Chapter 1: What Are Assistive Devices?

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• A Variety of Solutions
• You're the Expert!
• Some Options
• New Perceptions
• Next Steps

An assistive device is any product that can be used to make the activities of daily life at work, home or play easier.

Put simply, assistive devices are any thing or service you use to enhance your independence.

This guide focuses on assistive devices. It covers the many issues seniors, veterans, individuals with a disability and their caregivers need to consider before starting the process of obtaining assistive devices. Having this information empowers you in finding the right solutions.

If you feel you're not able to follow the advice in this guide yourself, then get help from your family, friends, other relatives, or try to contact a person who uses assistive devices. Find the best advisors in the area and encourage them to help with your case. Remember, in the end, this process is about your life, your activities, your home and your lifestyle!

If every day you're bothered with a difficult or impossible task or activity of daily living, don't believe your troubles can't be solved. They can!

Never just accept things as they are. Almost anything is possible today!

A Variety of Solutions

Peter's case shows the variety of solutions you can try when "filling the gap" between what you want and where you are.

Therapy/rehabilitation can be provided, so you can increase your physical abilities and tolerance (Peter has been rehabilitated to be able to balance and sit).

Environments can be changed so you can manage with greater ease (the steps of the library's entrance were made level).

Assistive devices can be used to perform, or assist you in performing activities (the computer for volunteer work, the electric wheelchair for mobility).

Personal assistants can be used for activities you can't manage yourself (using the toilet facilities).

You're the Expert!

There are as many ways to solve problems as there will be opinions on how you ought to manage your restrictions and live your life. Professional advisors in assistive devices, such as occupational therapists or physiotherapists, will provide solutions to some of your problems. But don't think their opinions count more than yours, or that you must accept a solution if you don't feel it's the right one. You're the only person who knows what's right for you.

The design, look and colour of assistive devices are often the subject of much discussion between users and advisors. Many users find their assistive devices become part of their identity and personality. Some have difficulty accepting an assistive device which they find plain or unattractive. Then again, certain devices such as orthotics don't offer much flexibility in style and appearance.

Continue persisting until you find solutions that are right for you. It's your life, your activities, your home and your lifestyle. You're the real expert!

Some Options

Doing it in the Same Way
If in social situations it's important for you to cope like a person without a restriction or disability, you're entitled to find the best solution for you.

For example, Marion broke her right hip and after surgery, she no longer walks as well as she used to. But she didn't want to have a wheelchair for outings with her friends; she wanted to walk like other people. So she chose a walking stick with a little rest-seat, where she can pause and rest her legs and back. Marion knows this makes walking slower, but this is what she wanted.

Finding New Ways
If you want to continue with your daily activities and functions but can't handle them in the same way as your friends, you can try to find another way to carry them out. Sound complicated? It's not.

Marion used to enjoy walking to the mailbox with her letters, but now the walk is too difficult. So she's started to use the computer to send her letters by electronic mail. Her activity (sending letters) is maintained using a different function (computer rather than Canada Post).

New Perceptions

Thousands of Canadians have improved their lifestyle by using assistive devices to maintain their independence, conserve energy and reduce dependence on family and caregivers. Initially you may find the inclusion of assistive devices in your life to be difficult but it's all in the attitude!

Yours and others' perception of your disability and of assistive devices has an impact on your self-confidence, your social relations and your ability to cope with activities. Make sure you talk openly about your concerns, issues and feelings, and encourage your family and friends to do the same.

Next Steps

Whether you opt to "do it the same way" or "find a new way," remember that you're in control of the process. It's your life!

The service delivery system in your province may help you obtain the right assistive device for you. Be prepared by:

1. Obtaining all the information you can on assistive devices.
2. Knowing your rights vis-à-vis the service delivery system in your province (see Chapter 2).
3. Clarifying your needs and goals with the help of service providers/advisors/experts (see Chapter 3).
4. Getting the facts and carefully defining your preferences.
5. Knowing that advisors can not always give you all the complete and necessary information: budget limits and costs often come into play.
6. Remembering that vendors are not philanthropic; they want to earn money, so beware the "sales pitch."
7. Knowing that funding programs are limited, and assistive devices can often be expensive.
8. Enquiring about other sources of funding assistance that are available to you.
9. Using a peer counsellor or bringing a friend, when possible.
10. Networking with local organizations for seniors or persons with a disability (a listing of some of these organizations can be found in Appendix 1).

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