MOUTHSTICKS

Wheelchair

LIFE

I use a mouthstick almost every day ... for typing and mousing on the computer, for turning pages, highlighting text, etc. Click here for a short little YouTube demonstration video.

A comfortable, properly shaped mouthstick is an especially good tool for people who cannot use their hands very well. I type faster now with a mouthstick than I typed with two fingers in college. Often, while using speech-to-text software, I'll pick up a mouthstick to navigate some functions faster. Mouthstick users quicky learn that keyboard shortcuts are often much faster than mousing and clicking (even faster than able-bodied folks).

I also use my mouthstick to send text messages from my cell phone, and otherwise push buttons when my cell phone is on my desk (quicker than with my thumb while the phone sits velcroed to my wheelchair armrest). The mouthstick is also helpful for pushing and pulling things around on my desk, operating remote controls, fans, etc. You can even use a mouthstick to kill bugs (but ya gotta be accurate and fast!).

Unfortunately, the commercially available mouthsticks – at least that I've found – are worthless (click here to see a guy struggling with one while in bed CAUTION: Language NSFW). The ones I've found are too long, not strong enough, and are not able to be bent correctly. The straight commercial mouthsticks would be great for pushing maybe an elevator button, but that's about it (okay, maybe that's a little harsh). They're not really any good for typing very quickly, or pulling (just pushing away). So I have strong, lightweight, efficient mouthsticks custom fabricated.

Fortunately, I have skilled friends who help make them for me (to quote an old Beatles song, "I get by with a little help from my friends"). If you have a friend who is handy in the shop they should be able to help you make a simple, durable, and light-weight mouthstick. All you'll need is some angle aluminum, some commercially available mouthstick bite-plate sleeves (see and/or click the picture on the left, or here), and rubber tips (also commercially available here and maybe here) This pattern, with instructions, should guide you through. A little cutting, grinding, smoothing, bending, and assembly, and voila! You're ready to go. If you don't have a handy friend like my buddy, John, with access to tools to get this done, you may be able to find someone in your area who can help. If not, there are fabrication shops all across the country, some of which will probably do the machine-work and send it to you via courier or the U.S. Mail.

You can even have the aluminum anodized to preserve its finish. But that can get rather expensive if you're just doing a few pieces. That's because anodizers have a minimum charge, I'm told. See if you can find a shop that regularly has aluminum parts anodized. Maybe they'll let you include some mouthsticks in their next batch for a small fee (eveything is negotiable). If not, non-toxic anti-oxidizer finishes can help keep your strong, light-weight mouthstick from looking old, dark, and nasty.

Once cut from the angle-aluminum, it is important to get the mouthstick bite-plate flat, and then bend the arm in a gradual, looping bend so that it does not concentrate the pressure in one spot (otherwise, it will eventually break. I learned this the hard way ... over time). The short video referenced above, and the photos on this page, together with the pattern and instructions, should give you a good idea of how an effective mouthstick is shaped, and used (if that’s new territory). Next time I have a batch made, I’ll try to post a video showing how to bend and assemble a mouthstick.

I also attach a highlighter to an old mouthstick and leave it always at the ready, to be swiveled around in its cap, should the need arise. We simply use clear packing tape to fasten the highlighter to the mouthstick, which secures nicely in the 'V' of the angle-aluminum. When it runs dry, we just cut the tape, pull it off, and tape a new one in.

You’ll also want a good way to consistently access your mouthsticks. Check out Mouthstick Holder in the House & Home section, and also take a look at the picture, on the left. It's my highlighter cap bolted to Lexan, next to my regular mouthstick holder. The picture in Desk of the House & Home section shows the highlighter swiveled around, ready for use.

Finally, remember, kids, a mouthstick is not a toy. Never run with a ... oh, wait ... never mind.

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