Information on Equipment Sources Page 2
The Disabled Living Foundation & The Disability Information Trust
The Disabled Living Foundation (DLF)
The Disabled
Living Foundation makes everyday
life easier for people with disabilities, older people and carers by giving
impartial advice about equipment for overcoming problems in daily living.
The National Disability
Helpline is staffed by a team of information officers who provide advice on equipment,
clothing, footwear and other sources of information. Enquiries are either
answered directly over the telephone or for more detailed information,
sent by post. Open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm.
Specific information can
be obtained from DLF-DATA, the UK’s most comprehensive database of
disability equipment
The subscription service
provides comprehensive in depth information through the off-line version
of DLF-DATA or the CD-ROM, or the DLF Hamilton Index, a directory of equipment
containing 23 individual sections published in four parts, each in a separate
binder containing five or six sections. One part of the Index is updated
every four months, giving a 16 month cycle. Information on the off-line
version of DLF-DATA can be obtained from the DLF
Publications contain
very detailed information, and range from the specialist resource packs
on equipment such as wheelchairs to fact sheets and product guides on
choosing and using equipment.
Demonstration Centre - displays
a wide range of useful equipment and gadgets for older people and people
with disabilities of all ages. The range includes wheelchairs, walking
equipment, hoists, kitchen, bathing and toileting equipment as well as
a display of children’s equipment. It is staffed by information advisors
who will demonstrate items and discuss practical problems. Monday, Tuesday
and Friday are open days, open 10.00am
- 3.30pm , Wednesday and Thursday are by appointment.
Disabled Living Foundation, 380-384 Harrow Road, London W9 2HU
Training courses are focused
on the practical issues surrounding disability
The Disability
Information Trust
The Disability Information Trust publishes
a series of reference books providing in-depth information on a wide range
of equipment and self-help devices currently on the market, as well as
some everyday consumer goods. Each product included has been examined
and assessed by professionals; most have been tested in use by disabled
people. The books also offer suggestions for coping with various difficulties
and solving problems.
Each publication gives a description
and comments, with guidelines to help choose equipment and points to consider
before buying. There is a photograph of each item together with addresses
and phone numbers for contacting the makers or distributors.
The titles are completely revised
and updated in rotation and new titles are added from time to time. New
editions are announced in professional journals and voluntary associations’
magazines as well as through an extensive mailing list of users, maintained
by the trust.
Current titles:
A Practical Guide to Manual Wheelchairs
A Practical Guide to Powered Wheelchairs
and Scooters
Arthritis-an Equipment Guide
Communication and Access to Computer
Technology
Children with Disabilities
Employment and the Workplace
Furniture
Gardening-an Equipment Guide
Hoists, Lifts and Transfers
Home Management and Housing
Outdoor Transport
Parents with Disability
Personal Care
Sport and Leisure
Walking Aids and Standing Aids
UK prices: books range from
£5 to £15 each and binding cases (two hold a complete set) cost £5 each.
Posting and packing are free. The books are now in many libraries. The
Trust is also publishing smaller ‘popular’ versions of some
titles. Contact them for details. Orders or requests for a free, descriptive
leaflet should be sent to :
Disability Information Trust
Nuffield Orthopedic Centre
Headington
Oxford
OX3 7LD
Day: 01865 227592
Medical Devices Agency Disability Equipment Assessment Reports
from the Medical Devices Agency of the Department of Health. Based on
user trials and technical assessment, these are mainly intended for therapists,
other professionals and purchasers of equipment. They are available free
to health and social care professionals and for an appropriate charge
for others. For a free list of publications and details of how to obtain
these reports contact:
Hannibal House Elephant & Castle
London
Greater London
SE1 6TQ
020 7972 8000
mail@medical-devices.gov.uk
http://www.medical-devices.gov.uk/
Computer Help for Disabled
People: Jargon free guide by Lorna Ridgeway and Stuart McKears, Souvenir Press
£12.95
Other places
to view equipment and get information:-
Hospital occupational therapy departments
These often have small displays
of equipment and offer advice to people who are in hospital or attending
as out-patients
Social services departments
These often have assessment
centres where equipment can be tried out.
Local authority education
departments
These may have a selection
of equipment on view for use in schools.
Chemists
Larger branches often stock
continence aids and basic aids for eating, drinking and bathing. Ask at
your social services department or Disabled Living Centre where to buy
items.
Specialist retailers and
disability equipment manufacturers
These often have showrooms
where equipment is displayed. Ask the British Healthcare Trades Association
(BHTA) for the address of your nearest retailer who subscribes to their
code of practice.
http://www.bhta.net/DesktopDefault.aspx
Naidex Care Management
Each year Naidex holds exhibitions
in the UK covering a wide range of equipment and services for disabled
and elderly people. For details call: 0208 910 7873, or fax: 0208 910
7926
Research Institute for Consumer
Affairs (RICA)
An independent consumer organisation
which carries out research and publishes information for elderly and disabled
consumers. RICA publishes reports on disability equipment and other subjects,
including Equipment for an Easier Life.
Ricability
30 Angel Gate
City Road
London EC1V 2PT
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7427 2460
Fax: +44 (0)20 7427 2468
Textphone: +44 (0)20 7427 2469
E-mail: mail@ricability.org.uk
Website: http://www.ricability.org.uk/index.htm
AbilityNet
This is a charity formed
by the Computability Centre and the Foundation for Communication for the
Disabled to give information and advice on computer access at home and
at work, including adapting technology to the needs of people with a disability.
http://www.abilitynet.org.uk/
SCOPE
This voluntary organisation
gives advice, assessment and training with an emphasis on the needs of
people with cerebral palsy.
http://www.scope.org.uk/
RNIB
Royal National Institute
for the Blind.
http://www.rnib.org.uk/
RNID
Royal National Institute
for Deaf People
http://www.rnid.org.uk/ |
