Accessible Sex Toys

Sex toys are not often created with accessibility in mind. For people with disabilities or a chronic illness, traditional sex (think missionary) or using certain sex toys may pose some difficulties. Some of the common barriers to participating in sexual activities are decreased mobility, increased sensation, reduced sensation, and fatigue. Impairments to a person’s ability to engage in sexual activity and express their sexuality can be devastating to their quality of life. Sex toys and positioning aides can be utilized to overcome these barriers. We at SHA are here with some recommendations for those of us who are looking for accessible sex toys to enhance any disabled individual’s sex life. Sexuality is an essential part of most people’s lives and everyone is entitled to experience it. Some of the best features to look for when searching for accessible sex toys are as follows:

• Look for body-safe or medical-grade materials. This step is crucial for individuals with sensitive skin or prone to allergic reactions. If you suffer from a weakened immune system, you may also want to ensure you are using body-safe or medical-grade materials to ensure that you don’t develop an infection from using a sex toy. 
• Make sure the toy is easy to hold or handless. It will be challenging to grasp if you have chronic pain in your hands or don’t have your upper limbs. Some sex toys are handless that you can sit on or place inside of and/or on top of your genitals. You can also look for a bulbous bottom on the toy to hold the toy like a stick shift which can be easier on the hands than a straight shaft.
  
• The toy should be easy to keep in place for frustration-free use. Ergonomic, thin, and flat toys can be tucked securely into undies for easier access. This is great for those of us who have any hand or upper limb disabilities. When looking for internal toys, you may want to consider a toy that tapers so that it gets smaller towards the base. The base narrow design will require you to keep pushing to hold the toy in, this can make it so that the toy can be propped up against a pillow or used with a fastener for frustration-free use. 
• Get a toy that does a majority of the work for you. There’s a time and a place for glass and steel dildos, but those toys require you to do much of the work yourself since they don’t vibrate and their rigid material can make them unwieldy Instead, go for deeper, rumblier vibrations that stimulate a larger area. Ideally, a toy will have good quality vibration within a shape that makes even the slightest small movement pleasurable. 
• If a toy can multi-task, all the better. Buying a sex toy is always a bit of a gamble as you don’t know how it’ll work with your body and if it’s going to get you off. Once you buy a sex toy, you’re kind of stuck with it. This is why it’s important to research your sex toys and ensure that you’re purchasing a toy that has a high likelihood of working with your body type. If you find a toy with multiple uses, though, you’ve got numerous chances of making it work for you. 
• Think of it as an investment. Some toys designed with accessibility in mind can be pricey. Still, if the toy suits your body and is accessible to you, then it’s worth the extra money. Sex toys are an investment because you can use them repeatedly. In addition, they typically enhance people’s sex lives rather than with a partner or when used for solo play. 

Accessible Sex Toy Recommendations 

Xes is an Australian sex toy company that creates sex toys with accessibility in mind. The company was founded by a couple in Sydney with a background in rehabilitation and occupational therapy, advocating sexual wellbeing, empowerment, accessibility, inclusivity, and pleasure! Their focus is to empower individuals with physical, cognitive, and sexual health conditions to engage their sexuality, join the conversation around sexual wellbeing and explore their innermost desires. An article featured on their website offers some excellent sex toy recommendations If you’re an individual with decreased mobility, Xes recommends the following toys:

The Bonbon sex toy mount 

This mount offers hands-free control. Once a toy is mounted into the pillow mount, the user does not require hand or arm mobility to hold it in place. This mount can be used to hold other sex toys, like a dildo or vibrator, into place so a user can comfortably use their toys hands-free. It’s a great option for anyone with decreased upper limb mobility. 

Ruby Glow 

This toy only requires placement either on the user or on a nearby service the user can access. Therefore this toy works well with those who have limited hand or arm function for holding sex toys. The toy does all of the work itself, and the user just needs to position their body on top of it. 

Enigma 

The Enigma is long-handled and ergonomic, making it easy to use if you have a hand or arm mobility concerns. Most notably, if you suffer from chronic wrist pain, this toy is great because the long handle allows for easier mobility. 

Doggy Rider

The Doggy Rider works well for people with trunk control deficits. It can help the client be held in position by their partner to increase stability in various sexual positions. This toy is meant to be used in Doggy Style as it takes the pressure off of the user’s back and allows their partner to hold them in place. 

Pulse Duo and Pulse Solo

This product can be used with a flaccid or erect penis. Additionally, it can be used hands-free, meaning that it can be used by clients who have decreased hand and arm mobility and reduced trunk control after setup.

Moxie 

This product can be controlled by a cellphone. That means it can be controlled by a user or their partner for solo or mutual pleasure. One of its many benefits, this toy can be placed in underwear, so for someone who has a caregiver who assists with sex toy positioning, this toy is discrete and does not require intensive setup. Once positioned, the user can control the toy themselves using the app. 

By Alyssa Morterud