Tools for disabled people - An introduction

Just because a person is disabled it doesn’t mean that gardening cannot be a worthwhile pastime. Many enjoyable hours can be had if the appropriate tools are used, providing great pleasure and reward.

Whatever your situation take every opportunity to get out from the confines of the house and into the garden. You don’t have to occupy too much time at each session but just do as much as you are able so that your disability does not become uncomfortable.

If you are a wheelchair user, gardening can be achieved with the use of tools that are designed for people in the sitting position. One does not always have to have 'raised beds' to be a gardener. It is also possible for people with back problems and those paralysed on one side to enjoy gardening from a non-bending position.

Especially helpful tools for the disabled include the attachable extension type, quick release tools, adjustable cushioned handles, ratchet and pulley action and the use of sturdy but lightweight components. These lightweight tools are usually made from aluminium alloy, carbon fibre or plastic and are therefore easy to use, even if they have long handles.

Tools should be efficient, comfortable, easy to use and long lasting. Here are a few of the tools we have found that you may find useful. We endeavour to highlight certain tools, which may be of benefit to those with specific disabilities.

Ground Work

For those that work close to the soil there are tools specially manufactured for people with disabilities with handles that keep the hand and wrist in a neutral, stress-free position and provides a firmer grip on the tool. Those that are able to 'get down to gardening' but have difficulty in getting up again would perhaps find a kneeler/stool with raised handles a very effective piece of equipment. These can also be used as a stool when attending to raised beds.

Seated

There are a variety of multi-change tools that can be used and adapted for wheelchair users. Snap-on, twist or clip-on tool heads give that extra length from the sitting position. Long-handled shears especially for edging lawns are ideal, as are the firm grip weed pullers. Some of the tools produced for those working from a sitting position have an arm support, which is recommended and gives the user better balance and control.

Standing

Long-range tools are beneficial for those who can only work in a standing position. These are manufactured in lightweight materials as mentioned earlier. When using some of these long shafted tools such as rakes, hoes and brooms it is advisable to have two add-on handles fitted which help to prevent undue back strain and gives a wider field of work without twisting the body.

Long-handled planters eliminate bending and are suitable for planting bulbs and most bedding plants. Other tools of the telescopic variety and can be used up to five metres and is still manageable.

Single-handed

For those who can only use one hand, there are 'cut and hold' tools, which are available in various sizes for such things as light pruning and dead heading in difficult to reach areas, rose arches and pergolas and at the back of borders. Some even incorporate a swivel head which, are ideal for pruning and collecting cuttings. There are shears with adjustable blades that swivel through 180 degrees for working next to walls or fences and a two-wheeled wheelbarrow can be very useful for a person who can only use one hand.

Getting a grip

Some handles on forks, trowels and planters incorporate a trigger grip, which is useful for those with a disability like arthritis. They are shaped to include a thumb pad on top and a trigger underneath to give a better grip. Ratchet pruners are ideal for those who cannot exert much pressure. Certain types can produce up to ten times the force applied and cut easily through thick, woody stems with a ratchet action that just needs several gentle squeezes of the handles.

The right tools

Spend time choosing tools that will make your gardening easier and don't be surprised if you develop an extraordinary attachment to them for they will become a joy to use when you have found the right ones to suit your particular disability.

Once you have acquired a good set of tools, you may find a tool bag that straps around the waist, a tool holster or tool basket useful to keep smaller tools close to you.