Tongs

When a squeezing action is required to operate a tool such as scissors or, in this case, tongs it requires we quadriplegics to use two hands if we hope to have any type of strength or efficiency with a tool of that nature. When much of your actions at the table or preparation surface require an elbow or arm to be down for balance, and two hands are required to operate tool like this, I feel more like an excavator with a very limited pivotal range for my scoop. It's not that it can't be done, it's just that there are often better tools for the job for us.

In the case of a bowl of salad I find a nice large serving spoon to be more effective for both tossing and serving than tongs could ever be. Still, when that sizzling steak on the barbecue is ready to be flipped I feel bad about giving it a gentle stab with my fork, potentially releasing a few juices, rather than a gentle turning with a pair of tongs.

UPDATE: It was brought to my attention, by dear Heather, that these tongs can be the difference between reaching something or being unable to get at it. Of course, her being a paraplegic, her hands are able to use tongs with the ease of anyone, and that's why she has four pairs. Thank you for informing us, Heather!

Source: Really, finding the right substitute for you most likely available at a department or kitchen store.