Chapter 4: What is Available?

[Previous] [Table of Contents] [Next]

• Communication Aids
• Cognition Aids
• Personal Care Aids
• Personal Mobility Aids
• Housekeeping Aids
• Adaptations to Homes and Other Premises
• Recreation Aids
• Go for it!

This chapter highlights some of the available assistive devices and their uses.

It's not intended as a complete catalogue: the market of assistive devices changes rapidly and every day a new technology appears that could open dramatic new possibilities for people with activity challenges. Stay informed and subscribe to an assistive technology magazine or visit Web sites on assistive devices. A new solution could be a day away!

There are assistive technologies in every area of human activity:

Communication aids - devices to help you write, read, talk, hear and telephone; equipment to help you listen to the radio or watch television; personal emergency response systems; etc.

Cognition aids - turn-on/turn-off timers; illustrative calendars; tape-recorded books and newspapers; etc.

Personal care aids - devices to help you wash; bathe and shower, equipment to help you dress, undress and use the toilet; incontinence aids; etc.

Personal mobility aids - devices to help you walk, transfer, turn and lift; equipment to help you climb stairs; wheelchairs; bikes; modified vehicles; etc.

Housekeeping aids - utensils to help you cook and eat; devices to help you clean the house, do the laundry; etc.

Adaptations to homes and other premises - devices to help you enter, leave and get around in the house; devices to help you get in and out of bed and control the environment; modified furnishings; etc.

Recreation aids - devices to help you participate in sports and fitness; and a variety of other recreational activities.

Communication Aids

We all have a need to communicate with other people. Normally, we communicate by talking or writing to each other but much communication takes place when we listen, watch, sense, read or use sign language. If you have lost some of your ability to talk or write, a number of alternative measures are available to compensate for the loss.

Writing

Consider:

• thick pens or pens wrapped in plastic/rubber tubing, if you have difficulty holding items;
• pens made of chunky, easy-to-grip materials;
• heavier pens, which help achieve precision if you have shaky hands;
• clearly lined paper and a thick ballpoint tip, if you have visual; or impairments
• a computer.

Using Computers

Consider:

• adapted keyboards and mice;
• a magnifying program, if you have visual impairments; or
• voice-recognition software which types by responding to voice commands and words.

Reading

Consider:

• brighter lighting;
• a magnifier;
• a magnifier with builtin light;
• a table-mounted newspaper stand;
• a slanting board resting on the desk or table, or placed on a book stand, fitted onto the arms of the chair, or on a movable stand which you can wheel around;
• a page-turner fitted with a large easy-to-grip handle on one end and a rubber grip on the other;
• an electric page-turner-some of those can be adapted to act on the touch of a finger, a whole-hand grip, a foot, an elbow, chin, or by blowing or pulling a string; or
• a tape recorder, if you want to read taped books or newspapers.

Talking

Consider:

• a speech-device typewriter, where messages are typed on the keyboard and displayed on a small screen or on paper strips;
• a word-saving talking machine, where saved vocabulary (and a number of phrases) is played when a relevant picture, word or symbol is pushed;
• a typewriter;
• a computer equipped with artificial speech, word-banks, or phrase-banks;
• a letter and symbol board; or
• a voice amplifier (if you have a tracheotomy).

Hearing

Consider:

• a hearing aid;
• a headset with a built-in volume control; or
• a flashing light to signal when your doorbell or telephone rings.

Telephoning

A wide range of telephones and devices to assist in the use of the telephone is available, whether you have visual impairments, are hard of hearing, need a voice amplifier, have difficulty remembering telephone numbers or are mobility impaired.

Consider:

• a keyboard with extra large numbers attached to the telephone;
• a telephone with memory keys, available with raised keys and extra large figures;
• marking keys in different colours, or with photos or drawings;
• a voice-operated telephone;
• a loud ringer or a flashing light on the telephone, if you are hard of hearing; or
• a teletypewriter (TTY) or telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD).

Personal Emergency Response Systems

If you are mobility impaired and live alone, security and safety alarms are available. Such systems consist of an alarm, activated by the touch of a button, connected to your telephone. The alarm button can be worn on a necklace or in a pocket. When activated, the alarm is received at the alarm provider's call centre. Some alarm systems offer the possibility of direct contact with emergency services staff.

You could also consider using a cell phone, which you can carry on you at all times.

Listening to the Radio and Watching Television

Consider:

• a large remote control with large colour contrasted buttons;
• an environmental control, which enables you to work not only radio and television, but also light, doors, etc., while sitting in your chair;
• a television-screen magnifier; or
• activating the captioning on your television.

Cognition Aids

There's a great variety of technologies available for people with cognitive disabilities.

Consider:

• an ordinary or homemade calendar with pictures for days and activities;
• an alarm clock set to ring to remind you of important activities;
• a turn-on/turn-off timer set to turn off stoves or other electrical devices;
• using pictures to label cooking and cleaning items;
• using pictures to label contents of cupboards or closets;
• tape-recording instructions or directions for recipes;
• tape-recorded books and newspapers; or
• a cell phone to use in case you get lost (with friends or family numbers pre-programmed and identified with colours or small pictures).

Personal Care Aids

Washing, Bathing and Showering

Consider:

• thermostat mixer-taps;
• grab bars mounted in the shower/bath to ease sitting down and getting up;
• a floor-fitted support rail;
• a bath seat, with or without back support, arm rails or wheels;
• a bath board;
• installing non-slip strips on the bathtub floo;
• padded seats;
• a shower handset; or
• a barrier-free shower stall.

Washing Hands and Face

Consider:

• an adjustable washbasin;
• an electrically operated washbasin; or
• tap fixtures with extended handles.

Using Combs, Bath Brush, etc.

Consider:

• large or angled handles;
• wrapping handles in soft foam material; or
• toe-washerss.

Dressing and Undressing

Consider:

• comfortable clothes with generous sleeve-holes;
• clothes with front fasteners, such as a front-fastening bra;
• clothes made from slippery material and clothes with slippery linings;
• clothes with elastic waists;
• a dressing stick or hook; or
• a reacher.

Using Buttons and Zippers

Consider:

• purchasing/modifying clothes with buttons and button holes which are easy to do up;
• a button hook;
• replacing buttons and button holes with Velcro fasteners;
• a zip puller loop attached to the zipper; or
• zippers in the seams of your clothing, if you have severely reduced strength or if you have a prosthesis.

Putting on and Removing Socks and Shoes

Consider:

• putting your foot on a footstool;
• a sock puller or rubber gloves for putting on socks, stockings or tights;
• a long-handled shoehorn;
• wearing shoes without laces; or
• wearing shoes with Velcro or elasticized laces.

Using the Toilet

Consider:

• a raised toilet seat mounted on the existing toilet;
• a raised toilet;
• mounting the existing toilet on a raised base;
• a toilet chair, wheeled over the existing toilet;
• a raised toilet seat with a forwardslanting seat;
• fitting arm rails on the toilet wall, or in the floor;
• a motor-operated adjustable toilet seat;
• ergonomically designed toilet seats with open fronts, extra widths, etc.;
• inflatable seats or seats made of soft fibre-filled materials;
• toilet paper tongs;
• toilets with built-in bidets and air-dryer function; or
• bedside commodes, with or without wheels.

Incontinence

If you suffer from incontinence, it's important to obtain a complete medical assessment as, in addition to assistive devices, other solutions are available (training, medication or an operation).

Consider:

• adult diapers, pads or protective undergarments;
• ostomy supplies or catheters;
• protective trousers and pads designed for chairs and beds; or
• waterproof lining sheets or waterproof mattress cover (be aware of skin allergies).

Personal Mobility Aids

Support for Walking:

• wearing a hip protector;
• custom-made orthotics;
• choosing streets/routes with the fewest obstacles (stairs, a difference in levels, heavy doors, etc.);
• advocating: speak to your local politician about your problems in order to stress how important getting around is to you;
• a cane or walking stick;
• a frame walker;
• a rollator (wheeled walker); or
• a trolley.

Wheelchairs and Scooters

There are many types of wheelchairs and scooters (motorized
wheelchairs) available. The points below should be considered
a simple overview of things to consider when deciding whether
or not a wheelchair or a scooter is right for you.

Consider

• Do you want a manual or electric wheelchair?
• Will you use it outdoors, indoors, or both?
• Will you transport it in a car? a van? (i.e. does it need to be collapsible and/or lightweight?)
• Will your wheelchair be pushed by someone else?
• Do you need a sport or high performance wheelchair?
• Can you control the wheelchair yourself or, for instance, will you need computerized steering?
• Will you need assistance standing?
• Where you will store it?

Bed Transfer, Turning and Lifting Activities:

• a transfer board;
• a turning disc;
• glide sheets or glide cushions;
• a lifting pole, available in many models for beds, chairs and bathtubs;
• a mobile hoist, available in either hydraulic/manual-operated or electric operated models (note: lifting by a hoist always needs an assistant);
• a standing hoist;
• a footstool or lowering the bed; or
• a portable lifting cushion.

Biking:

• an adult tricycle;
• a tandem bike, which can be used by people with visual impairments or disabilities;
• a hand-driven bike, if you have little or no force in the legs; or
• attaching a small help-engine to the bike.

Driving:

• a vehicle fitted for your wheelchair;
• a personal assistant to do the driving;
• having a vehicle adapted for your use with specialized hand controls for driving; or
• alternative transport if you can no longer drive.

Climbing Staircases:

• railings;
• a wheelchair specially constructed to climb stairs;
• a stair lift; or
• an elevator.

Housekeeping Aids

Arranging the Kitchen

Consider:

• a turning space of 170 X 170 cm (67 X 67 inches), minimum, to accommodate wheelchair users;
• lowered oven and sink areas for easier access;
• lowered cupboards, counters and electrical outlet;
• side-opening oven door;
• installing a heat-resistant counter top on which to push hot pans and baking trays;
• insulating underneath the sink, if you are a wheelchair user without tactile sensation in your legs; or
• installing glass cupboards so you can see their contents.

Cooking

Consider:

• an adjustable stool and a trolley for transferring things;
• if you have limited vision, using contrasting colours as it makes items easier to distinguish (food, dishes and utensils);
• using electric kitchen tools, such as the food-processor for chopping, blending and whisking, electric kettles, eggboilers, potato peelers, etc.;
• automatic switch-off devices if you find it difficult to remember to turn things off;
• pot and pan holders which extend the length and improve the grip of existing handles;
• cooking baskets to avoid lifting heavy pans;
• pot minders/watchers (small metal plates which make bubbling noises when liquid boils);
• kitchen tongs;
• long barbeque mitts to protect yourself when carrying hot pots and pans; or
• a stool to sit on in front of the counter to perform tasks.

Kitchen Utensils

Consider:

• a special preparation board (with pegs to hold food, suction cups to keep the board steady and/or clamps) if you only have the use of one hand or cannot grip things;
• a buttering board with raised L-shaped or angle-shaped edges in one corner, if you are only able to use one hand;
• utensils with angle-shaped and easy-to-grip handles;
• a carving apparatus;
• table- or wall-mounted graters and peelers, and jar, bottle, cap or can openers;
• peelers and vegetable brushes with suction pads; or
• electric or easy-grip can openers.
  

Measuring and Weighing

Consider:

• purchasing scales and measuring cups with large, clearly visible figures; or
• using large-handle measuring spoons and cups.

Eating

Consider:

• placing a non-slip material under dishes to keep them from slipping;
• dishes and egg cups with suction pads;
• vacuum-fixed dishes; or
• dishes with raised edges or an inward turning rim.

Cutlery

Consider:

• cutlery that is chunky and large but with lightweight handles;
• cutlery with angle-shaped or extended handles;
• L-shaped knives;
• cutlery with self-shaping handles;
• heavy cutlery if your hands are shaky;
• combi cutlery if you only have the use of one hand; or
• cutlery adjusted with straps.

Cups, Mugs and Glasses

Consider:

• glassware with one or two large, generous handles;
• glassware with lids and spouts;
• plastic wineglasses with thick stems;
• heavy glassware if you have shaky hands;
• glassware with anti-splash tops;
• insulated glassware, if you have reduced tactile sensitivity;
• glassware with straight or flexible straws;
• straws with non-return valves in their tips to ensure they remain filled with liquid; or
• an easy-tip kettle, or thermos with a pump, if you find it difficult to lift tea or coffee pots.

Taking Medicine

Consider:

• a pill box opener;
• a pill cutter and tablet presser, which can press a pill from the packet;
• a pill organizer with dividers for each day of the week to hold your medicines;
• keeping track of your doses and medication on a calendar; or
• an accessible storage area.

Cleaning

Consider:

• fitting cupboards with shelves, hooks, etc. at a height comfortable for you;
• attaching sliding studs under the furniture if floors are carpeted, or small felt pads if floors are bare;
• long-handled mops, brushes and vacuum cleaners;
• a wheeled trolley to carry filled buckets and supplies;
• attaching a spray head to your sink to fill buckets;
• cloths made of soft, absorbent material, which are easier to wring;
• absorbent sponges; or
• hiring housecleaning help to perform the tasks you find difficult (Note: this service may be provided by some local community centres).

Vacuum Cleaning

Consider:

• a self-winding cable;
• a lightweight model, or one on wheels;
• on/off switches located on the top of the units to avoid bending;
• models with adjustable hose handles;
• models with asthma filters if you have asthma or are allergic to dust;
• a small lightweight carpet sweeper; or
• installing a central vac.

Doing the Laundry

Consider:

• washer and dryer control panels with touch-operated buttons and front-endloading;
• sock-locks, which lock the socks together during washing and drying;
• a wall-mounted ironing board; or
• installing the washer and dryer on the main floor.

Adaptations to Homes and Other Premises

Entering/leaving the House

Consider:

• installing rails or a grip;
• roll-up, folding, telescopic, or portable ramps, or adjustable doorsteps;
• properly lighting the driveway, the foot path and the stairs;
• automatic door openers; or
• sliding doors.

Getting Around Inside the House

Consider:

• adapting the environment by reviewing doorway widths and thresholds, floor coverings, passageway width, bathrooms and toilets;
• ramps, stair lifts, floor lifts or hoists;
• installing grab rails; models are available with long, short, narrow or broad grabs, different surfaces, fastened in different ways, specialized for corridors, kitchen, bath, toilet, sittingroom, and specialized for specific conditions and diseases;
• electrically operated doors, operated by foot or hand switch, a pressure mat or a movement sensor; or
• environmental controls which can open and lock doors and windows, switch on and off lights, radios, computers, etc.

Sleeping and Waking

Consider:

• a bed table to hold a telephone, an alarm clock and books;
• an alarm clock with large, clearly visible figures and chunky, clearly visible hands; or
• if you are hard of hearing, loudly ringing alarm clocks, or clocks connected to lights or a vibrator placed under the pillow.

The Bed

Consider:

• a lifting pole or a bed rope ladder, if you find it difficult to rise up or turn around;
• a solid bed rail or a wall-mounted handrail;
• free standing lifting poles or a pole for mounting on the bed;
• adjustable beds;
• glide cushions or glide sheets;
• a bed wedge or pillow raiser if you have difficulty lying flat;
• a special mattress which allows pressure to be spread evenly to alleviate pressure sores; or
• waterproof lining sheets or a waterproof mattress cover if you are incontinent (but be aware of skin allergies).

Recreation Aids

Participating in Sports and Fitness

Consider:

• joining sport leagues and clubs for seniors or persons with a disability; or
• purchasing specialized assistive devices for running, basketball, tennis, horseback riding, etc.

Playing Games

Consider:

• games with magnetic backs, or in extra large sizes;
• playing games on the computer; or
• card holders and battery-operated card shufflers.

Doing Needlework

Consider:

• sprung scissors, electric scissors or scissors fitted on boards resting on a table;
• an embroidery frame;
• electric knitting and sewing machines; or
• adjustable magnifiers.

Gardening

Consider:

• smooth, firm garden paths;
• raising garden beds;
• automatic watering systems;
• a garden kneeler; or
• garden tools fitted with special handles.

Go for it!

You're now aware of the great diversity of assistive devices available. Keep in mind that whatever your needs and choices are, environmental accessibility, activity analysis, personal adaptations, training and follow-up play a huge role in getting satisfaction out of the assistive devices that are right for you.

 

[Previous] [Table of Contents] [Next]