Tools to Help SMA Individuals: Phone Holders

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by Brianna Albers |

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Cellphones have quickly become an integral part of the modern lifestyle, and could be especially useful for SMA patients. From emergency phone calls to home control apps, cellphones offer disabled people independence, freedom, and much more.

Depending on the model, a cellphone can be too heavy, and too unwieldy, for someone with SMA to handle. Thankfully, however, there are plenty of cellphone holders available for purchase, varying significantly in utility and price. There are even cellphone holders made specifically for wheelchair users, so if none of the name-brand options work for you, don’t give up! We’ve put together a quick primer to get you started.

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Nearly every department store sells phone holders these days, but Amazon has a great selection, without limiting you to a certain make. For example, there are phone holders made specifically for cars, bikes, and even desks. Most phone holders come with a unique mount, so if you’re looking to attach something to a wheelchair, walker, or other assistive device, it might be worth your time to look through the general, preassembled holders sold online. You never know what you might find.

In some cases, you might not want to mount your phone at all; you may just need a little help when it comes to holding it. Again, Amazon has you covered. You can find anything from Velcro straps to an actual, portable stand, that may even attach to a flat surface via magnet or grip. Some of these holders are function-specific (e.g., selfie sticks help you perfect the art of taking selfies), so be sure to read the product descriptions before adding things to your cart.  

If you’re looking for a bit more flexibility, or are just hoping for something that was made with the physically impaired in mind, there are products out there that fit your bill. Unfortunately, these holders tend to be a bit more expensive — customization comes at a price — so make sure you reach out to your insurance company before getting attached. Medical supply companies are your best friend if you’re interested in high-end tech, and might even help you install your new phone holder. Gillette is a great place to start.

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