Tips and tricks from people with spinal cord injuries (SCI)

Thousands of tips from more than 100 people with spinal cord injuries for assistive devices, adaptations and individually designed solutions.

Where to get the devices and who paid might not be relevant for people outside of Sweden.

Spinalistips is run by Spinalis Foundation. It was started with support from the Swedish Inheritance Fund (Allmänna Arvsfonden). The English translation was sponsored by Promobilia Foundation. Spinalistips is now maintained by the Spinalis Foundation. The database is regularly updated. Spinalis Foundation is not responsible for the tips.

You may copy pictures or parts of the database for the purpose of spreading the tips and ideas shared here if your use is restricted to non-commercial purposes and the source is acknowledged.

Examples of tips

Automatic soap pump with sensor

Automatic soap pump with sensor

- suitable for people with impaired hand function

Magnetic grip

Magnetic grip

Magnets of different strengths sewn into wheelchair gloves - suitable for individuals with impaired handfunctions

Flush toilet using a string

Flush toilet using a string

With the help of a simple string a person with impaired hand function can easily flush the toilet

Carry, hold, fetch – help from service dog

Carry, hold, fetch – help from service dog

A service dog can provide everyday help to wheelchair users by carrying, fetching, or holding objects

Scissors with table support
Scissors with table support
A stable scissors suitable for people with disabilities with impaired hand function.
Easy-to-use eyebrow tweezer
Easy-to-use eyebrow tweezer
- suitable for people with impaired hand function.
Adapted excavator
Adapted excavator
- made it possible for a wheelchair user to return to work.
Beach Wheelchair
Beach Wheelchair
A wheelchair that works on sand and in water.
Long elastic baby sling for parents of young children
Long elastic baby sling for parents of young children
An ordinary elastic baby sling works well for a person sitting in a wheelchair.
Accessible boat dock at vacation home
Accessible boat dock at vacation home
Hinged floating dock - suitable for wheelchair users.
Handbike Stricker
Handbike Stricker
- convert wheelchair into a hand/arm bike.
Bestic flatware
Bestic flatware
A simple maneuverable assistive device for eating – suitable for disabled people who can’t use their arms and hands.
Camping for wheelchair users
Camping for wheelchair users
Camping is not impossible for people with disabilities.
Smart shoelaces
Smart shoelaces
Shoelace with magnet makes it easier to put shoes on and take them off – suitable for people with impaired hand function.
Mobile toilet
Mobile toilet
A folding lift attached to the wheelchair makes bathroom visits possible anywhere – suitable for women with extensive disabilities.
Pronation aid
Pronation aid
- a simple assistive device to hold the hand with the palm facing downwards (pronated).
Custom-sewn trousers
Custom-sewn trousers
- suitable for wheelchair users.