There is some great equipment that helps increase your independence with a spinal cord injury. The items are described below. Where possible, a source name is given.

FLEXOR HINGE/TENODESIS SPLINT: Metal hand splint which bends at the wrist. It is fabricated in an orthotics lab, usually at large rehabilitation facilities. It is worn to strengthen the tenodesis movement. When the wrist is extended, the splint pulls the fingers into a tight pinch, enabling the person to pick up and hold onto small objects, eating and writing utensils.

NON-HINGED METAL SPLINT: Worn by those who do not have wrist extension. It is fabricated in an orthotics lab. Objects such as writing, eating and grooming utensils are held tightly in place by this splint.

UNIVERSAL CUFF: An inexpensive tool, worn around the hand to hold eating and typing utensils. It can be purchased through many catalogues such as:
Fred Sammons 800-000-0000

TONGUE TOUCH KEYPAD: High tech mouth piece with computer chips. Enables the person without arm movement to access the computer, drive a WC, and to control environmental switches. Available from: Integrated Rehab, 972-313-0186

DRIVING MODIFICATIONS: A person with an injury of C5 and below can drive a car with these hand controls. Information available through SCI rehab facilities.

MOUTHSTICKS: Variety of mouthsticks for those with no arm movement. Available through: Fred Sammons 800-000-0000

CARD HOLDER: Holds a full hand of cards in grooved slots. Available through:
Fred Sammons 800-000-0000