Technical aids
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What is it?
Functional aids and technical aids are accessories, appliances, equipment or devices designed to facilitate your mobility, communication, tasks and daily activities at home, at work and at leisure. Chosen according to your limitations, they can correct an impairment, compensate for a disability or reduce a handicap situation, and thus contribute to your autonomy, safety and quality of life. They may be medical equipment, mobility aids, computerized equipment, practical tools or accessories that meet your needs, and they may be made especially for you or already exist on the market.
Here are some examples of functional and technical aids:
Personal mobility aids
cane, walker, wheelchair, walker, moped, crutches, non-slip floor covering, telescopic ramp, patient lift,...
Aids for domestic activities / adaptations in a house
In the bathroom: grab bars, shower phone, bathtub seat, non-slip mat, raising the toilet seat, changing the type of faucet, etc.
In the kitchen: easy-to-grip utensils, utensils with non-slip handles, oven adapted dishes with a side opening door, adjustable height cabinets and counters, automatic shut-off kettle, pourers, adapted door handles, adapted cups, angled cutlery, roll-out trash can, faucet adapters...
For laundry: laundry room on the first floor, easily accessible appliances, automatic ironing system
In the room: bed riser, bed cover,...
For the telephone: very loud ringing, visual ringing (flashing light), phone with big buttons, automatic dialing keys.
To dress: long-handled shoehorn, velcro fasteners, stocking puller, rubber gloves (for tight stockings or tights).
For access: inclined planes, installation of an inclined access ramp, automatic door openers, intercoms, etc.
Aids for manipulating objects
long-handled pliers / grippers, rolling tables,...
Leisure and computer aids
playing card holders, long-handled gardening tools, large button remote control with captioning button, adapted ping pong paddles, talking books, magnifying glasses, television and remote control with larger buttons, captioning button, voice recognition systems / text-to-speech software, modified computer keyboard for ease of use, adapted mouse, character magnification software...
Orthotics
upper limb orthoses, orthopedic shoes...
How to get it?
If you think that an assistive device could be useful, talk to a health professional, preferably an occupational therapist, if not a doctor or a pharmacist. You can also contact the CLSC in your area to be directed to the right resources, search in specialized magazines, in the yellow pages or on the Internet, and discuss it with those around you. Find out what options are available to you that can meet your needs.
Many assistive devices are easy to buy because they do not require a prescription, as do medications. Just go to a department store, pharmacy, specialty store, hardware store or computer store to find them.
For other more specialized or expensive assistive devices, you will need to be examined by a professional who can provide you with an appropriate prescription.
Advice
If the machine is expensive, find out if it is possible to rent or borrow one before buying it. This will allow you to test the machine and evaluate more concretely if it is the right one for you.
When you speak with a health care professional to assess your needs, be honest with him or her and with yourself about what you want and what you don't want. An assistive device will only be as good as your needs and your use of it.
If you decide to purchase a technical aid, it is to your advantage to obtain a prescription from your doctor or other health care professional beforehand, as this will allow you to avoid paying taxes (GST/QST) on your purchase.
Be sure to purchase assistive devices from reliable sources. Use caution when purchasing used products or medical devices over the Internet.
Keep in mind that it is not always easy for a person to accept to modify their environment and change old habits. The use of certain technical aids may be easy to assimilate, but others may require more time and learning on the part of the person and/or the people who help him/her (e.g.: a lift).
If you decide to buy a scooter or a quadcopter, take time to think about the width and length of the one you choose. In some cases, the dimensions exceed those that can be accommodated in public transportation or in cars, thus limiting your movements. Here is an article on this subject published on the Radio-Canada website on September 3, 2010: A disabled person unable to ride the bus.
For more information
"Functional Aids: Seniors' Info
Public Health Agency of Canada document. If you are experiencing discomfort or fear when doing activities that you used to enjoy or do easily, you may find that an assistive device can help you overcome your difficulties. This fact sheet provides information on what devices are available, how they are used, and where to get them.
"Go for it! A Guide to Selecting and Using Assistive Devices".
A document from the Public Health Agency of Canada providing information on the different assistive devices available to seniors and people with physical disabilities. Information and advice to help you identify your needs, get what you need, and get financial assistance if you need it, in order to improve your functioning and quality of life.
Seniors and Aging - Preventing Falls at Home and Away from Home
Article from Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
No one is immune to falls, but the risk increases with age. Here are some simple things you can do to prevent falls and related injuries.
The Régie du bâtiment au Québec offers information on the purchase, maintenance, use and safety of elevators for people with disabilities.
Constance-Lethbridge Rehabilitation Centre
Short videos on the technical aids service. These videos allow a better understanding of certain elements taken into account when requesting a technical aid such as a wheelchair for example.
