One of the main reasons people with disabilities do not garden is because their physical barriers prevent the use of standard gardening tools. DIGA addresses this problem with the help of its affiliated non-profit, the Tetra Society of North America. Tetra recruits volunteer engineers and technicians to create custom assistive devices. They work with our gardeners to create one-of-a-kind tools that meet their needs.

From the addition of a simple strap or handle to the creation of a mechanism with moving parts, DIGA and Tetra do whatever is necessary to get members planting, maintaining, and enjoying their gardens.

Previous examples of Tetra devices for DIGA members include: adapted hand tools, garden stools, materials to kneel on and devices to transfer between a wheelchair and the ground.

About Tetra

The Tetra Society of North America is an independent non-profit that provides custom assistive devices to people with disabilities. It was founded in 1987 and has chapters across Canada and the USA. Tetra's volunteers work with people that have a specific need that cannot be met by commercially available adaptive devices.

Tetra tools in use

Cydney Wong, who has cerebral palsy, has been gardening thanks to a specially adapted custom-made Tetra trowel.

“This is her first garden that she has had to take care of and watch things grow, as she lives in a townhouse,” said her mother Nellie. “Being in a wheelchair inhibits many people from gardening as there is the issue of the height level. Because her garden is raised at the height of her wheelchair, she finds it much easier to actually participate in the planting and watering of her garden.

“Tetra has even kindly offered to make a special hand-held custom trowel for her. This has been a great opportunity for her.”