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Disabled people

Disabled People

Equipment for independent living

Specialist equipment and adaptations can make it much easier for you to live independently in your own home. The equipment available ranges from large equipment like stairlifts and hoists to smaller gadgets designed for people with specific disabilities.

This section does not deal with personal health equipment and aids like walking frames and hearing aids. You can find out more about these things in the disabled people's 'Health and support' area.

If you're physically disabled, and especially if you're a wheelchair user, you may need to get equipment and have permanent fixtures installed at home so that you can live independently there. Some equipment and adaptations that may interest you include:

  • a stair lift
  • a powered bath lift
  • a powered or manual height-adjustable bed
  • powered leg-lifters for people who have difficulty lifting their legs into bed

You may also need to have adaptation work done in your home - for example, having doorways widened or a ramp installed.

Everyday items to make life easier

A wide range of gadgets and devices are available that make everyday tasks easier for people with specific disabilities. Some examples are:

  • clamps and holders to keep jars stable so they can be opened with one hand
  • talking kitchen scales for people who are blind or visually impaired
  • alarm clocks that vibrate under the pillow for deaf and hearing impaired people
  • kettle tippers for people who have limited arm strength or restricted movement
  • devices that remind people with memory loss or learning disabilities to do a daily task like taking a pill

Depending on how important your local council feels these items are to your independence, you may have to pay for them yourself and use your direct payments for the larger items that make the biggest difference to your ability to live independently.

The Disabled Living Foundation factsheet 'Making a difference' is a useful introduction to the range of items available.

Different ways to do everyday things

Sometimes equipment may not be the most appropriate way to meet your needs. Instead of buying equipment, you may be able to change the way you do everyday things to make them easier. An occupational therapist may be able to suggest other ways of doing things that you have not considered.

Personal alarm systems and telecare

Being able to summon help immediately in an emergency is often an important consideration for disabled people wanting to live independently at home. A personal alarm system could be the answer.

Personal alarm systems (also known as community alarm services) work through a base unit in your home, which is connected to your phone line. By pressing a button on the unit or on a pendant that you wear around your neck, you are connected with an operator who can arrange the help you need.

Some charities - like Age Concern, for example - operate personal alarm systems that are used by disabled, older and less able people.

The Disabled Living Foundation factsheet 'Choosing a personal alarm system' may help you decide what kind of personal alarm system is right for you.

Other 'telecare' devices, which operate in a similar way to personal alarm systems, have movement sensors that can detect if someone has fallen and can't get up. Telecare devices that can detect smoke, water flooding and gas leaks are also available.

Find out about community alarm services locally

Some local authorities provide community alarm services (also known as personal alarm systems). The following link will let you enter details of where you live and then take you to your local authority website, where you can find out more.

Trying, choosing and buying equipment

Having the right equipment at home can make a real difference to your quality of life, so it makes sense to get advice and try equipment out before you buy it. The article 'Trying, choosing and buying equipment' is a guide to where to get advice, how you can use your direct payments to buy equipment and more.

Equipment in the workplace

If you are disabled, you may need special aids and equipment in your workplace to help you do your job.

Under the Disability Discrimination Act, your employer has a duty to consider making 'reasonable adjustments' to enable you to do your job. This may include providing aids and equipment.

Your employer can get financial support from the Jobcentre Plus 'Access to Work' programme to help pay for the costs of any equipment or adjustments you may need. You do not have to pay anything towards this.

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