Adaptdefy (@adaptdefy)

How’s this for wheelchair access? My parents rigged this up so i could access their home! 🤣 Would you do this? #wheelchairaccess #wheelchair #wheelchairskills #accessibility #adaptdefy

What goes up must come down #wheelchairskills

You have seen how I build strength up in my shoulders. Recovery is how I let them settle back down. Sauna is my favourite. There's a new sauna and hot pools at New Brighton here in Christchurch, and the views out are awesome. I go at least once a week. The heat helps me stretch and takes the tension out of my muscles, especially when I've been pushing all day. This is a chance to close my eyes and feel all the emotions running through my mind. It's become a kind of mindfulness practice for me. This is part of our shoulder health series for wheelchair users: strengthen, protect and recover. Comment “HEALTH”, and we’ll send you our full blog series on neck and shoulder health #Adaptdefy #SpinalCordInjury #Wheelchair #Sauna

I read a couple of articles that said lengthening your shoulders is really good for them. So I made a rig that I can weight-bear. Before my injury, I did a lot of rock climbing, so I know how to set this up with the right equipment. I used some rope and carabiners from my rock climbing days, and anchored it to a structural beam. The bottom baris low enough to reach from my chair. The middle baris the step up. The top baris where I hang from. I grab the lower bars and hoist myself up hand over hand until I can reach the top bar and hang free. When I’m done, I work my way back down the bars and lower myself onto my wheelchair. This is part of our shoulder health series for wheelchair users: strengthen, protect and recover. Comment “HEALTH”, and we’ll send you our full blog on dead hangs along with its benefits, FAQ’s and who this could be suitable for. #Adaptdefy #SpinalCordInjury #Wheelchair #DeadHang

After my high transfers video, a lot of you asked about my shoulders. Fair question. I lift my whole body with them every day, then push thousands of strokes on top of that. So here are the four moves I do to keep them strong and healthy. Pushing builds the front of your shoulders. These four exercises build the back. That balance is what keeps them working in the long term. Seated rows Pull downs One-arm dumbbell rows Broom Streach This is part of our shoulder health series for wheelchair users: strengthen, protect and recover. Comment “HEALTH” and we’ll send you our full blog series on neck and shoulder care. #Adaptdefy #SpinalCordInjury #Wheelchair #ParaplegicExcersise

Our Adaptdefy Creator @Saha Heirati Heirati was inspired by our travel blogs to share his top tips for smoother travel as a wheelchair user. Sarahs top tips Travel with headphones and a neck pillow, it makes you more comfortable for a long trip Pack more than you think. Medications and medical supplies. You never know if you will be delayed Travel with people you trust, who can help you in every situation. This will help you travel feel smoother and more comfortable. What is your number one travel advice? Plus, if you are new to travelling as a wheelchair user, or need some more tips, comment on the travel blog, and we can send all our blogs with our top tips from real wheelchair users. #Adaptdefy #WheelchairTravel #Wheelchair #SpinalCordInjury

Giveaway is now closed, thank you for your entries, and congratulations to Elpida who won a LapStacker flex & underseat bag 🎉 📢 Instructions on how to enter 👇🏼 Paste into browser https://adaptdefy-limited.myklpages.com/l/Vkpu8w then follow the instructions. 🎁 One lucky winner will receive their choice of a LapStacker Flex or LapStacker XD, plus one of our underseat wheelchair bags. ⏰ Open for 48 hours, closes 27th Spetember, 16:00 GMT 🌎 Worldwide entry ✅ Winner selected from email sign-up’s, and contacted directly by us. 📩 Winners contacted via DM from Adaptdefy only, and need to respond within 36 hours Feel free to share this giveaway with anyone who'd love it! Good luck 🤞🏻 💢 Before entering, check the fitting page at adaptdefy.com to confirm the LapStacker Flex or XD works with your wheelchair. LapStacker Flex is our adaptive carry system for wheelchairs — simple to install, with finger loops for reduced hand function, a magnetic buckle, and durable materials. The straps sit neatly at your side, ready when you need them. This giveaway isn't sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Instagram or Facebook.

Our Adaaptdefy Creator @Disabilidee was inspired by Mike's recent travels to show how they travel as a powerchair user. Up until February 2026, Dee had never even taken their powerchair outside their home city. But since reading our travel blogs on http://Adaptdefy.com, and being inspired by Mike's adventures, Dee is no longer scared of travel. In March, they rode in their accessible van and powerchair, took the Amtrak to Boston with their best friend, and, more recently, took their van to Atlanta for a cosplay convention. Whether you are travelling by Plane, train, boat, or van, make sure you follow us for the best tips and tricks from real wheelchair users. Where are you travelling to this year 👇🏼 #PowerChair #WheelchairTravel #Adaptdefy

How I transfer from the back of the van into the front seat to drive the camper. You have seen many videos of me transferring in and around our camper in Colorado. This is the final transferring video. I hope you have enjoyed following along on our Colorado journey Do you have any adventures planned? Let me know 👇🏼 #Wheelchair #WheelchairTransfer #VanLife #Adaptdefy Video description: Mike is a white man with dark brown hair. He pushes his wheelchair into shot and transfers from the back of the camper to the front driver's seat.

You have seen lots of my RV transfers so far, High transfer into the driver’s seat High transfer into the back of the RV How I transfer on and off the toilet For those of you asking, this is how I transfer out of the RV. It's pretty high, and I go with a legs-first approach. I hold onto the door handle with my leading hand and the steering wheel with my trailing hand. then lower myself into my chair. Let me know, how would you take on a transfer like this 👇🏼 #Wheelchair #Adaptdefy #VanTransfer #VanLife

A quick glimpse into our home for the past few weeks. We rented this non accessible RV here in Colorado. As you can see, I can just about do a 360-degree turn in my wheelchair. Transfer to the seating area and reach all the cupboards. I can transfer in and out of the front and back, although it's not easy. I have also attached portable hand controls so Kirstin and I can share the driving What else would you like to see from our adventures 👇🏼 Adapt, defy and thrive #SpinalCordInjury #Adaptdefy #Paraplegic #WheelchairTravel

Pt 2. Yesterday, you saw me transfer to the non-accessible toilet in our RV. Today I’m showing you how I transferred off. To be honest, I think getting off was even harder, and I was concerned the toilet might break. Nothing in there was reinforced, and it was all a bit flimsy. I’m glad I could work out that it could be done if needed, adapt, defy and thrive #SpinalCordInjury #Adaptdefy #Paraplegic #WheelchairTravel

Pt 1. This is my first attempt at transferring onto the non accessible toilet in the RV. It was not easy, and where possible, I used the accessible toilets on the campgrounds. However, it was nice to know I could do it if I really needed to. Follow along to see how I managed to get off #SpinalCordInjury #Adaptdefy #Paraplegic #WheelchairTravel

Getting into this camper isn't easy. And that's exactly why I filmed it. It’s very easy to start feeling angry when things are difficult. Yes, I do get angry, and yes, I do feel sad. And it feels like I’m grieving every time. But we have choices, and I choose to adapt, defy and thrive #SpinalCordInjury #Adaptdefy #Paraplegic #WheelchairTravel

We have been enjoying many trails while we are here in Colorado. One thing that has been making things a little easier on rough terrain is my freewheel. The FreeWheel is a lightweight 12-inch front-wheel attachment that lifts the front casters off the ground, converting my chair into a stable 3-wheeler. and lets me roll over grass, gravel, dirt trails, and curbs, with more ease and less vibrations. I also use some utility gloves, which give me even more grip, and control. Let me know, do you have one of these? How do you find it? Or let me know if you use an add-on 👇🏼 #SpinalCordInjury #Adaptdefy #Wheelchair #Freewheel

We’re on the road! 🚐 I packed these portable hand controls I’ve had for years so Kirtin and I can share the driving here in Colorado. They clamp right onto the gas and brake pedals and adjust to fit, push to brake, pull to accelerate. I loop a strap around the steering column to keep them secure, and they’re light enough to toss in a bag and go. Follow along as we share more of our journey here in the US. 🇺🇸 #Paraplegic #WheelchairTravel #Adaptdefy #Paraplegic

We're on the road! 🚐 I packed these portable hand controls I've had for years so Kirtin and I can share the driving here in Colorado. They clamp right onto the gas and brake pedals and adjust to fit, push to brake, pull to accelerate. I loop a strap around the steering column to keep them secure, and they're light enough to toss in a bag and go. Follow along as we share more of our journey here in the US. 🇺🇸 #Paraplegic #WheelchairTravel #Adaptdefy #Paraplegic

Once I was though sucurity, I decided to keep the underseat bag off my wheelchair, along with my LapStacker. This is because I know how tough airlines can be on wheelchairs. Not only that. I discovered that you can loop the wheelchair bag straps through your arms and use it as a backpack. Awesome, as I keep my hands free for pushing. Now available in Small, Medium and Large to suit chairs 11 to 22 inches (280–560 mm). Find the perfect size for your chair and lifestyle. Last time our bags sold out in a matter of weeks. Get in quick and secure yours while stocks last at http://adapdefy.com What do you think of this bonus feature 👇🏼 #WheelchairTravel #Adaptdefy #UnderSeatWheelchairBag #Wheelchair Reel description: Mike is a white man with dark hair and glasses. He sits on a bench with his wheelchair beside him and loops the bag straps over his shoulders like a backpack. He then wheels off through the airport.

Whenever I travel, I bring my Roho adaptor pad. It's small, lightweight, and adds extra cushioning. A lifesaver on long-haul flights and in hotel bathrooms. These pads are often available through your local healthcare supplier, and you can also find them on Amazon Do you use one of these 👇🏼 #WheelchairTravel #Adaptdefy #SpinalCordInjury #Wheelchair Reel description: Mike is a white man with dark hair and glasses. He sits in a wheelchair explaining his Roho adaptor pad. A flat black rubber mat covered in a tight grid of small, round, bubble-like air cells, like a thick sheet of oversized bubble wrap you can press into. It's squishy and springy to the touch, and can be trimmed with scissors to cushion things like wheelchair trays or armrests.

Finally took the new Adaptdefy underseat bag through airport security, and this is where the bag really comes into its own. We listened to your feedback and added quick-release buckles to make going though sucurity easier and more streamlined. Simply unclip the four corners and lift the bag straight onto your lap. Or you can use the straps to carry it like a backpack. Now available in Small, Medium and Large to suit chairs 11 to 22 inches (280–560 mm). Find the perfect size for your chair and lifestyle. Last time our bags sold out in a matter of weeks. Get in quick and secure yours while stocks last at http://adapdefy.com What size have you ordered? 👇🏼 Reel description: Mike is a white man with dark hair and glasses. He sits in his wheelchair and demonstrates taking off his underseat bag. This is a black bag with a green strip, and quick-release buckles at 4 corners. He unclips it and puts it on his lap. #WheelchairTravel #Adaptdefy #UnderSeatWheelchairBag #Wheelchair

New to wheelchairs, or thinking about upgrading? Here are 3 push rim types you need to know about. The standard cylindrical pushrim usually comes as standard, so it's cost-effective. Personally, I find it really painful on my wrists and hypermobile joints. Push rim covers can help if you need more grip. My favourite ones are the ergonomic ones. They fit perfectly into your hand, giving you a more comfortable grip and helping stabilise your joints as you push. They're pricier, but for me, worth the upgrade. You can also get rubber grip to go on them if needed. Wooden pushrims are a fantastic option for extreme temperatures because they don't get as hot or as cold as metal ones. They are a little more ergonomic than the standard ones, and a great option. What ones do you find best? - Gem, Team Adaptdefy #Wheelchair #PushRims #Adaptdefy #SpinalCordInjury Reel description Gem is a white blonde female sitting in a manual wheelchair She explains the different types of push rims.

Once a month, I like to check my caster wheels for dirt and hair that might be wrapped around them. The telltale sign of hair build-up in casters is when your chair pulls to one side when you push. And your castors are not gliding as they usually do. It's important to remove the hair when you can, as water can absorb into them, and it can ruin your bearings. I start by unscrewing the screws with Allen keys and pulling the axle out. Once the wheel is out, you may be able to see the hair and build-up. Just pull those off. Sometimes you may need scissors to cut the hair free. Then put the wheel back together again. Now your castors should roll a lot better. Do you do this? #Wheelchair #Adaptdefy #Paraplegic #SpinalCordInjury Reel description Mike is a white man with dark hair. He sits next to his manual wheelchair, which is turned upside down, as he works on the castor wheels.

Here are 4 things I do monthly to maintain my wheelchair Tyre press Hairs in my castors State of my cushion & cover (Once a week) Overall cleanliness What do you check on your chair each month? And is there anything you would like to see in more detail? Follow along as we share more wheelchair maintenance tips soon. #Wheelchair #Adaptdefy #Paraplegic #SpinalCordInjury Reel description: Mike is a white man with dark hair, seated in a red-and-silver wheelchair.

Last week, Mike & Gem shared how they carry their things as manual wheelchair users. A lot of you asked for a power chair version. Ryan , one of our Adaptdefy creators, shares his top 5 storage & gadgets for his powerchair. Side bag: https://amzn.eu/d/0fy2QZVE & https://amzn.eu/d/02rzrXNM Mobile arm support: https://share.google/5xpoEDgS06ejOnDUz is the compay who assisted Ryan back bag: LapStacker: http://Adaptdefy.com USB charger: https://ravenfox.xyz/en/produit/usb-c-xlr-30w-charger-for-powered-wheelchair/ How do you carry things in your powerchair? Make sure to follow us, as more creators will be sharing their top tips. #Wheelchair #PowerChair #Adaptdefy #LapStacker

Disability Pride looks different for everyone.  For us at Adaptdefy, it’s community. Whether that’s our Adaptdefy content creators, customers, or followers who seek to share knowledge & innovation. Community is at the core of Adaptdefy. And that’s something we are proud of, every day @‌aly.corvin @‌leausongeant @‌disableddee @‌z.disabled.pride @‌casey_gemma_ @‌rj_adapted @‌guppie83 @‌_alicekepler @ saha @‌branzoid @‌massachusettsmissamazing @‌kails.recovers @‌nolimbjim @rollenddoorhetleven @‌gwenthesquid griffin @accessibility_with_aspen_sage @lilyrice_wcmx   -Team Adaptdefy #DisabilityPride #wheelchairuser

Wheelchair users. You know the struggles. It just keeps getting harder and harder. So frustrating. Things falling off your lap. But not with LapStacker. Hold all your stuff securely on your lap, leaving you hands free to roll with confidence. Zip. Clip. Go #Wheelchair #LapStacker #HoldEverything

Gem, from Team Adaptdefy, shares 6 ways she carries things as a wheelchair user. “For nearly 30 years, I’ve been a wheelchair user, and during that time I’ve tried and tested a fair few different ways to carry things. These are my current favourite ways.” Underseat bag, always there, surprisingly roomy. Clip-on cup holder Clip-on side bag Crossy-body/bum bag. (I prefer wearing this around the waist) Backpack for my back rest. Of course, my trusty LapStacker Let us know, what have you found to be your go to way to carry things? #Wheelchair #LapStacker #Adaptdefy #Paraplegic

No one gets out alive. So don't put it off. That hobby you keep meaning to try, that thing you've talked yourself out of, stop waiting on permission. Give it a go. It doesn't have to make sense to anyone but you. What's the one thing you keep putting off? Live a greater than life – Team Adaptdefy @Lorie @aspen.sage.baxter @Aly Corvin @professorparkes

Six ways I carry things as a wheelchair user. Over the years, I have picked up some “mix and match” methods of carrying things. 1. Underseat bag, always there, surprisingly roomy. 2. Crossbody bag. Really handy for important things like phone, keys, or passport if you're travelling. 3. Teeth! I’m sure we've all been there at some point, where teeth are the only option (just don’t tell my dentist!) 4. LapStacker. Holds all your stuff securely, hands-free. especially good for large items. 5. Feet/footlate to balance large items, sometimes I use my LapStacker for extra hold. 6. Cup of tea. Carrying liquids in a cup can be very tricky. What I do is use my environment around me to push off things like doorways & desks to propel myself in my chair, while holding my cup. Do you do this too? Let me know how you carry things. 👇🏼 #Wheelchair #LapStacker #Adaptdefy #WheelchairTravel

Firewood mission complete. Honestly, I had no idea how this would go, or if I would be any use. But, there was only one way to find out. Adapt, defy and thrive. I worked the splitter and chainsaw, with my LapStacker always coming in handy! I now have a trailer load of firewood to keep us warm this winter. #Adaptdefy #Paraplegic #Wheelchiar #WoodSplitter #ChainsawManPower Reel Description: A vlog-style video showing Mike, a wheelchair user, on a farm in New Zealand using a chainsaw and a wood splitter to chop firewood