Persons with disabilities face a myriad of challenges as they maneuver through a world designed for an able-bodied population. Through the use of special devices, however, the disabled can enjoy increased movement and independence. There is an assistive device for nearly every physical limitation, and these are largely available through medical equipment suppliers. Most health care insurers, including Medicare and Medicaid, provide some coverage for medical equipment for the disabled, from the simplest aid to high-tech devices.
Disabled athlete participates in speedrace.
Stair Lifts
For the person who lives in a house with a stairway, being stricken with a disability can dramatically limit access in the home. A stair lift offers the disabled a method for safely and comfortably accessing all levels of a residence. These devices typically feature a chair or stand that moves up and down a staircase on an installed railing.
For ease of use and safety, stair lifts can have swiveling chairs and power-folding foot rests, and all come standard with safety belts. They are powered electrically, usually by a simple power cord that plugs into a wall outlet. Stair lifts provide an affordable option to expensive residential elevators and platform lifts. They can even be retrofitted to accommodate a curving staircase, though it will require a longer installation period.
Ramps
Ramps enable wheelchair-bound persons to enter and exit buildings and vehicles, or manage the thresholds of doorways. These ramps can be permanent or semi-permanent structures affixed to a public building or private residence, or smaller portable devices that can be used where needed. When selecting a ramp, it is important to determine whether it is designed for manual or electric wheelchairs, occupied or empty. Check weight specifications, as well, to ensure that a particular ramp can bear the weight of the wheelchair and disabled person.
People with building experience can construct custom ramps. Before you build or hire someone else to build a wheelchair ramp for you, check the Accessibility Guidelines (see Resources below) made available by the Americans with Disabilities Act to make sure that required specifications and safety measures are being incorporated. A building permit might also be required depending on state, county or city ordinances.
Mobility Scooter
Mobility Scooter
Mobility scooters have had a significant impact on quality of life for persons with ambulatory restrictions. Many disabled people have regained their independence through the use of these electric machines that can be easily maneuvered in a variety of settings.
These medical scooters come in three models: three-wheel, four-wheel, and compact. Each has a set of pros and cons that should be fully explored before purchasing to make sure the model chosen best fits the needs of the disabled person. Cost of these scooters is relatively low --- a few hundred dollars --- and many insurance plans will pay some portion of the purchase price.
Lift Chairs
Persons who have limited ability to stand from a sitting position or vice versa will benefit from a lift chair. These devices slowly lift a person to her feet or gradually lower her to a sitting position. These chairs can feature two or more positions, with some models offering a reclining position and extra-wide seating.
Though they look like an average reclining chair, these specialized seats feature remote controls that can be easily operated by the user. Motors are built into the chairs, and safety features protect the user from chair tip overs and folding. Check weight requirements before purchasing as most lift chairs are designed to accommodate no more than 375 pounds--heavier persons will need a customized model.
Assistive Computer Technology
Adaptive hardware permits disabled persons to use computers.
Assistive computer technology brings the world of computers to persons with limited physical, sensory and learning functions. Adaptive hardware can be used with computers to assist disabled people with computer programming, interpreting computer data, using a keyboard and mouse, sending email, and seeing a computer monitor. Even completely blind persons can use a computer through special screen reading programs that translate icons, text and more to speech.
Automotive Adaptive Controls
Persons with partial mobility issues can often continue to drive vehicles with the use of automotive adaptive devices. These are special tools that can be outfitted in a vehicle to meet the particular need of the partially disabled driver. For example, special devices can be installed in a vehicle to permit a person without use of their feet to break and accelerate using hand controls. Extension controls can make it easier to set an emergency break or turn a key in the ignition. There are many options available to meet a variety of needs and most car dealerships will have information on ordering and installation.
Other Devices
A disability need not be catastrophic or permanent for a person to benefit from an assistive device. For example, joint replacement patients often need grabbing tools to help them put on a sock or retrieve a dropped item. Arthritis sufferers sometimes find it easier to open doors with the help of a door knob turner. Outdoor gadgets specially designed to ease the pressure of bending and kneeling make it possible for many seniors and physically limited persons to continue gardening. The array of available medical equipment for the disabled enables many to live a fuller, more independent life. Ask your medical equipment supplier for a catalog to get a good idea of all that's offered.
Tags: medical equipment, Adaptive hardware, assistive device, before purchasing, benefit from, Check weight