Therapists can help you to find what equipment is best for you. Sometimes there are funding options that therapists can help you apply for.

It is important to remember that suppliers know their equipment well but they do not know you and what you need. Bigger and more expensive with all the bells and whistles does not necessarily mean better. Therapists will help you navigate the many equipment options available.

Occupational therapists:

• Personal care tasks such as bathing, showering, toileting, dressing, grooming including home modifications.
• Meal preparation and cooking, including kitchen furniture, fixtures and fittings. 
• Eating and drinking
• Laundry and household cleaning
• Seating
• Home access including ramps, door openers and other home modifications.
• Independent control of standard devices like mobiles, computers, home entertainment, home access
• Transfers
• Mobility
• Transport
• Driving a vehicle
• Recreation
• Work or education

Physiotherapists:

• Sleep, bed positioning, toileting and continence during the night, temperature control, transfers and bed mobility, bed safety and other bed furnishings
• Transfers
• Mobility
• Recreation
• Walking

Speech pathologists / therapists:

• Eating and drinking
• Communication
• Independent control of standard devices like mobiles and computers
   

There are many sources of information when it comes to equipment. Many people comment they didn’t know that equipment was available or where to look or wish they had known that there was equipment that could help them do it better.

Browse these pages for a summary of the types of equipment often used by people with physical disabilities. 

The Independent Living Centres Australia is an excellent link for equipment information.

Online: www.ilcaustralia.org.au