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The functionalhand® is an adaptive assistive device designed by occupational and physical therapists to help students with weak grip, fine motor deficits, and hand disabilities fully participate in classroom activities. Unlike traditional universal cuffs, it holds writing tools, styluses, and art supplies in both orientations — supporting inclusion for students with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and other hand disabilities.

As occupational and physical therapists, we focus on enabling individuals to maintain their independence in what we call Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and functional skills. These are the essential self-care tasks everyone needs to perform each day – from eating and drinking to personal hygiene and dressing.  When hand function becomes challenging, basic self-care…

“Necessity the Mother of Invention” Charlotte has a rare genetic disease called DDX3X, discovered in 2014 which impacts only 900 children worldwide. She has been in therapy since she was 10 months to improve motor and language skills. Her family recently attended the All Abilities Fair to connect with supportive resources in the community. Karen…

The functionalhand® complements many commercially available toys. What makes it unique? When compared to other universal cuffs, it accommodates all shapes and sizes. Simply open the cord, insert the tool, cinch the strap tightly and go! Many children with motor difficulties, hold their marker or paintbrush by turning the thumb side of their hand downward in what…

As therapists who developed the functionalhand®, our goal was to help individuals with grasp difficulties hold objects and participate in many activities. If the shoulder and arm that the hand is attached to is moving around or having trouble maintaining their position, the ability to use your eyes and hands together and direct the movement is…