Equipment is essential for some children and young people to live their life within their community, home or education setting.  

An assessment will be undertaken by one or two of a number of professionals depending on the equipment being considered. This assessment will take place either at home, in an education setting or in a specialist clinic depending on the equipment required.

Services that can support you with being assessed for specialist equipment and adaptation:

• Supportive positioning and mobility equipment such as walking frames, standing frames and sleep systems (used during the night to help protect body shape and provide better positioning support) should be assessed by Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Physiotherapy service.
   
• Specialist beds, cots, mattresses, bathing/ showering aids and toileting aids (such as special potties or toilet seats) are assessed by the City of Wolverhampton Council Independent Living Service which is part of Social Care. However, if the child or young person is already being seen by Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Occupational Therapists they can assess for this equipment.  
   
• Continence products for children and young people with day and/or night-time, bladder and bowel continence problems are assessed by the Community Children’s Nursing service.
   
• Specialist supportive seating for home can be assessed by the City of Wolverhampton Council Independent Living Service. However if the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Occupational Therapists are already involved they can assess for both home and school specialist seating. 
   
• Specialist car seat for your child are assessed by Regional Driving Assessment Centre (RDAC) who work closely with a child or young person’s therapist to ensure a suitable seating position is achieved.
   
• Moving and handling equipment (hoists and slings) may be assessed by the City of Wolverhampton Council Independent Living Service. Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Occupational Therapists will be able to assist on slings if the child or young person is actively being seen by the team.
   
• For children and young people who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have a visual impairment will be able to access specialist equipment to support their education through the Sensory Inclusion Service. This could include assistive technology including radio aids as well as magnifiers.
   
• For other types of small equipment, such as adapted cutlery, writing tools, scissors etc, school will be the first point of contact to advise about any equipment required to help your child access and participate in school life.

Useful links

• Social care support for children with disabilities
• Requesting an adult social care assessment
• Direct Payment - Employing a personal assistant to support you
• How to care for a disabled child
• Support dogs
• Disability charity Scope UK
• Living Made Easy

Finding your own equipment

It is best practice to utilise the services in obtaining equipment as they will provide specialist advice and assistance and follow up care. 

However, if families choose to purchase their own specialist equipment, then they are fully responsible for checking for growth, adjustments, maintenance and servicing. 

There are many companies that offer equipment you can choose to buy from. There are also charities that can help with buying equipment. It is best to discuss these options with the services before you do purchase equipment.

View Help with grants or equipment from voluntary and community organisations within Support for parents/carers for further support.