Abilitease

Recently we saw a comment on Facebook from a woman that said her husband loved using a pants hook to help hold his pants down while performing intermittent catheterization. The hook was $33 online and her husband recently broke it.

The design for this pants hook is straightforward, but it doesn’t address hand dexterity challenges. We decided to redesign the existing pants hook and include a loop to help with hand dexterity struggles. We also included the classic pants hook design for those that prefer that model.

The best part is we uploaded our 3D print files to MakeWorld. If you have a 3D printer you can download the files and print the pants hook for free! The link to the 3D print files is in our bio.

If you don’t have a 3D printer you can purchase the pants hook for self catheterization in our online shop! Please check out our adaptive product line by clicking on the view shop button or visiting us at www.abiliteaseadaptive.com and support a disabled owned business. You can also access the link above in our bio.

[Video Description: In this video Mark shows how he redesigned a popular pants hook product for self catheterization to address hand dexterity challenges and provided the 3D print files for free download on MakerWorld.]

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We recently restocked our leg spreader in our Shopify store! The leg spreader is designed to help with self catheterization for individuals with lack of hand dexterity, sensation and/or mobility.

We focused on making the leg spreader more compact, discreet and functional. The spreader has adjustable arms with removable magnetic feet. It comes with a small mounted LED light and two mirrors (3 inch round and 4 x 6 inch) adhered with Velcro. The spreader can be broken down and folded to fit in a small pouch (included).

Whether you’ve purchased one of our leg spreaders or you are thinking about buying one we would love your questions, comments and feedback so that we can continue to improve this product.

The leg spreader is available now in our online shop. Please check out our adaptive product line by clicking on the view shop button or visiting us at www.abiliteaseadaptive.com and support a disabled owned business. You can also access the link above in our bio.

[Video Description: In this video Mark announces that the leg spreader for self catheterization is back in stock and demonstrates its features.]

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A few weeks when I was in San Diego I wanted to go visit Mother Earth Brew Co in Vista, California. Upon arriving there was plenty of ADA parking, wide entryways and a spacious brewery with a cool vibe.

There was a lower table that was perfect for me to pull up in my wheelchair, enjoy a cold pint of Cali Creamin, watch the baseball game and strike up a conversation with the locals. They also had a hot honey x Cali Creamin collaboration that I was able to try…delicious!!!

If you are in Vista come down to Mother Earth Brew Co and support a local brewery and enjoy some tasty beers!

[Video Description: In this video Mark is touring the Mother Earth Brew Co in Vista California and enjoying a pint of his favorite beer.]

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When designing assistive technology for hand dexterity challenges I have come to learn that not every disability is the same. This means that the way individuals perform daily tasks using an adaptive tool may also vary.

One of the greatest attributes of additive manufacturing (3D printing) is the ability to customize your design and turn around a timely new product based on customer feedback.

For example, earlier this year we designed a tab extender that snapped onto a Bard Flip-Flo valve. This valve is designed to open/close tubing attached to a bag or dwelling catheter, but it is hard to operate if you struggle with hand dexterity. The adaptive tab snapped onto the Bard valve, creating a longer tab with a loop for easier operation.

The customer was able to use the adaptive enclosure to open/close her valve, but the tab was very noticeable under her clothing. We changed the design and curved the tab so that it was more parallel to the tubing and more discreet under clothing.

When designing it’s not just about solving a problem. You want the user to feel comfortable using the adaptive tool in their environment.

The adaptive Bard Flip-Flo valve cover is available now in our online shop! Please check out our adaptive product line by clicking on the view shop button or visiting us at www.abiliteaseadaptive.com and support a disabled owned business. You can also access the link above in our bio.

[Video Description: In this video Mark talks about additive manufacturing and how it benefits product customization. He uses an example of a Bard Flip-Flo valve cover that he made and changed the angle of the adaptive tab.]

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Today I delivered a toddler mobility trainer to the Physical Therapy department at the Orthopaedic Institute for Children in Downtown LA.

The therapists were able to have a child sit in the chair and they provided some valuable feedback.

Providing affordable open source mobility options to children in need is a privilege.

[Video Description: In this video Mark is showing a toddler mobility trainer that he delivered to the Orthopaedic Institute for Children.]

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On Sunday the family worked on cleaning the garage and getting our dedicated maker space up and running. It was a lot of work, but I’m proud of what we built. This will make the projects flow so much better. It also helps to have the workhorse Bambu Lab 3D printers and the high quality colorful filament from Cookie CAD!

[Video Description: In this video Mark is showing his new maker space in the garage.]

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I recently got to try the adaptive f***y pack by Lindsay De Long from EOT Wellness (). It goes around your waist or as a crossbody, but as a wheelchair user I preferred it sitting on my lap.

The bag has rubber reinforced zipper pulls that keep their round shape and are easy to operate. There is a shallow front pocket that is great to access my wallet or chap stick.

The main compartment has two pockets where I can separately store my catheters and ostomy supplies. There is also plenty of room for a bottle of water, snacks, or anything else I need to carry.

The bag has removable straps that can be used to mount the bag to a walker or wheelchair.

There is an easy access pocket on the back side of the bag which is great to store my phone and my keys. It also has an opening for corded ear buds or headphones.

The primary strap on the bag has a really cool magnetic fidlock that is easy to open/close. I didn’t think I would use the strap, but then remembered how often I drop my bag because of the spasticity in my legs.

I ended up putting the strap around my legs and securing the bag on my lap. With the magnetic clasp it made this task very easy to do.

This adaptive f***y pack was designed by a licensed occupational therapist that understands the needs of the users as well as the caregivers. And it’s only $29.99 on Amazon!

Please check out the adaptive F***y pack at the EOT Wellness store on Amazon. You can also access the link to the product above in our bio.

[Video Description: In this video Mark shows the different features of the adaptive F***y pack from EOT Wellness.]

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