Shawn is a C5-6 quadriplegic, and he has found certain techniques useful in helping him pick things up off the ground. He demonstrates with three different items: a set of keys, a credit card, and a mobile phone.
Shawn uses a tiled surface instead of a carpeted one as it is harder to pick things up on a flat, tiled floor. Shawn supports his body weight as he bends over from his wheelchair by hooking his weaker arm on the arm bar. This way, his whole body does not fall forward, as he has difficulty getting himself back up. He picks items up with his stronger arm because it has a better control and grip.
He has several key rings on his set of keys to help make it easier for him to loop his finger into one. Once he does so, he simply hoists his keys up.
For objects with a flatter surface, like a credit card or a mobile phone, Shawn slides the object to the front wheels of his wheelchair. Next, he pushes his finger underneath the object to prop it up. By doing so, he can then pinch it with another finger to pick it up. Sometimes, he will lick his fingers before doing so as it gives him more traction.
Check another way to pick things up without finger movement!