Abilitease

Abilitease Abilitease explores independence solutions through product innovation, product awareness and education & motivation from personal experience.

Exploring independence solutions for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities.

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.]

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

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.]

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

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.]

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

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.]

handicapparking adaparking adaaccessibility adaptivetools universaldesign handdexterity spinalcordinjury spinalcordinjurysurvivor paralysis paralyzed quadriplegic tetraplegic wheelchairuser independence inclusion

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

We recently redesigned our leg spreader based on feedback that we received from users and clinicians.  The leg spreader ...
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.]

10/09/2025

Back in 2013 when I created my company Abilitease I came up with a design for a portable lift. I thought that not only would it be nice to get up from the floor, but it would be nice to get down on the floor. At the time my son Brandon was 1 and a half and I wanted to be able to get on the floor and play with him. We came up with a prototype that worked, but it was too expensive to continue the project.

Today companies like VOCIC Medical are leading the charge in innovation of electric chair lifts. I was fortunate to get an upgraded version of their heavy duty chair lift to try at my home.

My son Brandon was able to put the lift together in minutes without any tools. The chair had a nice padded seat and backrest with sturdy movable armrests and a strap for your waste.

We charged the controller for a few hours and then I was able to test it out. It was easy to transfer into the chair lift and take it all the way down to the floor and back up using the handheld remote.

The chair lift folded up nicely and with the wheels on the bottom Brandon was able to transport the lift to the corner of the house with little effort. Every individual that has a concern about possibly falling and needing assistance should have this chair lift available in their home.

Information about the heavy duty chair lift is available in the link in my bio. Please check out our adaptive product line at www.abiliteaseadaptive.com and support a disabled owned business.

[Video Description: In this video Mark shows how he designed a portable lift over 10 years ago to get on and off of the floor. And then he shows how today he is using a new portable chair lift from VOCIC Medical that is affordable and has a lot of nice attributes.]

10/07/2025

I recently went to Hof’s Hut in Long Beach to have breakfast. I ordered some coffee and was excited to see that the mug handle was round and I was able to comfortably support the weight of the mug on my thumb.

Most regular coffee mugs and some of the adaptive ones don’t work for me with my limited hand function. The opening is either too small or way too big. I am not able to open my fingers to slide them into a handle. Also, the handles are sometimes flat which puts pressure on my thumb as I try to support the weight of the mug when picking it up.

Not all designs are universal and won’t work for every individual. I just wanted to share that I really liked the way it felt holding this mug from Hof’s Hut. And the coffee was pretty good too!

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 holds a coffee mug comfortably with limited hand function at Hof’s Hut restaurant in Long Beach.]

Address

Cerritos, CA
90703

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Abilitease posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Abilitease:

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram