People with disabilities often find themselves adapting an activity, transforming it from something that isn’t doable into something that lets them be more involved and independent. People who love the outdoors, rejoice! Gardening can be a great way for people with disabilities to be active. It just takes a little creative thinking and adaptation. Here are some ways you can make gardening a fun, accessible activity.

Think creatively

People with disabilities are particularly good at thinking creatively. Apply a little outside-the-box thinking to your garden and you can make it a much friendlier environment than the traditional garden. If you’re using a wheelchair, try arranging your garden in such a way that you can get within reach of your plants. If you’re using a wheelchair, make sure that you have any wheelchair accessories you might need to make you more comfortable. For example, if you are going to be out in the summer heat, consider getting an attachable cup holder and keeping a cold drink with you so that you don’t get dehydrated.

If you can stand but have trouble kneeling or bending over, you can use tools like The Planting Stick that are made to be used standing up. The Planting Stick lets you dig the perfect hole by simply pressing down on the neoprene ball and using the cushioned turning crank to rotate the tool clockwise. It’s made of welded-steel for optimal durability and can last for many growing seasons.

Get comfy with ergonomic tools

Easi Grip collection of ergonomic tools

Many garden tools require you to work around them instead of working the way you need them to. Get more control and leverage by using the ergonomically designed tools by Easi Grip. These tools have non-slip handles set at right angles so that the position of your hand as you grip the tools are more natural. This keeps you from having to bend and twist your wrists.

Get support

Many people with disabilities have trouble using their hands and instead rely on the strength of their upper arms. In that case, using hand tools can be difficult. The Easi Grip Arm Support Cuff can be plugged into the the back of any Easi Grip hand tools to allow you to make use of your arm and shoulder while handling the tools.

Easi Grip Arm Support Cuff

If you’re not a wheelchair user but you find it difficult to walk, stand, or kneel for long periods of time, you can sit down and stay mobile with the Garden Seat Caddy. It gives you a seat on wheels and includes a tray under the seat so that you can keep your tools handy.

Extend your range with long-reach tools

Some places in the garden are just pesky to get to. And when you have a mobility impairment, even more so. You can use long-reach tools to help you get to those hard to reach places, or to help you reach the ground while in a seated position. Easi Grip Long Reach Tools have the right angle grip and can be combined with the arm support cuffs to allow for optimal reach and comfort.

Know thyself

Truer advice cannot be given! No one knows your individual needs quite like you do. Be careful not to push yourself beyond what you can take. Pace yourself, take breaks if you need to, and keep yourself as comfortable as possible by using adaptive tools and equipment. By keeping yourself comfortable, you can spend more time doing what you love.