The Best Assistive Devices for People With Disabilities

As there are many types of disabilities, there are many types of adaptive devices for persons with disabilities. There are devices for the disabled that can help with speech, vision, cognition, mobility, daily living, and much more. But, because there are so many available choices, it may be tough to make a choice when you’re looking at assistive devices for disabled persons.

Read on to learn about the different types of assistive devices and what the best choices are. 

Adaptive Devices for Persons with Disabilities: Devices for Vision and Hearing

People may often think of assistive technology devices for physical disabilities, but those who have deafness or are hard-of-hearing or blind or have low vision benefit greatly from assistive devices. Some of the best products for those who are blind or who have low vision include:

• Home assistants (such as Google Home) that can help control thermostats and lights
• Magnifiers
• Screen reading software
• Text-to-speech systems
• Braille
• Large-print materials

Those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing who need adaptive devices can benefit from mobile devices with specialized apps, portable closed-captioning systems, vibrating alarm clocks, wireless TV listening systems, and amplified headphones.

Adaptive Devices for Persons with Disabilities: Speech and Cognition

Assistive technology for the disabled also includes quite a bit of technology for those who have trouble communicating or have developmental disabilities, such as autism. Many of these adaptive devices for persons with disabilities can help children who are non-verbal be able to communicate with their family and peers. For seniors who may be experiencing dementia, some memory aids can help keep them on track with daily living. Some of these types of assistive technology for people with disabilities include:

• Communication boards
• AAC devices (augmentative and alternative communication)
• Stuttering aids
• Artificial larynxes
• Symbol-making software
• Reminder systems
• Audio books
• Note-taking software
• Memory aids

Adaptive Devices for Persons with Disabilities: Mobility and Environmental Adaptations

Those with physical disabilities can find freedom in assistive devices for the physically impaired, as it allows them to regain their mobility. Of course, the most obvious adaptive devices for persons with disabilities are canes, scooters, wheelchairs, and power chairs, but other adaptations can help, such as: 

• Door openers
• Stair lifts
• Wheelchair ramps
• Remote controls for appliances
• Voice-activated software

Also, there are types of adaptive equipment for adults with disabilities that pertain to vehicles and getting around, which is extremely important. Consider ramps and lifts for your vehicle, as well as adaptive seatbelts, hand controls for driving, raised roofs, and ties/lockdowns to help keep a wheelchair in place while a vehicle is moving. 

Adaptive Devices for Persons with Disabilities: Devices for Daily Living

There are also adaptive devices for persons with disabilities that make daily living just a little bit easier. Consider aids such as reachers, zipper pulls to help with dressing, a long-handle shoehorn, adapted kitchen tools, a wheelchair cup holder, automatic soap dispenser, robotic vacuum, and voice recognition for computers and other electronic devices.

To learn more about adaptive devices for persons with disabilities and other mobility aids that can be life-changing, contact us today at Williams Lift Co. We want both caregivers and their loved ones to live their best lives possible.