assistive Products to Support Quadriplegic Independence

August 3, 2025August 3, 2025 | Charles Merritt

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.

Rating: ★★★★½ | Reviews: 39,000+

👉 Buy on Amazon

2. Vive Health Transfer Board

Summary: Lightweight wooden board with built-in handles supports safe transfers up to 400 lbs between beds, chairs, and vehicles.

Rating: ★★★★½ | Reviews: 200+

👉 Buy on Amazon

3. Special Supplies Adaptive Utensils

Summary: Easy-grip utensils with wide, non-slip handles make eating easier for users with limited hand function.

Rating: ★★★★½ | Reviews: 500+

👉 Buy on Amazon

4. Lamicall Gooseneck Tablet Holder

Summary: Long, flexible neck clamps onto beds or chairs, perfect for hands-free streaming, reading, or gaming.

Rating: ★★★★½ | Reviews: 20,000+

👉 Buy on Amazon

5. RMS Compression Stocking Remover

Summary: Lets users remove tight socks or compression garments without straining legs or back.

Rating: ★★★★½ | Reviews: 1,800+

👉 Buy on Amazon

6. Liftware Steady or Level Utensils

Summary: Battery-powered eating utensils that stabilize shaking and improve independence at meals.

Rating: ★★★★½ | Reviews: 300+

👉 Buy on Amazon

7. OXO Good Grips Weighted Utensils

Summary: Stainless-steel utensils with added weight and wide handles for better control during use.

Rating: ★★★★½ | Reviews: 1,000+

👉 Buy on Amazon

8. Spill-Proof Weighted Cup with Lid

Summary: A double-handled, spill-resistant drinking cup for easy use without spills.

Rating: ★★★★½ | Reviews: 700+

👉 Buy on Amazon

9. Echo Show 10 + Smart Plug Bundle

Summary: Voice-activated display with Alexa for calling, controlling lights, and smart home devices hands-free.

Rating: ★★★★½ | Reviews: 150,000+

👉 Buy on Amazon

✅ Final Thoughts

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!

Gaming

Quadriplegic PC Computer Setup Gaming Workstation

December 3, 2017April 20, 2018 | Charles Merritt

Quadriplegic PC Computer Setup Gaming Workstation

Thanks to Stack-up.org & The Dept. of VA

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

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 (My Streaming Rig)

Motherboard MSI M-ATX H110M
CPU i5-7600
DDR4 2666MHz Memory- 16GB (32GB (2x16GB))
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 8GB
SSD 256GB
ELGATO PROHD 60

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.

Get AFTER IT!

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.

My article on Stack-up.org: Rigs 4 Vets – Quadcapable gets an Upgrade!

Cant use your hands? Check this out!

What You Should Get My Recommendations

CPU Intel i7 8700K 3.7GHz 6 http://amzn.to/2nq5sRU

Motherboard Asus ROG MAXIMUS X HERO http://amzn.to/2iJQXGN

Memory G.Skill Trident Z RGB 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4 3200 http://amzn.to/2BFECIB

Storage Samsung M.2 pcie nvme 256 960 pro-evo http://amzn.to/2idY0E2

Video Card MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB GAMING X http://amzn.to/2BG1s2E

Case Thermaltake View 31 TG ATX Mid Tower Case http://amzn.to/2jIgrkv

Power Supply Corsair AXi Series, AX1200i, 1200 Watt 1200W 80+ Gold Certified Fully http://amzn.to/2icjpx5

Monitor BenQ 24 inch 144Hz eSports Gaming Monitor, 1440p, 1ms http://amzn.to/2jH6NyC

Monitor BenQ 27 inch 144Hz eSports Gaming Monitor, 1440p, 1ms http://amzn.to/2nraXzK

Other Asiahorse Wireless RGB LED 120mm X 3 Case Fans 3 pack http://amzn.to/2AmELSU

Other CustomLoop Purchased For $500.00 Misc n/a

PartPicker Build Log

Quadriplegic Disabled Gaming

My WOW History

I began World of Warcraft Oct 27, 08 as a troll hunter (FINFIN) on the Anub’arak server where I stayed until March 2017. Currently I spend a lot of time as a guardian druid (HAYTOTHEWOOD) on Zul’jin and started playing a tank August 28, 2009. Why do I bring this up? Because, in August 2014 I broke my neck changing my ability to perform a lot of different functions including using my hands to play World of Warcraft. I spent seven months in rehab and got back into playing towards the end of the WOD expansion and more so when Legion came out.

RAIDS AND FIVE-MAN DUNGEON TANKING

Prior to my injury I was able to effortlessly tank 😉 just about anything and lost touch with my DPS hunter character. Being a bear druid took over and I really enjoy being able to play this role. Post injury I have had difficulty with tanking based on being able to position properly, being too slow, and lack of current experience. So hopefully this additional information about me and what I’m going through will assist people in understanding when I’m in a group with them that I’m getting my player experience updated inside of these types of instances so that I can be better and play more along with my able-bodied group members.

Character Information

[wowpi_character table_style=”profile_picture”]

Adapted technology, Gaming, Health, Opinion

Top Two Assistive Technology Computer Mouses Quadriplegic Reviewed

August 23, 2016December 5, 2017 | Charles Merritt

Top Two Assistive Technology Computer Mouses Quadriplegic Reviewed

I use several types of adaptive computer mouse controllers depending on what type of computing I will be doing. I’ve learned over the past year that some controllers are better than others in certain circumstances. Here is my Top Two Assistive Technology Computer Mouses Quadriplegic Reviewed.

Continuing with a brief overview of the two I use almost exclusively except when I have something break and I need to revert back to option three which I’ll explain at the end. Many thanks to the Department of Veterans Affairs for helping me obtain these adaptive computer mouse controllers.

Quadriplegic Adaptive Computer Mouse Controllers & Gaming Controller (Can also use with Xbox and PlayStation) quadstick.com

Top Two Assistive Technology Computer Mouses Quadriplegic Reviewed

Quadcapable in action with the Quadstick:

I have used one of these controllers for over six months they are very sensitive and very versatile piece of equipment, however, there is a steep learning curve programming the device for additional games. Plug-and-play does work well if you do wish to use this as a mouse. I found that its main weakness is prolonged use I typically would use the controller 16 hours in a day and that wears out the joint that holds the stem of the sip and puff to the base pretty regularly.
However, out of the two options, I will talk about this is my preferred because of the adaptability of the mouth stick itself for use with multiple types of software. I would not consider it for everyday use only for specific programs and gaming when accuracy is a must.

Top Two Assistive Technology Computer Mouses Quadriplegic Reviewed

Pros:

Accuracy

Adaptability

Can Program As Necessary

Sensitive Sip and Puff

Great Warranty and Customer Service (which I have had to use several times due to the stem breaking)

Cost around $400 but available through Medicaid and VA.

Cons:

Not for Prolonged Use

Stem Material Needs Redesign

Sip and Puff Mechanism Needs Adjustment from Time to Time

Quadriplegic Adaptive Computer Mouse Controllers Quadjoy.com

Next up we have the Quadjoy. Instead of being left without a mouse while my quadstick was being repaired requested the quad joy mouth stick from my VA adaptive occupational therapist. I’ve been using this for the last 30 days or so exclusively as my quadstick was broken and is offer repair. I use this device for 12 hours a day typically and in general, it is for web design, games kind of, Facebook, other social media, editing graphics and images. Amongst many other things that I use both of these devices for.

The Quadjoy adaptive computer mouse controller for a quadriplegic with no hand function works very well as a solution for normal computing needs I currently use the version 2.0 and the latest version 3.0 that I’ve not yet used which has been designed to accommodate some gaming.

Pros: QuadJoy version 2.0 Adaptive Computer Mouse Controllers:

Very Sturdy Design

Easy Set up

Works Well As an Everyday Mouse

Cons: QuadJoy Version 2.0 Adaptive Computer Mouse Controllers:

Around $1000 retail (I received mine from the VA)

Tends to Hold Debris inside the Mouth Stick

Limited Functionality

Unable to Program

Sip and Puff Sensitivity Should Be Increased

Conclusion

In conclusion, either of these controllers should be utilized situationally. If you are using the computer to check emails and surf the web than the Quadjoy may be the choice for you. If you want more control for gaming, precise mouse control, and key mapping than the quadstick is definitely the go to. With that being said there are alternatives that can be homemade. I used a trackball attached to a mount and literally facerolled while my quadstick was in the shop.

Top Two Assistive Technology Computer Mouses Quadriplegic Reviewed.

Additional information Quadstick:

The QuadStick is a mouth-operated game controller for Quadriplegics.

The QuadStick has three models, the original QuadStick, the Singleton, and the QuadStick FPS. The primary difference between the two game controller models is the joystick module. The QuadStick FPS has a larger, more precise joystick with a stronger centering spring than the original model. Between the two models, the QuadStick FPS may not the best choice for some users with disabilities affecting muscle strength.

QuadSticks game controllers have four sip/puff sensors, a lip position sensor, all connected to a 32-bit ARM processor. This converts the sensor inputs into USB Bluetooth signals for games.

Compatibility

The QuadStick is directly compatible with the PS3, Android, and many PC games that use a joystick. Through the use of a 3rd party USB adapter, XBox 360, XBox One, PS4 consoles can be used.

The connections between the input sensors and the signals sent to the host are configurable by the user. Settings are pre-configured profiles while playing a game, to match different situations in the game. Specific configuration profiles can easily be created for games that require unique control inputs leading to.

Finally, the QuadStick comes with a one year warranty. qs has a thirty-day no-questions-asked return policy.

A day in the life, Adapted technology, At the beach, Awareness, Travel

Being a quadriplegic living with paralysis kind of sucks

December 13, 2015May 10, 2018 | Charles Merritt

Being a quadriplegic living with paralysis kind of sucks

I know what you’re thinking, “well of course it sucks.” And I would tend to agree with that statement because as a whole it does kind of suck. But oh there is a silver lining in that black cloud of quadriplegia. “What?” you say? “There is no way. It looks like a horrible time.” Yes, for the most part the inability to move my appendages leaves me insurmountably frustrated. I have learned in my short time as a handicap to bury that constantly nagging feeling of helplessness. Mainly, underneath a fistful of antidepressants. But I digress. Being a quadriplegic living with paralysis kind of sucks.

There have been many good moments over the last 15 (now over two years) months: I’ve learned a lot about myself, and the people in my life. I have met a lot of great people, joined a couple of great organizations, continued to run my business, started a blog, and continued to meet life’s challenges head-on!

Being a quadriplegic living with paralysis kind of sucks

This post should provide some insight on what I do every day and in hopes to shed some light on the day-to-day awesome sauce that is my current “new normal.” That’s what the therapist call it when you have a catastrophic injury and have to figure out ways to make your life be somewhat normal.

I define normal as having a sense of purpose. The good thing about purpose it doesn’t take physical attributes to have. You just have to be willing to take action. Breaking my neck and said little change on my purpose. There have been some minor modifications to make sure I can still take action. My day is typically normal and just like everyone else’s.

So I get up and go to work.

This is typically a Monday through Friday thing and I get up. I mean Tina and an aide from the local home healthcare agency get me out of bed, put me in the shower, shave, brush my teeth, and then head back to the bed to dry off and put my clothes on for the day. I am then craned into my power wheelchair with an apparatus similar to what a mechanic uses to lift an engine out of the car. Then I’m off!

Into my home office to begin my day around 10 AM. During the day I am either on the phone, sending or receiving emails, fixing bugs in our marketing, interacting with clients, and all the other day-to-day activities of a business owner. This goes on usually till about 6 PM depending on how much work I have left to do. So for Monday through Friday this is where you’ll find me unless…

Go outside your house.

Lately I have been up to something very exciting. Working with UCF on new wheelchair technology and becoming Central Florida famous. Limbitless Solutions is a nonprofit that helps amputees and now high-level quadriplegic injuries and affects a better life for them and I’m proud to be a part of that. You may have noticed me on the news almost 1 million hits.

Sometimes we have to drive three hours to the Tampa VA to see my doctor. I have work to do for the Paralyzed Veterans of America Central Florida Chapter as the Treasurer that keeps my off time occupied. I am currently planning a poker night fundraiser, a group skydiving event, trying to find ways for the chapter to effectively assist our members, and the list goes on. It may seem like a lot, and it may be, but the one thing all of these have in common is I would not have done any of them without being injured. Some activities have changed but my mission has stayed the same.

I am damn sure not letting the inability to use my arms and legs stop me

My mission now as it is always been at least for the past decade is to do my best to take care of my family, earn some sort of living, and try to explore all life has to offer. My injury has not changed this it has just changed how I get there. I’ve also been given opportunities I wouldn’t have thought I would enjoy or be as passionate about as I am now.

Being a quadriplegic living with paralysis kind of sucks

I am damn sure not letting the inability to use my arms and legs stop me. So yeah being a quadriplegic kind of sucks but as with anything else you can either overcome adversity or go hide in the closet underneath your blanket and never come out and experience everything this world has to offer. Good luck with that I’ll be skydiving.

Many thanks to love my life Tina goes without her none of this would be possible. You are my lighthouse in the storm.