There are many different types of practical specialist equipment that is available to help disabled people lead independent lives. This equipment can assist in improving the quality of life for those who have physical limitations due to disabilities, old age or accidents.
On this page we will highlight certain types of disability equipment, offer impartial advice on what they can do for you, and where possible tell you their approximate cost.
Before you purchase any products it is advisable to go and try out the equipment and to see it demonstrated. You may also want to seek the advice of an occupational therapist or other healthcare workers to ensure it suits your needs and is also safe disability living. You should also measure the equipment and make sure you purchase a model that fits your room or hallway.
It is the duty of all responsible employers to assist its disabled employees whose disability can affect their work performance. Under the legislation of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 this particularly applies to public sector jobs. For instance if they use a wheelchair and find it difficult to access buildings. There can be many obstacles and barriers that disabled people have to overcome to be able to do their work properly.
Access to work
This is a project run by the government to help disabled people to gain access to their workplace by providing them with disabled equipment. Problems can arise because their current employer may lack a well adapted work environment, that does not offer great mobility room. People are welcome to apply for a grant, their application will be reviewed by a adviser who will decide if funding is to be made available. Grants are available for mobility aids or for different office disability equipment like adjustable height desks, providing a wheel chair ramp, or riser chairs.
Height adjustable office desks
These are office desks that the user is able to adjust in height, some are electronic motor operated and others are manual operated. Making them easy to raise or lower to the ideal position. They are ideal for people who use wheelchairs or who maybe below average height or above it, or even though who through injury or disability have to change their position regularly. Other individuals may find it easier to occasionally stand at their workstation and work. One of the benefits of this is that is can easy those with back problems. They are similar to Sit Stand Tables.
Riser chair and lift chairs
These are special chairs designed to help elderly people or those who have difficult getting up, in rising and sitting comfortably. They are driven by motors, and have easy to use controls with buttons. These electric chairs have their own tilt mechanism as well as adjustability mechanism that allows them to rise and recline. They can become flat like a bed, as well as rise to a standing position. Some of the more modern ones are made in leather and have a heating system as well, to warm the chair up and control its temperature.
Stair lifts
Going upstairs can be difficult for those who have a disability or walking impairment say due to bad knees. Having a stair lift can greatly increase safety for those going up stairs. When looking at stair lifts check to see where the controls are, also how it will be installed, it your stairway curved or will banister rails come in the way. Also measure its size and see if the lift can be folded, as this will make it easier for other people to use the stairway. All stair lifts should have a battery power back up installed.
Walk in baths
These are quite simply baths that you open a ‘door’ for and then walk inside, the door can open inwards or outwards. Obviously the door to the bath is sealed very tight, so as to ensure that once the bath is filled then the water cannot get out. Walk in baths remove the need for bath lifts and carer assistance by enabling you to simply walk in. certain baths have steps that allow easier access for the bather.
Bath lifts
These are seats that will lift the disabled bather into the bath water itself, giving you the independence to have a bath on your own. They typically back a back rest, are motor driven and have powered controls so you can be placed exactly where you want to be. They tend to also have a alarm button, in case you get into difficulties. There are many different lift types, including manual bath lifts and even inflatable bath lifts.
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