Adapted Grilling: Tapping into your inner-caveman

Camping, swimming, laying out in the sun…the summertime activities at our disposal are endless. But what about America’s favorite pastime (and I’m not talking about television). Grilling, whether it’s meat or veggies, is a must-have warm weather experience, presence-of-disability be damned.

What to use?

Have no fear! Using a wheelchair and grilling can truly not be awkward. First, you need to assess your abilities. For myself, the main two things I take into consideration are my paralyzed hands and my wheelchair, especially how the front-end of it makes it hard to get close to the grill. Figure out what‘s stopping you from grilling, and if there’s a will (especially a hungry one), there’s a way.

Also, the good news is that there‘s as many grills out there as there are disabilities, giving disabled grilling enthusiasts more options than ever before. A simple, cheap and not to mention effective solution for wheelchair-users who want to get up close and personal to their grill is a tabletop grill, whether it‘s charcoal or gas. Here are a few fine examples:

• Coleman RoadTrip Party Grill: This affordably adorable gas grill is an impressive tiny grill for people with disabilities. It sits safely on any flat surface, leaving it up to you to figure out the best level/placement that works with your wheelchair (picnic table, patio table, etc). It also features an Instastart push-button ignition, which is perfect for people with limited hand abilities (like me). At $39.99 (available at Target), grilling has literally never been more accessible.

• Weber Smokey Joe Silver Compact Grill: A tabletop charcoal grill, this is one of the most affordable grills you can find anywhere. Some people find charcoal to be more work than it’s worth, but the flavor (love or hate it) is incomparable. The cover has a wide handle, making it easy for all gripping abilities. The grill is also constructed of lightweight aluminum (9.42 lbs). $29.99 at Target.

• Coleman RoadTrip Premium Table-Top Grill: For $149.99, this is a lot for such a small grill, but it’s perfect for grilling on the road, when your set-up isn’t as perfect as you’d like. At first look, the grill may seem like your typical indoor grill, but nope, it comes with a 10,000 BTU burner and a Instastar push-button, making it awesome for road trips, camping, picnics, and tailgating. Available at Gander Mountain.

And we can’t forget adapted grilling accessories. Here’s a few good ones to consider if the regular grilling tools just don’t cut it for you:

- EZ Flip Spatula: This is a super cool tool if you have trouble gripping the handle. Features a quad-cuff holder. Available at MaxiAids.

- Spreading Spatula: This nifty tool splays out into three spatula’s by the flick of a lever, making it easy to pick up and move your tasty vittles. Super cool! Also available at MaxiAids.

- Good Grips Rolling Knife: And for cutting your perfectly done steak (I have faith in you), this award-winning design knife makes it a cinch to cut it up. The blade is adhered to a circular design, leaving it up to you to roll and cut. This looks a lot like a pizza cutter, but is much sharper. Available at Arthritis Supplies.

And my all-time favorite place to buy ALDERWOOD planks for smoked (on-the-grill) seafood; a personal fav of my palette: Pike Place Fish Market. Happy grilling!

Do you have any tips or tricks for adapted grilling? What kind of grill and grilling accessories work best for you?