DIY Adaptive Drinking Straw Holder

Enhance independence during mealtimes with a DIY adaptive drinking straw holder. Improve hydration along with independence in daily living with a secure and adjustable straw aid. This adaptive drinking aid is designed to assist individuals who experience difficulties while drinking due to hand strength, dexterity, range of motion, or stability. Also explore different type of adaptive straws available and tips for helping to stabilize a cup. This is a quick and simple occupational therapy tutorial, so let’s get started!

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Hello!

The other day when I was brainstorming ideas for how to make today’s adaptive straw holder, I was quickly reminded to keep-it-simple. I love projects like this where no glue, tools, or special items are needed. This simple, easy, and super effective drinking aid done in less than a minute. Plus, you can keep the binder clip in your purse or bag for when you need it.

What Is An Adaptive Drinking Straw Holder

An adaptive drinking straw holder, recommened by occupational therapy practitioners, is a type of assistive technology. This adaptive aid helps individuals drink from a straw more easily with enhanced independence and comfort. A stable straw can help make straw use more accessible, eliminating the need to gather and hold the straw. This type of adaptive device keeps the straw in place while sipping. Furthermore, this adaptive drinking aid remains stable even when the cup moves.

The DIY Adaptive Drinking Straw Holder

Today’s adaptive drinking straw holder uses a binder clip to stabilize the straw along with a flexible straw. I found a package of silicone straws at our local Walmart. Walmart also carries flexible stainless steel straws as well. I chose the silicone straws because of their flexiblity and are easier on the teeth in cases of biting the straw.

The size of binder clip you use should be based on the width of straw you plan to use.

*See the section below on different types of adaptive drinking straws for further information.

Who Might Benefit From Using An Adaptive Straw Holder

Those who experience one or more of the following may benefit from using a stabilized drinking straw:

Differences in upper body and fine motor control
Difficulties with coordination such as ataxia
Parkinson’s Disease or essential tremors
Limited dexterity
Hand and/or upper extremity (arm) weakness
Limited upper extremity range of motion
Arthritis care
Decreased upper body range of motion

More DIY Assistive Technology:

What Type Of Drinking Straw Is Needed?

Adaptive drinking straws are designed to make drinking easier and safer for individuals with various needs. The type of drinking straw needed for this project is based on the personal needs of the user.

As stated above I chose a standard, flexed silicon drinking straw as it provides some cushion if biten versus a stainless steel straw or hard plastic straw. Additionally, a soft silicone straw is flexible and it helps to prevent pokes and straw-related injuries. Plus they’re reuable and easy to clean.

Adjust the type of straw you use based on your’s or your loved ones personal needs.

Types Of Adaptive Drinking Straws

Weighted straws have a weight at the end of the tubing inside the cup. This allows the straw to stay submerged in liquid even when tilted at different angles.
Flexible straws can be positioned at various angles for comfortable drinking without the need to lean or tilt the head or cup excessively.
One-way valve straws helps keep liquid from flowing back into the straw reducing the need for continuous sucking. This type of straw can be beneficial for those with limited suction and oral motor differences. This straw also helps to reduce the risk of aspiration, choking, or ingesting excessive air.
Extendible straws helps to avoid lifting the cup to drink and can be helpful for those with shoulder pain, limited upper body mobility, or difficulty lifting a cup. Extendible straws can be used as a hands-free option.
Wide straws help thick liquids pass through the straw more easily although require more suction.
Volume-limiting straws limits the amount of liquid taken in helping to prevent aspiration. These work well for those with dysphagia or swallowing difficulties.

Check out this resource by Equip2Adapt for adaptive and hands-free cups, mugs, and other drinking devices available.

How Can I Make My Cup More Stable?

Consider using a cup with a wide base
Non-slip shelf liner placed under the cup to help prevent it from sliding
Weighted cups can be especially helpful for those with tremors, ataxia, difficulties with fine motor and upper body control
Use no-spill cups or cups with a lid

Low Vision and Sensory Adaptations

For those with low vision, add a tactile cue such as a silicone furniture bumper, dab of hot glue, or a sticker to the side of your cup under where the straw is located. These built up indicators add a tactile sensory cue to help locate the straw position. On the other hand, adding a bumper, dab of hot glue, or stickers can add texture and friction to the cup helping to secure the cup in the hand when grasping.

* Please use caution as this adaptation can also be a choking hazard for those under the age of 3 years and for anyone who chews on non-food items.

Brightly colored straws in a contrasting color can also be beneficial for those with low vision who have difficulty seeing light colored straws.

Is The Straw and Clip Dishwasher Safe?

Before washing the cup in your dishwasher, make sure to remove the binder clip. Metal binder clips are dishwasher safe and can be placed in the utensil basket. However, binder clips that have plastic on them as well, such as the red one featured, is not dishwasher safe. Binder clips with any plastic on them should be washed by hand. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding washing your cup and straw.

If you added a tactile cue such as a furniture bumper, sticker, or hot glue to your cup, it is best to wash the cup by hand to prevent it from coming off in your dishwasher.

How To Make An Adaptive Drinking Straw Holder

Materials

Plastic cup of choice
Flexible silicone straw or other straw based on the user’s needs
Binder clip based on the width of your straw
Scissors, if needed to shorten the length of the straw

Instructions

First, clip the binder clip to the side of the cup. Adjust placement if there are handles on the cup.
Next, slip the straw through the inside binder clip handle based on your preference as seen in the pictures above. A downward position is recommended to avoid bumping into and to prevent injuries. Trim the standard silicone drinking straw if needed to fit the size of the cup.
Wash the cup and binder clip as you routinely would (see note above).

Resources

Equip2Adapt also has a helpful resource on various types of adaptive and hands-free cups, mugs, and other drinking devices