Everyday Disability Gadgets That Help Me Stay Independent

Living with arthrogryposis means my body moves through the world in its own way. Over time, I've built a little collection of tools that make everyday life easier. These gadgets don't erase my disability. They help me live with more comfort, less strain, and more control over how I move through my day.

Below is an honest walkthrough of the tools I use most. If you live with limited mobility, chronic pain, or joint issues, maybe some of these will help you, too.

Everyday tools

Reachers and grabbers

These tools honestly feel like extra limbs for me. Because of my limited mobility and the way my hands work, I drop things often and bending down is not always safe or accessible. A reacher instantly solves that. I use it daily to pick up items from the floor without straining my joints, and it also helps me access shelves or surfaces that are normally out of reach. Some versions even have a built-in magnet at the tip, which makes grabbing coins, keys, or even cutlery incredibly easy. It is one of the simplest accessibility tools, but also one of the most empowering.

Link for the reacher and grabber tool: link

Button and zipper helpers

Whoever invented these was thinking about people like us who just want to get dressed without wrestling with our clothes.

Link for the button and reacher helper: link

Remote control outlet

Most of my outlets sit way too low on the wall, which basically makes them unusable for me. This little tool feels like freedom. I can switch things on or off with a tiny remote instead of bending, reaching, or twisting myself into weird angles just to hit a wall outlet. I use it for lamps, fans, and anything tucked into those annoying hard to reach corners.

Link for the remote control outlet: link

Extendable Back Scratcher

I keep these in almost every room of my home. It's supposed to be a back scratcher, but I use it as a little hand extender for pretty much everything. When I need to reach something on the floor or grab something that's just a bit too far, this tool saves me from a lot of awkward angles and extra strain. I use it every single day. It's simple, cheap, and honestly one of my most used tools.

Link for the Extendable Back Scratcher: link

Small wooden stool

Years ago, I was chatting with my father-in-law and mentioned how I wished I had a little stool at home. Something I could tuck under my desk so my short legs could actually rest, and something sturdy enough to stand on when I needed to reach higher shelves. He didn't say a word, just stepped out of the room, and came back about fifteen minutes later with a small wooden stool he had built from scraps he had lying around. He's not here anymore, but I've used that stool every single day for the past decade. It feels like a tiny piece of him is still helping me out.

Link for small wooden stools: link

Sock aid tool

Alright, story time about… wet socks.

So, I can't put on my socks by myself. My short T-rex hands just don't reach my feet, and back in college, I was way too scared to ask anyone for help. I lived in a dorm with a bunch of people, and every night I'd literally wait for my 2 roommates to go to bed, then sneak off to shower with my socks on and go to sleep in those same wet socks with my feet dangling off the bed. It was awful and so gross, but I felt like I had no other choice.

Thankfully, that phase didn't last long because I got this sock aid gadget that seriously changed my life.
If anyone else struggles with socks, this thing is the holy grail.

Link for the sock aid tool: link

Toilet Paper Aid Tool

Bathroom independence matters, and this tool gives me exactly that. It's a simple handheld aid that holds toilet paper for me, which reduces twisting, reaching, and painful angles. It might not be the kind of tool people openly talk about, but it's incredibly helpful for anyone with limited mobility or joint issues. Sharing this feels important because I know how life-changing it can be when you finally find a tool that makes such a private task easier and more comfortable.

Link for the toilet paper aid tool: link

Long Reach Handled Hair Brush

Because my arms are short, regular hair brushes just don't work for me. Reaching the back of my head or getting through the length of my hair becomes exhausting fast. A long reach brush gives me the extra length I need so I can actually brush my hair without twisting my whole body or straining my shoulders.

My hair knots really easily, though, and that's where these brushes tend to fail me. Most of the options on the market aren't very sturdy, so I often end up breaking them and having to buy a new one. I wish there were stronger, higher quality versions available. But even with their flaws, this tool still makes my daily hair routine doable, and until a sturdier option exists, it's better than nothing.

Link for the Long Reach Handled Hair Brushes: link

Lotion Applicator

This lotion applicator is such a helpful tool for me, especially when I need to put lotion on my legs. Reaching my legs with my hands isn't easy, so having a long handle with a soft applicator pad means I can moisturize my skin without straining or twisting.

Link for the Lotion Applicator: link

Real Techniques Rebel Edge Trio Makeup Brush Set

I don't wear makeup very often, but when I do, this brush set makes the whole process so much easier for me. Because I can't move my hands from the wrist and I have very limited mobility in my hands and fingers overall, most standard makeup brushes are hard for me to angle or control. The Rebel Edge brushes work better for me because they're already angled, so I don't have to twist my wrist or do any fine movements to get the brush where it needs to go.

This set is pretty old and might even be discontinued, because finding a link for it was surprisingly difficult. But I still wanted to mention it, because the design itself is worth remembering. If you ever find these or something similar, they're great for anyone who needs brushes that do the angling for you. For me, they turned makeup from something frustrating into something I can actually enjoy when I feel like wearing it.

Link for Real Techniques Rebel Edge Trio Makeup Brush Set: link

Silicone Non-Slip Roll

This simple silicone non-slip roll is one of those tools that ends up being useful in more situations than you expect. You can cut it to any size you need, which makes it incredibly adaptable. One of the ways I use it is by cutting out a small square and placing it on the floor so I can rub my foot on it to help get my socks off. It gives the perfect amount of grip without sliding around.

Another way I use it is with my Nutribullet blender. I place a piece of the mat on top of the blender lid so I can get a better grip when I'm trying to twist the top to lock it in place or open it again. Since I have limited mobility in my hands, anything that adds stability and grip makes daily tasks much easier and far less frustrating.

Link for the Silicone Non-Slip Roll: link

Long Handle Loofah

A long handle loofah makes showering so much easier for me. Reaching my feet, back, or the sides of my body with a regular loofah just isn't realistic, so having that extra length gives me the independence to wash comfortably without straining. It's a basic item, but it helps me reach areas I otherwise couldn't, and it's been part of my routine for years.

Link for the Long Handle Loofah: link

Back Scrubber Mat with Suction Cups

This silicone scrubber mat has become one of my favorite bathroom tools. Since I can't raise my hands very high, washing my hair with my hands isn't an option for me. So what I do is, I stick this mat onto the shower wall, and gently rub my soapy head against the soft silicone bristles. It cleans my hair surprisingly well and even exfoliates my scalp at the same time. It's such a simple tool, but it gives me so much independence in the shower.

Link for the Back Scrubber Mat with Suction Cups: link

Razor Extension Handle

I don't actually use this exact one, but the idea is the same. I've been shaving my legs with a homemade MacGyver-style extension handle for years, because reaching down normally just isn't possible for me. Since I can't link my DIY version, I wanted to share this Amazon option instead so others can see the type of handle I'm talking about. An extension handle makes shaving so much easier and safer by giving me the extra reach I need without bending or straining.

Link for the Razor Extension Handle: link

Wooden Playing Card Holder

This little tool means more to me than most of the gadgets on this list. My husband actually built mine for me. We were playing cards one evening, and I was struggling to keep up because holding a handful of cards is hard for me. My fingers don't have the best movement, so managing a full hand of cards takes forever. Because of that, I usually avoid playing card games with others altogether.

But that night, he quietly disappeared into his room, grabbed some random scraps of wood he had lying around, and just built me a card holder on the spot. It lets me spread out my cards, see everything clearly, and play at the same pace as everyone else. And honestly, it helps me feel included.

Since I can't link the one he made, I'm sharing a similar wooden card holder so you can see what I'm talking about. It's such a simple accessibility tool, but it makes a huge difference in actually being able to enjoy games with people.

Link for the Wooden Playing Card Holder: link

Kitchen Tools

Electric jar opener

This thing is like magic. You simply press a button, and it opens jars for you. I love showing it off to my non-disabled friends, and even they want one.

Link for the Electric Jar Opener: link

Electric Can Opener

Similar to the jar opener, this tool opens cans with the push of a button.

Link for the Electric Can Opener: link

Vegetable Chopper

There are so many manual choppers on the market, and the right one really depends on what kind of support you need. I use a pulling style chopper, the kind where you pull a cord to spin the blades. For me, it requires much less precision than traditional chopping, and it's honestly fun to use. No more crying over onions, and much less strain on my hands.

Link for the Vegetable Chopper: link

Electric Bottle Opener

This electric bottle opener is high on my must-get list. I've been opening bottles with my teeth for ages, and honestly, I know that can't be great for them. This thing should finally save me from that struggle, all with one easy button press.

Link for the Electric Bottle Opener: link

If you're able to help me get one from my Amazon wishlist, it would mean the world to me. Thank you for considering it! Here's the link to my Amazon wishlist.

No Spill Mug Carrier

I tend to spill my drinks easily, especially when carrying a full mug from room to room. This no spill mug carrier keeps the mug balanced while I walk, so I can move hot drinks safely without worrying about sloshing or making a mess. Small tool, big difference.

Link for the No Spill Mug Carrier: link

Reusable Stainless Steel Straws

This one comes with a little story. Because I can't lift my hands very high, drinking from regular cups or mugs without a straw has always been difficult for me. When I was a kid, though, I didn't have straws yet. I was always stubbornly independent, even at six years old, so I would go exploring for anything that could help me do things on my own.

One day, I found a small metal tube in my dad's tools and decided it would be my straw. I'm sure it wasn't the cleanest idea, but tiny me thought it was genius. Eventually, my mom saw what I was doing and got me reusable plastic straws instead.

Now I use stainless steel straws every day. I have them in different lengths and shapes, and they make drinking anything so much easier for me. They're durable, easy to clean, and honestly just a small accessibility win that I rely on constantly.

Link for the Reusable Stainless Steel Straws: link

Shower Chair

This is my newest addition to my disability toolbox, and I'm honestly so glad I finally got one. The height adjusts, which means I can set it to a level that actually works for my body instead of trying to balance in awkward angles. It gives me way more stability in the shower, especially when I'm shaving or doing anything that normally makes me worry about slipping or falling. It feels safer and calmer, and that alone makes it worth having.

Link for the Shower Chair: link

Long Handled Litter Scoop

This one is pretty specific, but it has helped a lot. I can't bend my knees, so reaching down into a litter box is not realistic for me. A long handled litter scoop lets me clean it without crouching or folding my body in ways it simply doesn't move. I wanted a way to help out with pet chores because my husband already handles a lot around the house, and this tool makes it possible for me to take care of our cat's litter on my own. It's a small change that gives me independence in a task I couldn't do before.

Link for the Long Handled Litter Scoop: link

PC and Gaming Tools

Stream Deck

The Stream Deck gives you little LCD keys that you can turn into whatever shortcuts you need. Adjust audio, open apps, trigger actions, switch profiles, all that good stuff. I also struggle with pressing multiple buttons at once, so having everything as single taps is a lifesaver for me. I have different profiles for gaming and for all my art and creative apps. It's basically my tiny digital best friend at my desk.

Link for the Stream Deck: link

Stream Deck Pedal

And then there's the Stream Deck Pedal, my little hidden helper under the desk. This one is amazing for gaming. It gives you hands free control, so you can bind anything to it. I use it in games where you need to move while panning the camera with the mouse, because pressing movement keys and doing camera control at the same time is almost impossible for me. So the pedal handles the movement, and I can steer freely with the mouse. It works beautifully in games like Palia, Enshrouded, Dreamlight Valley… total game changer.

Link for the Stream Deck Pedal: link

8Bitdo Lite SE 2.4G Wireless Controller for Xbox

I was honestly over the moon when I discovered this controller. I can't use regular controllers very well, so finding something designed specifically with accessibility in mind felt like a small miracle. The 8BitDo Lite SE is officially licensed by Xbox and works wirelessly on Xbox and Windows with a 2.4G adapter.

What makes it so special is the layout. Every button is on the front, including LS and RS, so I don't have to reach around the controller or press anything awkwardly. The buttons are low resistance, the joysticks are super sensitive, and there's a non-slip silicone base that keeps it from sliding around while I play. It’s built for gamers with limited mobility, and it genuinely shows in every detail.

Link for the 8Bitdo Lite SE 2.4G Wireless Controller for Xbox: link

Height Adjustable Standing Desk

I never realized how much I needed a height adjustable desk until I actually got one. Different tasks require totally different desk heights for me. When I'm typing on my keyboard, I need the desk to be lower because I can't bend my arms from the elbow, and this position makes writing so much easier. But when I'm gaming with a mouse, browsing the internet, or doing anything that requires my hands to sit higher, I need the desk raised. And when I draw, I prefer something right in the middle.

Having a standing desk that moves with the press of a button has been a game changer. Instead of fighting with my body to fit the furniture, my desk adjusts to me. It makes everything from work to gaming to daily computer tasks more comfortable and accessible.

Link for the Height Adjustable Standing Desk: link

Voice Typing

I often use voice typing instead of manually typing with my hands, and it helps me tremendously. I'm currently using the Voice Access app that comes with Windows 11, but there are other voice typing programs and apps available for download, like LilySpeech or WhisperTyping - I've used both, and they work great.

Honorary mention

My husband

Not exactly a gadget, but he absolutely deserves a place on this list. My husband is the one who steps in when something is still out of my reach, whether it's braiding my hair or helping me put on my bra. He helps without making me feel helpless, and he's the quiet, steady support behind so much of my independence. He's the person who adjusts things for me, builds solutions when I need them, and also gives me space to figure things out on my own when that's what I want. Having someone who understands my body, my limits, and my very stubborn independence is its own kind of accessibility tool. I'm grateful for him every single day.

I also want to say this clearly: if you don't have a wife or husband, that's completely okay. Independence doesn't come from having a partner. I hope you have someone in your life, whether it's a friend, a sibling, a neighbor, or even an online buddy, who can step in when you need an extra hand. We all deserve support, and we all deserve people who make life feel a little lighter.

Why These Tools Matter

These gadgets do not remove my disability and they are not supposed to. What they do is support my independence, protect my energy, reduce pain, and give me more control over my everyday life. They let me save my physical and emotional bandwidth for the things I actually want: my creative projects, my relationships, and the cozy rituals that make life feel full.

I'm sure there are more tools and gadgets I use that are helpful, so I will keep this post updated whenever I remember something to add.

If you have tips, tricks, or tools that make your own life easier, feel free to share them in the comments below. I'd love to hear what helps you, and maybe we can all learn from each other and build a little pool of helpful ideas together.