Most people with limited hand and arm function are probably familiar with using a universal cuff. The standard universal cuff is typically a beige cuff that wraps around the hand with Velcro and has a slot that holds items like forks and toothbrushes. It’s not sexy, but it’s easy to use and highly functional.
ReachAble Technology has introduced a new iteration of the universal cuff — the OmniCuff — a cuff-based system that promises to expand the range of possible uses. I was interested to test the OmniCuff and see how it delivers on this promise and whether it works well enough to make me change the way I do my everyday activities as a C6 quad.
More Than a Cuff
The OmniCuff system consists of three main parts that work together to make it easier for users to access and swap adaptive devices: the Adapter, the Connector and the Basemount. At the heart of the system is the Adapter, a cuff with a magnetic adapter in the palm of the hand. Instead of sliding devices into the small slit of a traditional cuff, which can be tricky and limiting depending on the size of the device, the magnet aims to make attaching things easy.
ReachAble Technology has designed an array of magnetized products, including a fork, spoon, knife and cupholder that have the magnetized Connector allowing for easy connections with the Adapter, along with a kit that allows users to attach magnets to other everyday items like a hairbrush or even a phone.
In addition to being magnetized for easy connection with the Adapter, the Connector is designed to slide onto metal poles that mount on the Basemount for swapping and storage. The Basemount can hold up to six devices for easy selection while you are eating a meal or doing tasks. The Basemount comes in two sizes, the larger of which rotates. All the meal products (fork, knife, etc.) and the three main components can be purchased independently or in one of three bundles.
I received a demo of the largest bundle, the $899 Meal Kit Premium, which comes with the full range of ReachAble Technology’s products: fork, spoon, knife, cup holder, large and small Basemounts, a mount to attach the Basemount to a wheelchair, an Adapter with three sizes, and the universal connector kit.
How It Works
The Adapter and Connector can be a little tricky to perfectly line up, but provide a very strong connection once you figure out how they work together. I found it easier to take the utensils off the Basemount and to attach the Connector to the Adapter directly off the top of the table.
The OmniCuff fork and spoon have an adjustable neck that allows the user to change the angle of the utensil. This made it easier to get leverage to stab food with the fork and to find a good balance point with the spoon to avoid spillage. I found the knife to be useful with its upright pizza cutter design. I had an easier time cutting with the knife than most other adaptive knives I have used. The cupholder is bulky, which is probably necessary because of the design, but I found myself using both hands to stabilize it. Considering that I use both hands to pick up cups and bottles anyway, I can’t imagine many scenarios where I would use the cupholder.
The quick release clamp connected easily to the frame of my manual wheelchair and seems like it would work as well on a power chair. The Basemount can then be positioned for easy access to whatever devices you might need. However, I found having the Basemount attached to my wheelchair limited my ability to get under tables and countertops.
The Verdict
Although the OmniCuff works as advertised, I would give it a mixed verdict. The bundles are expensive, starting at $139.99, and many people may already have adaptive equipment that works for them on hand. The bulky Basemounts are not ideal for those of us who prefer our adaptive equipment to be as inconspicuous as possible. Aside from the knife, I have adaptive utensils that I prefer and would not replace with the OmniCuff. Additionally, the cupholder doesn’t make it any easier for me to pick up cups, so I would pass on it as well.
I found creating my own adaptive devices with the universal connector kit to be the best way to use the OmniCuff. A single Adapter can be purchased for $49.99 and individual connector kits can be purchased for $19.99. I think that it would be worth it to make a one-time investment in the Adapter3 and to purchase connector kits as needed.
The universal adapters come with double-sided tape and Velcro straps that allow you to connect them to virtually anything. I connected adapters to my hairbrush, toothbrush and iPhone. I could see many other potential ways to use the universal adapters including makeup applicators, small gardening tools, or even sporting equipment like a billiards cue stick or ping-pong paddle.
Learn more about the OmniCuff and its accessories at reachable-tech.com.
Support New MobilityWait! Before you wander off to other parts of the internet, please consider supporting New Mobility. For more than three decades, New Mobility has published groundbreaking content for active wheelchair users. We share practical advice from wheelchair users across the country, review life-changing technology and demand equity in healthcare, travel and all facets of life. But none of this is cheap, easy or profitable. Your support helps us give wheelchair users the resources to build a fulfilling life. |
