At Avant Innovations, we are committed to providing assistive technology that empowers people of all abilities, and when it comes to the classroom, the right tool can make all the difference.

For students with hand disabilities or weak grip strength, tasks like writing, drawing, or using a stylus can be discouraging or even impossible. Teachers and therapists often spend valuable time adapting lessons or offering one-on-one support to help these students participate. That’s exactly why the FUNctionalhand was developed: to support inclusion, independence, and participation for every child.

Originally designed by occupational and physical therapists, the FUNctionalhand is a uniquely engineered universal cuff that makes it easier for students to hold and use everyday objects. Whether it’s a pencil, marker, paintbrush, glue stick, fork, or tablet stylus, this flexible and durable device helps children engage more fully in learning, social activities, and daily living, without requiring constant assistance.

What Makes the FUNctionalhand Different?

Unlike traditional universal cuffs that often only support vertical or horizontal grip (but not both), the FUNctionalhand provides multi-directional holding capabilities. It supports the natural arches of the hand to promote proper alignment, avoids awkward wrist postures, and works with tools of varying shapes and size, from narrow pens to wide glue sticks.

Its innovative design allows it to:

• Accommodate different tool diameters without extra attachments

• Provide secure, stable grip for children with tremors, low muscle tone, or hand deformities

• Encourage correct hand positioning for safe and effective use

• Promote active participation without forcing the hand into uncomfortable positions

For children with conditions like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injuries, arthritis, or developmental delays, this device enables participation that might otherwise be out of reach. It’s a practical, inclusive tool that can adapt to many tasks across the school day.

“Finally, a tool that eliminates frustration... It holds objects securely, accommodates different sizes quickly and easily, and allows so many kids with neuro challenges to finally participate with their hands!”
— Diane Ryan, OTR/L

Inclusive Classrooms Start with Adaptive Equipment

True inclusion means more than placing students with diverse abilities in the same room. It means giving every child the tools and support they need to participate, express themselves, and succeed. The FUNctionalhand plays a critical role in achieving this vision.

What Can It Be Used For?

• Writing and drawing

• Painting and art activities

• Using a stylus or tablet

• Cooking and life skills practice

• Eating and self-care

• Holding musical instruments or toys

• Group games and classroom interaction

Whether it’s being the spinner in a game of Twister or completing a handwriting worksheet independently, the FUNctionalhand helps make everyday moments more accessible and empowering.

A Few Real-Life Classroom Wins

• Silas uses his FUNctionalhand to paint, write, hold his lollipop, dye Easter eggs, and engage in imaginative play.

• A young violinist used it to return to playing music after being unable to hold her bow.

• One boy became the "spinner master" in a class game for the first time thanks to his improved grip.

• Students can now eat lunch independently, hold their milk cartons, and sit with their peers without constant adult help.

• A student who used to avoid homework due to frustration now completes it happily, giving both him and his family peace of mind.

Every one of these stories reflects what’s possible when students are empowered with the right adaptive equipment.

Teachers Benefit Too

We understand how much time and emotional energy teachers put into making sure every student can participate. Modifying materials, preparing alternative tools, and managing transitions can be exhausting. That’s why the FUNctionalhand is also a win for educators.

It allows students to use standard classroom materials with minimal setup or assistance. Teachers spend less time scrambling for last-minute adaptations and more time doing what they are best at: teaching!

Plus, the FUNctionalhand is lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. It’s made from high-quality, long-lasting materials including marine-grade shock cord and is dishwasher-safe, which makes it hygienic and practical for repeated use in busy classrooms.

A Smart, Cost-Effective Choice for Schools

Budget pressures are real in education, especially when it comes to providing support for students with varying physical needs. Many adaptive devices are single-use or task-specific, meaning schools need to buy different aids for writing, art, feeding, and tech use.

The FUNctionalhand eliminates that need by serving multiple purposes in one adaptable design, helping reduce clutter, storage issues, and unnecessary expense.

It’s also ideal for students with temporary hand injuries, such as those recovering from playground accidents or surgeries, giving them a way to stay involved in learning even while healing.

One Adaptive Tool, Endless Possibilities

We believe that assistive technology should be empowering, not limiting. The FUNctionalhand is a tool that grows with the user, adapts to various needs, and turns frustration into independence.

Whether you’re a teacher, therapist, school principal, or parent, the FUNctionalhand deserves a place in your toolkit.

✅ Promotes independence and confidence
✅ Reduces teacher stress and saves time
✅ Encourages participation and inclusion
✅ Replaces multiple single-purpose devices
✅ Built to last, hygienic, and easy to clean

Ready to empower your classroom or clinic?
Shop the FUNctionalhand HERE

Let’s make inclusion easier one grip at a time.

*This blog is inspired from an originally published article on the functionalhand website.