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MDA Quest Media Product Guide

Welcome to the MDA Quest Media Product Guide! This guide is designed to help you find tried-and-true products that make life more independent, stylish, and fun. All of the products that you see here were chosen by MDA Ambassadors, who shared exactly how each product helps them in their daily lives.

This is a resource we have curated because we LOVE you and because we LOVE things that make your life just a little easier.

 

Fall & Winter Shopping List

These thoughtfully selected products are used and recommended by MDA Ambassadors to make travel, technology, home accessibility, and day-to-day activities more independent and adaptive.

Meet Our Ambassadors

Click on the buttons to read all about them and their favorite life hacks.

Daniella B

Daniella B.

Ambassador Bio:

Daniella's journey began three years ago when she was diagnosed with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD)Type 3R. Her family feels incredibly blessed to have found the right doctors and a supportive network, including the MDA, to help them navigate her condition. Dani still enjoys her life every day. She loves to ski and play power soccer. She plays wing for a power Soccer team, and won third place at nationals this year. She is so thankful for the opportunity to continue living her life in a different way.

FAVORITE LIFE-HACK:

Our favorite hack is using the lift seat; it allows Daniella to get down to the floor for her exercises and back up independently, which also helps protect my back.

Daniella B.
Lacey

Lacey W.

Ambassador Bio:

Lacey is an active member of the neuromuscular disease community and committed to supporting other patients with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) Type 2i. She runs a Facebook group for people living with LGMD2i and dedicates her time to ensure that newly diagnosed patients can access the care they need. She is always excited to help others understand that “diagnosis isn’t the end of the road”. Lacey loves to spend time with her six children. Her and her husband can often be found attending her daughter’s concerts. Lacey’s a talented writer and used these skills to work with many patient advocacy organizations. She is also the community engagement coordinator for the CureLGMD2i Foundation, works with individuals living with autism spectrum disorders, and is involved in the real estate business.

FAVORITE LIFE-HACK:

Life hack-closing doors. Loop the ring of a rope dog toy over the door knob. Grip the rope with a reacher (grabber), then back up your wheelchair, the door pulls shut.
Dog Rope: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D4HC1TC7?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_E7TJSTMSKE3S57QYZQF0

Lacey W.
Natalie D

Natalie D.

Ambassador Bio:

Natalie was born and raised in the Sacramento area. She lives with mitochondrial disorder. Her family and dogs are her greatest loves and she is thankful to have such a great home, especially dealing with chronic illness. Natalie loves to sing, write, bake, watch documentaries, and is passionate about victim advocacy. She looks forward to using her platform as an MDA Ambassador to shed light on the subset of illnesses dubbed “invisible illnesses.” She does not use mobility aids or have any facial/bodily differences herself, so she knows firsthand that people often can’t see the struggle. Her goal is to help people with all forms of illnesses, invisible and visible, to know how amazing they are.

FAVORITE LIFE-HACK:

Using weighted blankets has helped my joints stay in place while sleeping. The weight feels like a pain-soothing hug.

Natalie D.
Sofia E

Sofia E.

Ambassador Bio:

Sofia is a university graduate, a disability advocate, a concert/raver lover, and a professional stereotype breaker. She’s never been very good at fitting into boxes…mostly because her wheelchair doesn’t fit in them either. Sofia has nemaline rod myopathy, a rare form of muscular dystrophy. She uses a power wheelchair, a ventilator, and a feeding tube, but those are just tools that help her live her life- not the things that define it. Growing up, she heard plenty of "that's impossible” or “you probably shouldn’t.” Sofia has made it a personal mission to prove that impossible is usually just someone else’s opinion. She is passionate about disability rights, inclusion, and reminding others that different doesn’t mean less - it just means we’re rewriting the rules. And if her story helps change a few perspectives along the way, then that’s even better!

FAVORITE LIFE-HACKS:

One life hack that I would say I love is being able to have the accessibility setting on on my phone. You set up the format and it can lower the volume, make it louder, screenshot, lock the screen, and other actions. It is so helpful if you are not able to use the buttons on the phone.. 

Sofia E.
Wanzie

Wanzhi L.

Ambassador Bio:

Wanzhi was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) at 9 years old, a gradually progressive neuromuscular disorder that causes muscular atrophy and severely weakened limbs. CMT has taught her resilience and problem-solving, as she comes to terms with the limitations and possibilities of her changing body. But more than anything, it’s led her to find an incredible community. Wanzhi realized that speaking about her personal experiences—the struggles and unique joys and everything else that went unseen—is powerful in raising awareness. She wanted to tell others like herself: you are not alone. Now an incoming undergraduate at the University of California, Berkeley, she hopes to study sociology, comparative literature, and public policy—with a focus on race, gender, and disability rights—for a more intersectional approach towards social justice. In her free time, he loves making art (anywhere from digital illustration to game design), reading sci-fi novels, and exploring the difficulties of disability representation in media.

FAVORITE LIFE-HACKS:

My favorite life hack is twisting my hair into a bun using only a pencil or hair stick! I have limited hand strength and mobility, but the method is simple and has allowed me independence in managing my hair.

Wanzhi L.
Kareem

Kareem A.

Ambassador Bio:

Growing up with a neuromuscular disease meant my life looked different from an early age. I relied on medical equipment, caregivers, and routines that most kids never had to think about. But that changed when I attended MDA Summer Camp. For the first time, I felt like I truly belonged. Camp gave me confidence, independence, and friendships that helped shape who I am today. As I grew older and my medical needs became more complex, the Muscular Dystrophy Association continued to be a constant source of support. MDA Care Centers provided specialized care, educational resources helped my family navigate changing needs, and MDA’s commitment to research gave us hope for the future. Today, I’ve found another community through my work as a Twitch streamer and podcast host. What began to share my love of gaming has grown into a space where disabled and nondisabled people come together to connect, learn, and support one another. I share my story to help others facing uncertainty and to show what’s possible when support and community come together. My hope is to pass that feeling forward — creating spaces where others feel welcome, empowered, and inspired to pursue their goals.

 

Kareem A.
Peter S

Peter S.

Ambassador Bio:

Peter is a true outdoorsman. You can find him engaging in adaptive shooting, hunting, and archery. He even has a YouTube channel where he reviews adaptive outdoor sports equipment, like his Action Track chair, and modifications to daily items for regular activities. When Peter was younger, he wanted to be in the Marines. After being diagnosed with Charcot Marie Tooth disease (CMT), he was no longer able to serve but he still gives his time to fundraising for veterans. Peter doesn’t let living with CMT slow him down. In under 2 years, he has driven over 1300 miles in his wheelchair! With the help of his wife of 29 years and his service dog, Peter is accomplishing his goals.

 

Peter S.
Joshua V

Joshua V.

Bio:

Joshua works every day to not be solely defined by his neuromuscular disease, and that mission includes recognizing his disability and the ways that his understanding and outreach can help others living with a disability. He hopes to raise awareness for treatments as well as to find and make known the accommodations that can be made to forge a world where these diseases have less of a negative impact on our lives and our ability to interact with others. He believes that it is only by creating a more equitable society that we will be able to bridge the gaps between the able-bodied and those with disabilities. While Joshua’s passion is for the expansion of the ADA and general cultural acceptance of disability, his other hobbies include reading, sewing, stop-motion, and gaming. Joshua also enjoys short walks at the park near his house with his family and his Dachshund, Flash.

FAVORITE LIFE-HACK:

I had a metal bar installed horizontally at shoulder level in the shower so I could prop up my arms to wash my own hair. It takes a little effort to get my elbows to the right place, but the support is perfect and reliable once they’re positioned!

Joshua V.
Tripp

Tripp B.

Bio:

Tripp is an adventure seeking, fun, loving, charismatic boy living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). He was diagnosed in 2023 at the age of 6. One of his greatest qualities is his resilience and determination to not let muscular dystrophy stop him from accomplishing his dreams. Tripp dreams of someday having a YouTube channel where he can share his adventures. He always says he wants people to know you can still adventure and have fun while being in a wheelchair. He is also a gaming lover and would like to work on developing mods for games. Tripp has had such an outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and other Duchenne families. His family has found that this community is full of amazing people. They believe that we are definitely better together and that no one should have to go through all of this alone.

FAVORITE LIFE-HACK:

A helpful hack we use is adding a keychain ring to coat zippers to make them easier to grab ahold of and allow independence. Another hack we use for homeschooling is using a visual timer to show when we are moving on to our next subject. It eliminates the repetitive need to know “how much longer”. It is also helpful for time management outside of homeschool.

Tripp B.
Jordan S

Jordan S.

Bio:

Jordan is a pastor and film maker who is passionate about telling his story and raising awareness for neuromuscular disease. Living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has pushed Jordan to become the “protagonist” of his life and embrace his desire to become an advocate for the disability community. In his free time, he loves to perform stand-up comedy and spend time with his family. MDA has always been an important resource for Jordan and his family. They connected his family to treatment, specialized care, resources for accessibility, as well as provided Jordan with the opportunity to attend MDA Sumer Camp. Jordan says, “Without MDA’s support, I would not have the success that I do now.”

 

Jordan S.

This Season’s Favorites

Our MDA Ambassadors have curated a brand-new set of their must-have products for you to check out. Consider them your personal shoppers and check out their recommendations below for innovative ways to enhance independence and make life a little more accessible in style. Browse their personal favorites to find something for yourself or to add to your holiday shopping list!

Laptop Bed Desk

Recommended by: Jordan S.

I love using this type of laptop desk to simplify all computer activities and remote work.

Automatic Door Opener

Recommended by: Jordan S.

One of my favorite hacks is using these remote transmitters to automatically and independently open my doors.

Garage Door App

Recommended by:

I have complete control of my garage door with the MyQ iOS app! Among other similar apps, this makes me feel secure.

PlayStation Remoteplay App

Recommended by: Jordan S.

A remote play app that controls your video game console from your phone. I can play video games again with just my thumb and iOS voice control!

Gooseneck Phone Holder

Recommended by: Jordan S.

This fastens securely to my wheelchair with little to no need for adjustment, regardless of wheelchair position. And I can independently record videos.

Rechargeable Handwarmer

Recommended by: Tripp B.

This is a must have if you live somewhere cold and suffer from muscle pain in cold temperatures. Makes a great stocking stuffer!

Drawstring Shorts and Pants

Recommended by: Tripp B.

Lightweight drawstring pants and shorts are easier to put on and move around in than jeans. They come in different materials and are sold at many stores.

Large Pencil Grips

Recommended by: Tripp B.

These are comfortable, easy to use, and great at reducing hand fatigue. Great for kids or adults.

Jumbo Wide Pencils

Recommended by: Tripp B.

Tripp struggled with holding a regular size pencil even with grips on it. It wasn’t until he started using jumbo width pencils that it got easier.

Spring Loaded Scissors

Recommended by: Tripp B.

These make cutting paper so much easier. Highly recommend for kids with weakness in their fingers/hands.  

Adaptive Shoes

Recommended by: Joshua V.

While these are a little pricey, Billy Footwear has completely restored my shoe-donning routine – and they are orthotics compatible.

Orthotics Chafe Guard

Recommended by: Joshua V.

In the long Texas summers, I use these bandages to protect my legs when knee socks are too hot.  

Desk Extension Armrest

Recommended by: Joshua V.

This sturdy armrest provides support at the same level as my computer mouse so that I can use it independently.

Jar Opener

Recommended by: Joshua V.

This grip tool helps me open lids and jars that I couldn’t before. The whole family uses it now!

Magnetic Button Up Shirts

Recommended by: Joshua V.

These magnetic button shirts help me get ready solo. And they are great for professional outfits!