HOBBIES

02/09/2026

From getting online and creating content, to gaming and getting social, quadriplegics are not as limited as you might first imagine. We adapt and use what we've got left.

Check out the incredible art of quadriplegic mouth painters. There is Jeremy Bigelow, car accident survivor, with his abstract work, No Limit Arts. Check out the landscapes, still lifes and portraits of Antonio Davis, gunshot wound survivor at age 19. Check out the pencil drawings and watercolor work of Brett Colonell and the incredible paintings of Henry Fraser. Look up Dale Tabor, paralyzed for 50 years. He has painted hundreds of thousands of pictures and lectured at art seminars and displayed his art in major studios in many countries.

Brenton Swartz was just 15-years-old when a gun accident paralyzed him. Now, at age 40, he produces jaw-dropping mouth masterpieces. His painting style is hyper-realistic and requires careful attention to detail and his work is incredible!

“There are so many bad things in the world and to be able to be a positive influence in people's lives is very rewarding. In turn this encourages me to do better. Life in itself is a blessing, so one shouldn’t waste it.” Brenton Swartz

You don’t have to be skilled at art to try mouth painting. Art isn't just for the able-bodied and it can be a great outlet for emotion.

Then there’s music. If you loved going to live shows before you will probably love them more now. Most venues show their disabled concert goers extra love, whether it's a roped off seating area, complimentary floor space, or a pass to the front of the line or even backstage for a meet and greet. Take advantage of the perks!

“I enjoy live music so I go to shows a lot. The accessible seating is often good and the atmosphere very welcoming especially at metal shows. Rockers are like a tribe, my tribe. I never feel disabled when I’m at a show.” Carrie C5-6

Gaming

The market offers many options for quadriplegic gamers, from stock adapted controllers to completely customized controllers made just for your mobility level. From console gaming to PC gaming, it’s all possible for a quadriplegic to get back to the games!

Evil Controllers will custom modify Xbox One and PS4 controllers to suit your needs over the phone or via e-mail. They're known for excellent customer service and they offer reasonable prices with nothing over $200. And they can add details like more sensitive buttons, changing the location of buttons or increasing the size of buttons.

One of the best video game controllers for mouth-play is the QuadStick Game controller. You will use multiple sip & puff sensors, a lip position sensor, and a push switch. QuadStick is directly compatible with the PS3, Android, and many PC games that use a joystick, mouse or keyboard. A C1 quadriplegic helped to develop this device in 2014. How well does it work? Read through the product reviews.

Microsoft is the first large scale console maker to sell their own adaptive controllers. It retails around $100 and is compatible with games on the Xbox One and Windows 10. It has two large programmable buttons and 19 inputs for other buttons, switches and levers from outside adaptive video game control manufacturers.

Besavior: A PlayStation 5 compatible controller provides the option for you to apply the Elite Paddle Kit (sold separately) to the back. This controller also has embedded open source Linux for further customization opportunities.

Blogging

Assistive technology makes the world very accessible, a vast improvement over decades past for people with disabilities. As a quadriplegic the world wide web is still accessible to us, complete with entertainment, information, communication, and even education and work.

Most quadriplegics will have to re-learn an effective method for using our laptops, phones and PCs.

All you need is WiFi and a device within reach of a finger or knuckle with motor function or accessible by voice or mouth, or even eye-gaze technology.

Traveling

If you have the means to travel, exploring new destinations can be an enjoyable hobby.

For quadriplegics, traveling by air comes with challenges and risks. First you will be taken out of your chair and placed in a chair that can fit down the narrow center aisle. Then you will need to be transferred into your seat- without a Hoyer lift of course. Airline staff will have to assist you if you haven’t brought passengers with you that can make the transfer. You can have an extra seat belt made to wrap around the back of the aisle chair and your chest to hold you in. Bring pillows for extra propping. Be prepared that you might not have bathroom access.

The other issue with flying is the risk of damaging your wheelchair. Plan ahead; In the event that your chair suffers damage, you can be prepared. Locate the closest reliable wheelchair repair shop. Travel with proper tools for removal and assembly of chair parts required for chair storage during flight. Have delicate parts of the chair removed, such as the head rest and swing-away chin or cheek control and carry those onboard with you.

Explain to baggage handlers how to disengage drive wheels to push the chair and how to lock it down. Instruct them not to remove batteries and not to remove or move anything on the chair. You can even have laminated written instructions fastened to the chair on how to handle your chair.

Vlogging

For quadriplegics interested in creating, uploading and sharing content online, the web offers tons of free and affordable sites and tutorials to get you started. Many quadriplegics share their hacks for living on TikTok and YouTube channels.

Quad Vlogs to Follow:

Ali, C6 quirkyquad.com

Ian, C2 www.iansride.com

Cole, C5 youtube.com/c/rollwithcole

Erin, C5 youtube.com/c/ErinField

Mason, C5-7 youtube.com/c/MasonEllis011915

Assistive Technology