What Are Assistive Devices?Assistive technology items are designed to help people with disabilities perform activities of daily life and fully participate in their communities. These items can be purchased, modified, or customized, and are specifically designed to help you independently complete tasks you may not be able to otherwise. Show
Access to high-quality assistive technology items is key to the personal and professional development of individuals with disabilities. These products also help remove physical or mental barriers that may keep you from achieving your full potential. The right assistive devices can also help you stay in your own home for as long as possible, rather than moving into a long-term care facility. What is Adaptive Equipment?Adaptive equipment is a subcategory of assistive technology that’s specifically designed for people with disabilities (and unlikely to be used by those without them). In most cases, adaptive devices for persons with disabilities are modified to help you complete a specific task. Common examples include adaptive car equipment, screen readers, and sip-and-puff systems, among others. Who Can Benefit from Assistive Devices & Adaptive Equipment?Many people can benefit from incorporating adaptive equipment and assistive devices into their everyday lives. This includes:
List of Assistive Devices & Adaptive EquipmentThere are many examples of adaptive devices and assistive technology items for people with disabilities. We’ve broken them down into categories and will take a closer look at each one below. Cognitive DevicesThese items are specifically designed to help people with brain injuries, dementia, mental illness, and intellectual disabilities. Adaptive cognitive devices include diaries, calendars, lists, schedules, and personal organizers. There are also a variety of assistive devices intended specifically for people with dementia, like:
Communication DevicesThese assistive technology items are intended to help people who have difficulty producing or understanding speech. Depending on their functionalities, these devices may be referred to as augmentative (supporting speech) or alternative (compensating for speech). Examples include:
Daily Living DevicesThe largest category of assistive devices for people with disabilities, these items allow you to safely live at home for as long as possible. They’re specifically designed to help you complete activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Here are a handful of the most common assistive and adaptive daily living devices:
Hearing DevicesAlong with making it easier to hear, these assistive devices can improve your language skills, thereby increasing your access to education and employment. Assistive technology items for hearing include:
Mobility DevicesThis category of assistive devices for people with disabilities includes a wide variety of items that make it easier to navigate your physical environment. Along with reducing healthcare costs, these products can improve your access to educational and professional opportunities. You can also find ultra-lightweight mobility devices that allow you to play sports and remain physically active. Here is a list of assistive devices specifically designed to improve your mobility:
Positioning DevicesPositioning products and equipment are among the most common assistive technology devices for physical disabilities. People with physical disabilities may have difficulty maintaining good posture, leaving them more at risk of developing deformities and other health problems. Positioning devices include wedges, standing frames, cushions, splints, and corner chairs, among others. Vision DevicesThe final category of assistive devices for people with disabilities contains products designed for individuals who are visually impaired or blind. You can choose from the following list of adaptive devices:
Choosing the Right Adaptive Equipment & Assistive DevicesThe wide variety of assistive and adaptive devices for persons with disabilities can make choosing the right product very overwhelming. It’s important to consult with your doctor and any other relevant professionals who can help you find the best device for your needs. Depending on your situation, this may include teachers, physical or occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and representatives from companies that manufacture assistive technologies. Your best bet is to pick the simplest product that targets the specific activity that you need assistance with. Along with being easier to use, basic devices are typically less expensive and easier to maintain than complicated ones. Solicit recommendations from other people with disabilities, and request a free trial whenever possible to see if the assistive device will actually meet your needs. Barriers to Obtaining Adaptive & Assistive Technology ItemsUnfortunately, there are many barriers associated with obtaining adaptive and assistive devices for people with disabilities. These challenges include (but are not limited to) the following:
Most countries don’t have national assistive technology policy programs, and private sector access is typically poor or nonexistent. Additionally, assistive devices often aren’t included in healthcare plans, leading to high out-of-pocket costs that are prohibitive for many people who need them. Making adaptive equipment and assistive technology more accessible for people with disabilities – regardless of their location or income level – starts with:
Paying for Adaptive Equipment & Assistive TechnologyAs
mentioned above, assistive technology items often come with significant purchase and maintenance expenses. This is especially true for devices that are intended for children or individuals whose expected improvement will ultimately cause them to outgrow the product.
What are products that help disabled people?Examples include:. bathing aids.. walking frames.. bed levers.. toilet frames.. stair lifts.. hospital beds.. hoists.. What equipment helps with mobility?If you or someone you know has difficulty walking or getting around (mobility), a wheelchair, scooter or walking aid might help.
What are examples of the kind of support and services most helpful to persons with disabilities?More Services for Persons with Disabilities. Adult Day Health Screens.. Adult Family Care.. Benefits Counseling.. CARE (Coordination, Advocacy, Referrals, and Education). Community Nursing Facility Screens.. Congregate Housing.. Farm to Home Food Program.. Healthy Living.. |