eSCAping Type 1

Way back in August I wrote about items that help make living with a disability easier. But, once I posted it, I had a whole bunch of readers confused about why I didn’t include walkers and grab rails and shower seats… all of those essential tools that we use daily.  I realize now I should have been more specific – my post was on non-medical items that can make life easier. 

You know, those things that can assist you without making you feel disabled. I wish I could say that about my walker. Eh.

So, in light of the holiday season, I’d love to give you more ideas on items other people can buy for you (or you can treat yo self with) without that weird stigma associated with disabilities. 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn some commission at no additional cost to you if you click on a picture or link and then buy something. Please know though, all these recommendations are 100% genuine!

 

1. Mobility Aid Accessories

I know I said “non-medical” and this is cutting it close but hear me out! While I don’t think other people should pick out a cane/walker/wheelchair for you, since that’s a very intimate decision with a ton of varieties involved, there are a lot of accessories you can get to go along with any aid you have.

All of these things help the function of your device, along with adding a personal touch. Such as…

– Cup Holder: Carrying your coffee while using a walker or wheelchair is nearly impossible, even if using my recommended Tervis cups. Luckily, they sell cupholders that easily attach to any mobility aid, and hold a variety of things, from mugs to wine glasses. 

– Bag: Really, carrying ANYTHING while using a mobility aid is tough. While I’ve gotten pretty good at balancing items as I go, a bag would be super helpful. Plus, they’re cute, too. 

– Seat & Back Cover: Speaking of cute, a great way to spruce up your aid and add a personal touch is with a seat cover.

– Hook: What better way to attach a bag than with a hook?

2. Essential Oil Diffuser

There are few things I love more than a good-smelling home, and being stuck inside all day just emphasizes that more. So, when those Candle Warmers just aren’t cutting it, try an Essential Oil Diffuser instead!

Not only will it make your house smell good for hours, but there’s the added benefit of particular scents relieving stress or instilling energy or aiding sleep…
Plus, there are no flames involved and these oils are a lot cheaper than candles. Yes, please.

 

3. Kitchen Items

Having a disability definitely increases cooking hazards. When your fine motor skills turn chopping vegetables into a fun game of Finger Roulette, it’s often easier to just order out. Luckily, there are a TON of kitchen tools that can keep you safely cooking for as long as possible.

Some of my favorites include… 

– Vegetable Chopper – Why do dangerous, time-consuming chopping by hand when you don’t have to? (A Mandoline or Automated Chopper work well, too.)

– Rocker Knife – For those times when you do have to cut, try a knife that can touch the board at all times.

– Cutting Board – While you’re at it, this cutting board holds food in place for you as you chop, letting you concentrate on more important tasks.
– Electric Jar Opener – I use one of these to open everything – jelly, mayo, juice jugs, peanut butter…

 

4. Subscription Boxes

Luckily for those of us who get trapped inside during those winter months, we’re living in a time where anything you want can be delivered right to your door!

Now, I’ve mentioned my tried-and-true reliance on meal delivery services (I still get Home Chef every week), and my devotion to Book of the Month, but there are SO MANY companies that send monthly subscription boxes of items to anyone interested in their products.

Whether you’re looking for clothes, crafts, makeup, dog toys, snacks… the options are endless. Plus, it gives you something to look forward to every single month.

I highly encourage you to check out My Subscription Addiction’s blog – they’ve reviewed thousands of programs – to find the best one(s) for you. 

 

5. Fire Stick

My post on Snow Days also recommended watching Netflix and YouTube (and Hulu, and Disney+, and HBO…). If you don’t have a Smart TV, I recommend using an Amazon Fire TV Stick.

It’s super easy to set up and use and gives you immediate access to any streaming system you have. Plus, for you high-tech people who share their home with the FBI, you can also sync Alexa to it and use voice commands.

 

6. Socks

Socks are the best, yet most underrated Christmas present ever.

Personally, my feet are forever freezing and purple – I’m pretty sure one day my heart just said, “Walking isn’t your thing anymore, so no need for circulation there!” The best part is, is that those non-skid ones actually help a lot with balance, too.

Warm toes AND improved mobility? Win, win.

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Obviously my ultimate Christmas wish is an SCA cure, so if you’re in the giving spirit and want to donate to help fund research, you can do so here.

As always, if you have questions or suggestions, leave them as a comment below. Happy holidays!