Normal to Me

My name is Craig Acton.  I was born with club hands on both arms, and my wrist bones fused differently, which means I have no wrist movement.  Both of my arms are short, but they are about the same length. 

What does a day in my life look like as an AULD – Adult with Upper Limb Discrepancies?  I was asked this question and had to take a moment to look around at my life and day, because it seems normal to me.

There isn’t anything too out of the ordinary around the house. In the kitchen, I keep frequently used items on the first or second shelf of the cupboards. For example, opening jars is difficult; I use a piece of rubber cloth to help with my grip so I can loosen and open them.

I drive a lot, so let’s talk about the car.  My license has really no restrictions.  But because my arms are short, I have to have a seat closer to the steering wheel.  The disadvantage of that is, if I were to get into a car accident where the airbag deployed, I think that would hurt me a little more than the typical driver.  Also, the angles of putting on and taking off the seat belt differ because of where you have to click it.  It makes it a little bit more difficult sometimes, especially if I am wearing a lot of coats.  The new cars with the electronic touchscreens for the radio, GPS, and other instruments are difficult to manage.  I don’t like those cars and prefer no screen at all. So, my car is pretty basic with no adaptations.

Where I experience the biggest challenge in adapting is with my computer and phone.  I prefer not to type much, so on my phone, I use the speech-to-text function for emails and other lengthy writing; I find it easier to speak than to type.  Until recently, with my computer, I typed and used a mouse. 

However, in February of 2024, I went to a Hand Camp, organized by the Hands to Love non-profit organization.  Hands to Love (Congenital Hand Camp, Inc.) is an organization that supports children with upper limb differences and their families.  They provide a casual, caring environment where families are supported by healthcare professionals and many other volunteers at our annual Hand Camp to offer campers adaptive solutions for routine and recreational activities. Interestingly, most children and most people with upper limb discrepancies have one “normal arm,” and the second one has issues.  Very few people have two affected arms.  Both of my arms are affected, but I pretty much have finger function, and I do a lot.  

At the last Hand Camp, I collaborated with an organization named GRIP to improve my work environment.  GRIP, or Generational Relief in Prosthetics, is a student organization at the University of Florida and Florida State University.  They do things like manufacture different devices for students, such as producing 3D-printed arms or hands and creating game consoles to help kids play games. GRIP is building me a new keyboard and mouse to assist with my work.  I’m looking forward to seeing how that will help me adapt and enhance my speed in writing and responding to emails, making my overall computer experience easier.

I enjoy ballroom dancing.  When I have lessons or go out dancing, I find that I have an advantage over long-armed guys.  I get to dance closer to the woman than they do.  But I have found with dancing that there is no adaptation, it’s just learning good technique and spending that time on my arms. 

This year, we are focusing on better use of my arms and arm styling.  It was something that former teachers largely avoided.  There are styles of dancing that I initially didn’t even want to pursue due to my self-consciousness about how the shapes and movements typically appear.  However, my instructor, Ekaterina Derevleva at the Ballroom Dance Academy in Jacksonville, Florida, boldly said, “We’re going to tackle this, and you’re going to find that what we do with your arms will enhance your dancing.”

Dancing is a big part of my life, and I enjoy it so much.  I get to be around people, and I get to just enjoy good music, good friends, and good dancing.  When I’m on the dance floor, it’s just me, my partner, and the music, and the rest of the world goes away.  That is where all the trappings of society go away.

A day in the life of me is my normal with an attitude of positivity and passion.  My life is my normal, and it’s wonderful!