16 Phone Accessories for People With Upper Extremity Disabilities
As phones got better, they also got bigger. That means, for the most part, a new phone today means a big, flat, sleek rectangle prone to falls and being thrown against a wall out of frustration. For some, that frustration might come from a conversation. For others, like myself, it comes from the difficulty of using a phone as a transhumeral (above-elbow) amputee relying on one arm. Nevertheless, even though we rely on our phones every day, they’ve become harder to handle (no pun intended) if you struggle with your hands. The good news is that as phones have progressed so have their accessories.
So maybe you’re working with a limb difference like me, have dexterity issues, limited strength, arthritis, or anything else that keeps you from using your phone efficiently. Whatever the case is, I’ve discovered a few add-ons that might help. It's also fair to say that some of these disability-friendly items will help if you just use your phone all the time.
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Photograph: Apple; Nomad; OtterboxPhone Cases
If you struggle with your hands, chances are you drop your phone … a lot. So an excellent protective case is a must. I'm also starting here because the case you go with will determine which additional accessories you'll decide to pair with your phone. For example, say you're an iPhone user who goes for a MagSafe-compatible case. If so, it'll open you to a world of chargers and grips that otherwise wouldn't work with your phone.
Hardcore Protection Without Bulk
If you struggle with your phone, the last thing you want to do is make it bigger and heavier. So it can be challenging to find a balance between a case that offers solid protection and one that doesn’t work against you due to its bulk. I think that this case nails that balance. It provides excellent protection against damage from a drop and provides additional accessibility perks. Compatible with both Qi and MagSafe, Otterbox’s Defender series offers easy charging access, and it comes with a self-described “hands-free” kickstand, which is what we’re going for here.
Light but Mighty
This has been my go-to case for years, because it’s extremely thin for how well it protects my phone. I frequently put it to the ultimate test, where I run on my treadmill and accidentally drop it on the belt. From there, it will be cannoned full force at the wall behind me. I’m knocking on wood (with my left residual limb) as I type this so I don’t jinx it. The Impact also comes in MagSafe- and wireless-charging-compatible options. Paired with a solid screen protector, you’ve got a dynamite setup.
If you need extra drop-height protection, I’d recommend Casetify’s new Bounce Case. I haven’t tried dropping it out of my 11th-story window (which I don’t recommend), but it contains all the same qualities as the company’s Impact Case and is built to have your back in the event of a more tremendous shock.
A Case You Can Actually Get On and Off
Some Phone cases can be a nightmare to put on your phone. If you want to reduce that headache, I suggest a more pliable case, which is why I love Pela Cases. The super-soft and flexible plant-based material that makes up every Pela case results in a product with just enough grip to make it comfortable to hold. This will prevent the case from sliding around while you’re applying it. Aside from doing something good for the environment by going with a Pela Case, you’ll be able to encase your phone in this one with little effort. Bonus: If you pair your Pela Case with their Liquid Screen Protector and your phone cracks despite the combo, Pela will pay for the repairs.
Magnetic Convenience
If you’re an iPhone user, you get to take advantage of the many benefits of MagSafe. I’ve found this extremely helpful in making my phone use one-hand-friendly. Silicone cases are the most accessible to pop on and off your phone, making this classic a great choice. And like the Pela case, it feels soft but not sleek, with the perfect grip.
The All-In-One Case
Having one arm means I hate carrying things, and I want whatever bag I hold to offer easy access (for me). Sorry, pickpockets. The Dancing Queen case is a wallet, phone case, cross-body strap, and chapstick holder. The wallet part closes using magnetic buttons, making it easy to open and close for you while securing your cards. The adjustable cross-body strap lets you keep your phone close without fishing it out of a zipped bag. Or, if you’re wearing “women’s pants,” you won’t need to dig for your oversize phone in your teeny-tiny pockets. The strap is removable and swaps out for a wristlet, which I’ve also found very helpful for holding on to my phone without occupying my only hand.
Photograph: KenuGrips
After injuring my arm, I didn't immediately realize how dire of an accessory a phone grip is for someone with an upper-extremity disability. I have very large hands (hand?). I can easily fully wrap the fingers from one hand around the circumference of my iPhone—with my fingers overlapping where they meet. So since I didn't technically struggle to hold my phone, I thought I didn't need a grip. But a phone grip isn't so much about holding your device; it's about balancing it comfortably so you can type, take pictures, etc. Especially if you're working with one hand, it provides a safety net that lets you loosen your grip and use your phone.
A MagSafe-Compatible Grip
Discovering this one was a game-changer for me. As I previously mentioned, MagSafe products are something I love, because they eliminate the fuss of plugging my phone into a tiny cable. With traditional phone grips, I don’t have the option of using a MagSafe charger unless I remove the entire case, which is a bigger chore than just dealing with the cable. But the Anker 610 Magnetic Phone Grip pops right on and off using the same ring of magnets used to charge any MagSafe-compatible iPhone. Rotate the ring to adjust it to a position just right for your hand.
A More Fashionable Magnetic Ring
Sonix’s removable phone ring is the same idea as the Anker but is more glamorous, for those who prefer a little sparkle. Sometimes “disabled” gets misconstrued as a word that shouldn’t cross paths with glamour and fun. So I like to include options that dismantle that notion.
A Grip in Many Sizes
It helps to look at what other people in the disability community like to use. So when I saw that pro surfer Bethany Hamilton, who has also lost an arm, was using Flygrip, I knew I had to try it too. This was my first-ever phone grip and remained a favorite. Its shape allows you to prop your phone in both portrait and landscape. What makes these extra special in comparison to many other grips I’ve encountered is that they come in different sizes to accommodate different hand sizes.
The OG
I love a good old PopSocket. This classic is a great lightweight option for someone who wants to add a grip without bulking up their phone. If your phone is massive, you can add two to prop it up in landscape. I know some arm amputees who keep the nails on their existing hand long to help them do tasks. If that’s you, these are also easier to “pop” out than, for example, a flat ring grip that requires you to pull the ring out.
*Psst. If you’re team MagSafe, though, PopSockets does make a MagSafe PopGrip, which I’m currently obsessed with.
Photograph: Getty ImagesPhone Straps
A strap is a great way to keep your phone within reach without having one of your hands occupied. This is especially important if you don’t have two hands to begin with. I truly began to value the magic of a phone strap when I went to see Lady Gaga this summer. I needed to have my phone near to film virtually everything she did. Still, I also needed my one hand free for holding a drink, waving at strangers, or buying merch in between. The phone strap saved my life and allowed me to wear a minimalistic Gaga-appropriate outfit without pockets.
Our Favorite Wristlet
String Ting offers these straps in various styles and with varying bead sizes. There are many options with smaller beads, which makes securing this baby to your phone case much more accessible. Bigger beads and charms get caught on the loop you’re pulling through and can be challenging for upper-extremity disabilities.
Our Favorite Adjustable Cross-Body
This adjustable strap lets you decide whether to wear it as a cross-body or shoulder strap. Additionally, the highly customizable length takes into account a greater variety of body shapes and sizes. The adjustment method is also very straightforward. Since I have only one arm, I looped my foot through to pull on the bit needed to lengthen it. The large clip on the end is more accessible than a traditional lobster clasp because you can press it against the loop to attach it to the phone.
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