Equipment for parents with disabilities

How to choose and get equipment

There are many things to think about when choosing equipment:

• for outdoor equipment - do you live in a town with smooth pavements or are the local pavements and roads uneven?
• can you use both hands to hold and unclip something or is your dexterity limited?
• will you need to attach equipment to other things like a wheelchair or bath - and how adjustable does the equipment need to be?

Other parents with disabilities are a good source of advice and opinions.

There are charities and organisations supporting parents with disabilities. Some have online forums where tips and advice are exchanged.

Occupational therapists can help with issues arising from bathing, changing, feeding and carrying babies or children.

Find out more about occupational therapy, health and social care assessments at the link below:

• Health and support

Finding equipment

The Disabled living Foundation (DLF) is a charity that provides impartial advice, information and training on daily living aids.

Its AskSARA(external link opens in a new window / tab) service helps you find useful advice and products that make daily living easier.

Equipment if you have a baby or young child

Types of equipment and things to look out for that could help with everyday tasks include:

• flashing alarms and intercom systems if you have hearing issues to let you know when your baby is crying
• harnesses that have easy to use straps and clips, and contrasting colours to highlight adjustable parts for visually-impaired parents
• pushchairs and buggies that are lightweight and easy to push can be attached to a wheelchair - they are easy to fold, have adjustable handle height and have a separate carrycot
• highchairs and eating trays that have adjustable heights ,are sturdy to avoid being knocked over, have easy-to-use straps, clips and removable cleaning parts, can recline easily and are lightweight
• adapted cots that have adjustable heights, removable side bars/panels

Further information about equipment around the house and larger home adaptations is available at:

• Your home, adaptations and equipment