http://www.abilitease.com/#believe-again

Abilitease, Cerritos, CA (2026)

03/19/2026

As an individual with a spinal cord injury, part of my routine involves taking medication daily and/or as needed. I get my prescriptions from CVS Pharmacy and I have used the same standard push/turn safety caps for years. With my limited hand function it can be very difficult to open the pill bottles with that style of safety cap.

The other day when I was picking up my prescription at CVS I asked the pharmacist if they had an easy open cap that would work with the prescription bottles I use. They provided some snap on caps that weren’t too difficult to snap on the bottle, but I had to use my teeth to open them.

I decided to design and 3d print a cap with a similar snap feature on the lid, but I wanted to incorporate a loop so I could use my thumb to open/close the lid. I also created a flat portion above the loop where you can add pressure to snap the cap onto the bottle. With the loop it is easier to transport the bottle and pick it up if you drop it.

Is this something you would use? So far it works well with the CVS prescription bottles, but I will look and see how it can be made more universal.

[Video Description: In this video Mark shows how he has difficulty opening up his prescription bottles. He designed an adaptive top that works with the CVS pharmacy prescription bottles, making it easier to open all of his prescriptions.]

Please check out our adaptive product line at www.abiliteaseadaptive.com and support a disabled owned business. You can also access the link above in our bio.

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03/16/2026

This past weekend I went to a 10 year old birthday party at a bowling alley with my son Andrew. I wasn’t planning on bowling, but I was excited to visit with friends and watch my son bowl some strikes!

I noticed there was a ramp at the edge of the lanes so I proceeded to go down it thinking I could roll to where the party people were gathered. Unfortunately, there was a step down to the other lanes so I couldn’t get to the birthday party.

I soon realized they had made the first few lanes accessible by raising the floor, but it created a step that prevented access to the rest of the lanes.

I was able to sit up top and talk to people as they walked up/down the stairs, but it wasn’t the same as being down by the seating and the food. Feeling excluded like this sucks and I deal with it everywhere. It starts by bringing awareness and then working towards a viable solution.

[Video Description: In this video Mark shows how he rolled down an access ramp at a bowling alley and soon realized they had an additional step, preventing access to the other lanes.]

Please check out our adaptive product line at www.abiliteaseadaptive.com and support a disabled owned business. You can also access the link above in our bio.

accessibility disabled disability universaldesign handdexterity spinalcordinjury spinalcordinjurysurvivor paralysis paralyzed quadriplegic tetraplegic wheelchairuser independence inclusion thisisjustthebeginning norisknoreward ideasareworthnothing setgoalsandgo

02/10/2026

As a quadriplegic with limited hand dexterity it can be difficult to secure a cord plug in my hand and push it into an electrical outlet. It can also be difficult to pull it out without wrapping the cord around my hand and possibly damaging it over time. If the outlet is low or too high it adds a layer of complexity with my poor balance and spasticity.

I have seen 3D printed adapters for a specific cord plug that are zip tied to the plug itself. These are great, but they are limited to that specific cord and plug. We found a plug adapter (3 pin) that handles basic appliances as well as refrigerators, giving the user the flexibility to attach it to any cord they want to use.

We built an enclosure for the plug adapter that provides easy to hold handles for someone that struggles with hand dexterity. This gives the users enhanced independence and confidence to plug in their device in different locations.

The plug adapter holder 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 demonstrates how to simplify plugging and unplugging a cord in an electrical outlet using an adaptive enclosure that was designed to fit over a plug adapter.]

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02/06/2026

In the morning I typically like to have a hot cup of coffee or tea. Because of my limited hand function I can’t hold or pick up a mug full of liquid. If the mug happens to contain hot liquid I’m always concerned about possibly burning my hand.

We developed an adaptive tool (I.e. Lug-A-Mug) that attaches to the handle of most standard sized mugs, allowing you to pick up and carry a hot beverage without having to touch the mug with your hand.

Since I heat up the water for my tea in the microwave, the Lug-A-Mug allows me to place the mug in the microwave and remove it without struggling.

Also, I like to enjoy my tea in the morning outside so I use the Lug-A-Mug to secure my hot beverage and transport it to the backyard. This gives me independence for an activity that I truly enjoy.

Please check out our adaptive product line 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 demonstrates how he uses the Lug-A-Mug adaptive tool to transport his hot cup of tea to the backyard without having to touch the cup with his hands.]

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01/30/2026

Today it was 83 degrees on a Friday in January here in Southern California. On those days I make time to sit outside and enjoy an iced cold beverage. For me it was a pint of Slap and Tickle IPA.

As a quadriplegic, I struggle to not only open cans, but hold a heavy glass with my limited hand function. As someone who prides himself on being independent I wanted to be able to enjoy my beer outside without asking for help.

We designed an adaptive can opener that slides over your fingers, giving you grip to open cans. The adaptive drink holder slides onto a glass or cup of your favorite beverage without having to pick it up or move it to secure it. This will allow you to pick up and release your glass/cup from high and low locations without having to compromise your hand dexterity and/or balance. Now you can move around comfortably and be social with your drink in hand!

The adaptive drink holders and finger can openers are available now in our online shop! Please check out our adaptive product line 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 is demonstrating how he uses the adaptive finger can opener and trumpet style adaptive drink holder to open, pour and pick up a pint of beer easily at a table.]

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01/20/2026

This past weekend at the Vegas Cup I parked my rampvan in a “Van Accessible” ADA parking spot at the soccer fields so that I could go watch my son play. After the game ended I returned to the parking lot to find another vehicle with a placard parked in the adjoining access aisle, preventing me from entering my vehicle independently.

Even if you have a visible placard hanging on your rearview mirror it is illegal to block an access aisle with your vehicle in Nevada. You are preventing access to the vehicle next to you that may need the space for an individual with a mobility device. In this case the vehicle blocked access to deploy my ramp so that I couldn’t enter the vehicle with my wheelchair.

Fortunately, my wife was with me and she was able to back up the van to create space for the ramp. I don’t like to keep posting these videos, but this happens daily and it affects my quality of life.

[Video Description: In this video Mark shows how someone parked in the adjoining access aisle of an ADA parking spot and he was unable to deploy the ramp of his minivan to enter the vehicle independently. Fortunately his wife was able to back up the van to create access to deploy the ramp.]

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01/03/2026

For 2026 I’m focused on the following five things.

1. Be consistent
2. Be purposeful
3. Be forgiving
4. Be grateful
5. Be present

I struggle with all of the items I listed above. If I can start with addressing my health by eating nutritious food and exercising with those five items in mind then I think I can be successful in whatever I take on.

Adaptive fitness has grown to become more of an important part of my physical and mental health. Whether it’s the multi ropes, lifting weights or adapted chair exercises it really helps me stay independent and keep a positive outlook.

Please check out our adaptive product line by clicking on the view shop button. Or you can visit the store directly at www.abiliteaseadaptive.com and support a disabled owned business.

[Video Description: In this video Mark shows how he uses the multi ropes and grasping aids to perform an adaptive jump rope exercise.]

beconsistent bepurposeful beforgiving begrateful bepresent activitiesofdailyliving accessibility inclusivity adaptivetools universaldesign handdexterity spinalcordinjury spinalcordinjurysurvivor paralysis paralyzed quadriplegic tetraplegic wheelchairuser independence inclusion reels reelsofinstagram

12/19/2025

We recently redesigned our leg spreader based on feedback that we received from users and clinicians. The leg spreader is designed to help with self catheterization for individuals with lack of hand dexterity, sensation and/or mobility.

In this new version 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 a mirror (available in 3 inch round or 4 x 6 inch) adhered with Velcro. The spreader can be broken down and folded to fit in a small pouch (included).

Check out this product and give us your thoughts!

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.

[Picture Description: In these pictures Mark shares the newly redesigned leg spreader for self catheterization.]

accessibility inclusivity adaptivetools universaldesign handdexterity arthritis stroke musculardystrophy spinalcordinjury spinalcordinjurysurvivor paralysis paralyzed quadriplegic tetraplegic wheelchairuser independence inclusion wethe15 reels reelsofinstagram

12/19/2025

As a quadriplegic with limited hand function I struggle to hold a lot of different food items. One of my favorite things to eat are tacos. At times it can be difficult and messy to hold the tacos and get them to my mouth.

I decided to design and 3D print a taco holder that would support the taco so that I could put sauce on it. I also attached a cuff making it easier to hold and guide the taco to my mouth.

Yesterday after my sons’ Christmas performance we decided to get Taco Bell so I ordered some crunchy tacos. The holder worked well with the crunchy tacos, but it may be more difficult with soft tacos. Ideally I would have the wrapper or a cardboard insert so I’m not putting the taco directly on the plastic, but this was just a start to see if the concept worked.

What do you think about something like this holder to make taco eating easier? If you have hand dexterity challenges how do you mange eating tacos? Please let me know in the comments.

Please check out our adaptive product line 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 is demonstrating how he uses a 3D printed taco holder to eat his Taco Bell tacos.]

accessibility inclusivity adaptivetools universaldesign handdexterity arthritis stroke musculardystrophy spinalcordinjury spinalcordinjurysurvivor paralysis paralyzed quadriplegic tetraplegic wheelchairuser independence inclusion wethe15 reels reelsofinstagram

11/27/2025

For Black Friday we are selling our Adaptive Drink holder (Trumpet Style) for $25 from November 26th to the 30th. This offer is valid for the adaptive drink holder in black with a standard sized cuff while supplies last.

As a quadriplegic, one of the struggles I’ve experienced when ordering a beverage at a bar, restaurant, social event, etc. is being able to pick up and put down my drink at different heights without the worry of dropping it.

We designed an adaptive drink holder that attaches to your favorite beverage without having to pick it up or move it to secure it. This will allow you to pick up and release your glass/cup from high and low locations without having to compromise your hand dexterity and/or balance. Now you can move around comfortably and be social with your drink in hand!

The adaptive drink holders are available now in our online shop! Please check out our adaptive product line 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 is demonstrating how he uses the trumpet style adaptive drink holder to pick up a pint of beer easily at a table.]

10/30/2025

As a quadriplegic that uses a manual wheelchair my hands get really dirty. For years I used anti-bacterial soap that I know contained harmful chemicals.

I recently started using an all natural bar of soap from a company called Dr. Squatch and I love it. Unfortunately, when the bar of soap gets wet it becomes slippery and I can’t hold onto it due to my limited hand function.

I decided to design a soap tray in my CAD software and 3D print it in a way that I could attach it to the top of the sink by incorporating a suction cup. Even though my hands stay like fists I knew that getting them wet and running them over the bar of soap would allow me to get a good lather to wash my hands and face thoroughly.

I designed the tray to fit the square Dr. Squatch soap and made a hole in the bottom to attach a large suction cup. Once the tray was assembled I took it to my bathroom and attached the suction cup to the top of my porcelain sink by pushing down on the soap tray.

I would get my hands wet and run them across the top of the bar of soap, which provided enough soap to make a good lather. I could then wash my hands as well as my forearms and my face. And the soap has a great lasting scent!

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 designed a tray to hold a square bar of soap that uses a suction cup to attach it to the sink. With wet hands Mark rubs his hands over the bar of soap to create a lather and wash his face.]

10/18/2025

Today I left the grocery store with my son Andrew and noticed that two carts were parked in the access aisle next to my rampvan.

The access aisle next to an accessible spot is reserved for individuals that need additional space for their mobility equipment to exit their vehicle. In my situation the cart was blocking access to my folding ramp.

The cart return wasn’t right next to my rampvan and I could have just pushed the carts out of my way, but this was a great teaching moment. I want my boys to understand the importance of accessibility and how their actions can have adverse consequences. You may be taking independence away from an individual that doesn’t have someone nearby to help them.

I had to laugh though because the grocery store I shopped at and parked in front of was called Lazy Acres. 😆

[Video Description: In this video Mark comes out of the grocery store with his son and there are two carts parked in the access aisle. His son Andrew collects the carts and takes them back to the cart return.]

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