Disability equipment and assistive technology can help people live more independently, stay safe, communicate effectively, access education and employment and participate more fully in everyday life.
More complex equipment can include powered wheelchairs, specialist seating, environmental controls, eye-gaze communication systems, hoists and home adaptations.
What Is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology is a broad term for equipment, devices, software, systems and adaptations that help a person overcome barriers connected with disability, illness, injury, sensory impairment or age-related needs.
It can support:
Mobility
Wheelchairs, walking aids, powered mobility and equipment that helps a person move safely.
Communication
Communication boards, speech-generating devices, eye-gaze systems and communication software.
Sensory Access
Hearing technology, magnification, screen readers, Braille technology and accessible alerts.
Daily Living
Equipment for washing, dressing, cooking, eating, toileting and household activities.
Learning & Memory
Dictation, reading software, reminders, visual schedules, timers and organisational technology.
Safety & Independence
Telecare, personal alarms, falls sensors, environmental controls and monitoring systems.
Start With an Assessment
Before buying expensive disability equipment yourself, it can be worth checking whether the NHS, your council, education provider or another public service can assess your needs and provide or fund suitable equipment.
An assessment can also reduce the risk of buying something that is unsafe, unsuitable, incorrectly sized or incompatible with other equipment.
Who may be able to assess your needs?
- Occupational Therapist
- Physiotherapist
- GP or hospital team
- NHS wheelchair service
- Audiology service
- Speech and Language Therapist
- Specialist AAC service
- Sensory impairment service
- Adult social care
- Children's social care
- School, college or university disability service
- Workplace assessor or Access to Work
Daily Living Equipment
Daily living equipment can make ordinary tasks safer and easier. Some of the most useful equipment is relatively simple.
Kitchen Equipment
- Adapted cutlery
- Easy-grip utensils
- Kettle tippers
- Jar and bottle openers
- One-handed chopping boards
- Non-slip mats
- Lightweight cups
- Plate guards
Bathing & Personal Care
- Shower chairs
- Bath boards
- Bath lifts
- Grab rails
- Raised toilet seats
- Toilet frames
- Long-handled washing aids
- Dressing aids
Bedroom Equipment
- Bed rails where clinically appropriate
- Adjustable beds
- Bed levers
- Pressure-relieving equipment
- Transfer equipment
- Specialist mattresses
Moving Around the Home
- Walking frames
- Handrails
- Grab rails
- Perching stools
- Transfer boards
- Ramps
- Specialist seating
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs can support people with mobility impairments, physical disabilities, neurological conditions, fatigue, long-term health conditions or injuries.
Manual Wheelchairs
- Self-propelled chairs
- Attendant-propelled chairs
- Lightweight wheelchairs
- Active-user chairs
Powered Wheelchairs
- Joystick controls
- Alternative control systems
- Indoor and outdoor models
- Powered seating functions
Specialist Wheelchairs
- Postural support
- Tilt-in-space seating
- Recline systems
- Bariatric equipment
- Complex rehabilitation seating
NHS Wheelchair Services
NHS wheelchair provision is generally based on an individual clinical assessment and local eligibility criteria.
Referrals may come through healthcare professionals or local wheelchair service arrangements.
Mobility Scooters & Powered Mobility
Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs can help disabled people travel more independently.
Class 2
Class 2 mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs usually have a maximum speed of 4mph.
They can generally be used on pavements and other pedestrian areas.
Class 3
Class 3 mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs can have a maximum speed of 8mph.
They can also be used on the road and must be registered with the DVLA.
Things to Consider Before Buying
- User weight and safe working limit
- Seat dimensions and posture
- Battery range
- Storage space
- Charging arrangements
- Access into the home
- Kerbs and local routes
- Public transport access
- Vehicle transport
- Servicing and repairs
- Insurance
- Security
Communication Aids & AAC
Communication aids can support people who have difficulties with speech, language, communication, literacy or physical access to communication.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication – AAC
AAC is a broad term covering ways of communicating other than, or alongside, spoken speech.
Low-Tech AAC
- Communication boards
- Picture boards
- Symbol cards
- Choice boards
- Alphabet boards
- Communication books
High-Tech AAC
- Speech-generating devices
- Communication tablets
- Eye-gaze systems
- Switch-access systems
- Alternative keyboards
- Specialist communication software
Literacy Support
- Text-to-speech
- Speech-to-text
- Dictation software
- Word prediction
- Reading support
- Spelling support
Access Methods
- Touch screen
- Eye tracking
- Head pointing
- Switch access
- Alternative mouse devices
- Voice control
Accessible Information & Communication Support
Assistive technology is not only about physical equipment. People may also need information and communication provided in a format they can access and understand.
This can include:
- Large print
- Braille
- Audio information
- Easy Read
- Email rather than telephone contact
- British Sign Language support
- Communication professionals
- Support to use communication aids
- Alternative contact methods
Hearing Aids & Hearing Technology
People who are deaf or have hearing loss may benefit from hearing aids, implants or other assistive technology.
Hearing Aids
- Behind-the-ear hearing aids
- Receiver-in-the-ear hearing aids
- Other specialist hearing aids
- CROS and BiCROS systems
Assistive Listening Technology
- Hearing loops
- Wireless streaming devices
- Amplified telephones
- Television listening systems
- Remote microphones
Alerting Equipment
- Flashing doorbells
- Vibrating alarm clocks
- Smoke alarm alert systems
- Baby monitors
- Telephone alerts
Digital Accessibility
- Live captions
- Speech-to-text
- Video relay
- Relay UK
- Captioned video calls
Visual Aids & Sight-Loss Technology
Assistive technology can support blind and partially sighted people with reading, communication, navigation and daily living.
Reading & Magnification
- Handheld magnifiers
- Electronic magnifiers
- Desktop magnification
- OCR reading devices
- Large-print equipment
Computers & Phones
- Screen readers
- Screen magnification
- Voice assistants
- Accessible smartphones
- Voice control
Braille Technology
- Refreshable Braille displays
- Braille keyboards
- Braille notetakers
- Braille labelling systems
Daily Living
- Talking clocks
- Talking scales
- Talking thermometers
- Liquid-level indicators
- Accessible kitchen equipment
Smart Home Technology, Telecare & Safety
Technology-enabled care can help some disabled people live more safely and independently.
Smart Home Equipment
- Smart speakers
- Voice assistants
- Smart lighting
- Smart plugs
- Automated curtains
- Environmental controls
- Automated doors
Personal Safety
- Pendant alarms
- Emergency call buttons
- Falls detectors
- Bed and chair sensors
- Door sensors
Home Monitoring
- Smoke alerts
- Flood detectors
- Temperature sensors
- Movement sensors
- Telecare monitoring
Memory & Medication
- Medication reminders
- Automatic pill dispensers
- Calendar reminders
- Visual schedules
- Voice reminders
Home Adaptations
Where smaller pieces of equipment are not enough, a person may need physical changes to their home.
Examples include:
- Ramps
- Widened doorways
- Level-access showers
- Stairlifts
- Through-floor lifts
- Accessible bathrooms
- Lowered kitchen worktops
- Accessible heating controls
- Improved lighting
- Door-entry systems
- Hoists
Disabled Facilities Grant
A Disabled Facilities Grant may help with the cost of making a home suitable for a disabled person.
Applications are made through the local council. An assessment may be needed before work is approved.
Home Adaptation Support
Support can include the Disabled Facilities Grant and the Welsh Government's ENABLE programme.
Depending on the circumstances, help can cover small, medium or larger adaptations.
Equipment & Adaptations
Scotland does not use the same Disabled Facilities Grant system as England and Wales.
Equipment and housing adaptations are provided through Scottish local-authority, health and housing arrangements depending on the person and property.
Disabled Facilities Grant
Northern Ireland has its own Disabled Facilities Grant process through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
Work is normally based on recommendations relating to the disabled person's needs.
How Can Disability Equipment Be Funded?
The correct funding route depends on what the equipment is for and where it will be used.
NHS
The NHS may provide clinically necessary equipment following assessment.
This can include services such as:
- Wheelchairs
- Hearing aids
- Specialist AAC
- Some medical equipment
- Rehabilitation equipment
Local Authority
Councils and social care services may provide or arrange equipment to support daily living and independence.
- Grab rails
- Bathing equipment
- Daily-living equipment
- Telecare
- Home adaptations
Education
Schools, colleges, universities and student-support schemes may provide equipment needed for education.
Employment
Employers and Access to Work may be relevant where equipment is needed because of disability at work.
VAT Relief on Disability Equipment
Some goods and services supplied to disabled people can qualify for VAT relief.
Examples of items that can potentially qualify include certain:
- Wheelchairs
- Mobility scooters
- Stairlifts
- Adjustable beds designed for disability
- Low-vision aids
- Equipment for people with hearing loss
- Emergency alarm systems
- Some building adaptations
- Repairs and maintenance of qualifying equipment
Equipment for Employment & Access to Work
Employers have duties to make reasonable adjustments for disabled workers.
Examples can include:
- Specialist keyboards
- Ergonomic chairs or desks
- Screen-reading software
- Magnification software
- Speech-recognition software
- Alternative computer access
- Communication equipment
- Accessible alarms
- Physical workplace adaptations
Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 121 7479
Equipment for Children, Schools & Education
Disabled pupils and students may require specialist equipment, assistive technology or communication aids to access education.
Examples include:
- Communication devices
- Alternative keyboards and mice
- Screen readers
- Magnification
- Speech-to-text software
- Text-to-speech software
- Specialist seating
- Writing aids
- Sensory equipment
- Accessible classroom equipment
England – SEND & EHC Plans
Some disabled children may receive equipment through ordinary SEND support. Where a child or young person needs more support than is normally available, an Education, Health and Care needs assessment may be considered. An EHC plan can specify additional support that must be provided.
Disabled Students' Allowance – Higher Education
Disabled Students' Allowance, usually called DSA, can help with additional study-related costs caused by disability, long-term illness, mental health conditions or specific learning difficulties.
Depending on the national scheme and assessed need, support can include:
- Specialist computer equipment
- Assistive software
- Ergonomic equipment
- Non-medical helpers
- Specialist note-taking
- BSL support
- Disability-related travel
- Assistive technology training
GOV.UK provides Disabled Students' Allowance information for eligible students receiving student finance through the England system.
Student Awards Agency Scotland – SAAS – administers support for eligible higher-education students in Scotland.
Student Finance Northern Ireland administers Disabled Students' Allowance for eligible NI students.
Motability Scheme
Eligible people receiving a qualifying mobility allowance may be able to use the Motability Scheme.
Depending on eligibility and the product selected, the Scheme provides access to:
- Cars
- Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles – WAVs
- Mobility scooters
- Powered wheelchairs
- Vehicle adaptations
Charitable Grants & Additional Funding
Where statutory services cannot provide an item, charitable support may sometimes be available.
Grant eligibility can depend on:
- Age
- Disability or medical condition
- Household income
- Location
- Employment history
- Profession
- Military service
- Purpose of the equipment
Veterans & Armed Forces Support
Veterans and service leavers with disabilities may be able to access additional rehabilitation, welfare and independent-living support.
The UK Government provides disability information for veterans and a directory of organisations providing veteran support.
Before Buying Disability Equipment Yourself
Disability equipment can be expensive, so it is worth checking that an item is suitable before committing to a purchase.
Check Whether an Assessment Is Available
An NHS, social care, occupational therapy or specialist assessment may identify a safer or more appropriate solution.
Check Whether Funding Is Available
Ask whether the NHS, council, education provider, employer, Access to Work or another service could provide or contribute towards it.
Try the Equipment Where Possible
For wheelchairs, seating, scooters and other specialist equipment, a trial can help determine whether it is comfortable and safe.
Check Measurements & Weight Limits
Check seat width, height, safe working load, doorway widths, turning space and the person's posture or transfer needs.
Check Repairs & Servicing
Find out who will repair the equipment, the warranty period, availability of spare parts and whether maintenance is included.
Check VAT Relief
If the equipment is designed or adapted for disability use, check whether VAT relief applies before paying.
Repairs, Maintenance & Returning Equipment
Who is responsible for repairs depends on who supplied the equipment.
NHS Equipment
Contact the NHS service that supplied it. Do not make major alterations yourself without checking first.
Council Equipment
Many items remain the property of the community equipment service. Check the label on the equipment for repair or collection details.
Privately Purchased Equipment
Check the supplier's warranty, servicing arrangements and consumer rights.
Essential Equipment Failure
If failure of equipment creates an immediate care or safety risk, contact the relevant health or social care service urgently.
If You Cannot Get the Equipment You Need
A refusal does not always mean that there are no further options.
Ask for the Decision in Writing
Ask what was assessed, which eligibility criteria were used and why the equipment was refused.
Ask for a Reassessment
This may be appropriate if needs were misunderstood, have changed or relevant evidence was not considered.
Ask About Alternative Equipment
A service may not fund one particular product but may be able to offer an alternative that meets the assessed need.
Use the Complaints Process
If you believe the assessment or decision was handled incorrectly, ask for the NHS, council, education provider or other organisation's formal complaints process.
Get Independent Advice
Disability organisations, Citizens Advice or an advocate may be able to help you understand the decision and your options.
Useful Disability Organisations
Disability Rights UK
Information about disability rights, independent living, benefits and accessibility.
Citizens Advice
Advice about disability, benefits, housing, consumer issues and public services.
Useful Contacts
Telephone: 111
Telephone: 999
Find your Citizens Advice service
Key Point
Before paying for expensive equipment yourself, check whether an assessment or funding is available through the NHS, social care, education, Access to Work, a home-adaptation scheme or another service.
Equipment should be suitable for the individual's actual needs, safe to use and properly maintained.
Funding systems differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so always use the official information relevant to where you live.
This guide provides general information about disability equipment, assistive technology, assessments and possible funding routes. It does not replace an individual assessment by an Occupational Therapist, physiotherapist, healthcare professional, Speech and Language Therapist, audiologist, wheelchair clinician or other qualified professional.
Eligibility criteria, funding arrangements and government guidance can change. Always check the official source linked on this page before making a major purchase or relying on a particular funding route.