Devices: Useful for the disabled people

[bitul]

There are lots of assistive devices are designed for the disabled people in order to make their life easy. By Using assistive devices the disabled people can perform their activities (like bathing, dressing, moving) all most like normal people.

There are various types of assistive technology products designed for all types of disabled people. For example some categories are given bellow:

Communication devices are designed mainly for the people who are unable to speak or listen. Some common devices are: text-to-speech software and hardware, head wands, light pointers, mouth sticks, signal systems, speech synthesizers, telephony equipment.

Mobility devices are designed to enhance the mobility of the disabled people. For example: scooter, wheelchair, mrswivel (a transfer device for the patients and people with limited mobility)

There are also numerous devices to assist the people in their daily activities like bathing, clothing. Not only these, there are also devices for entertainment, education.

Assistive technology clearly makes the difference between independence and dependence, between employment and unemployment among the disabled people.

[Lighttouch]

I can't tell if you are a disabled person? Your wording 'the disabled people' sounds like you're talking about an alien race!

One of the reasons why incapacity benefit is being looked at is due to the advances in technology that remove disabling barriers at work for disabled people.

But the spending review has had an impact on JobcentrePlus 'Access to Work' funding. This AtW scheme is the number one support mechanism fr any disabled peolpe wanting to work.

Over the years AtW funded a handrail, ergonomic swivel office chair, foot stool, digital voice recorder, taxi fares to work if my car was off the road, help with raising a deposit for a motability lease hire car etc. So if you're able to work you will get supported.

The downside from employment opportunities.
1 The Public Sector isn't recruiting and won't be for a few years other than specialists posts.
2 Companies now have to fund assistiance technology or aids/adaptations without financial aid from the government.

I officially finish work on 17 May. I'm hoping to negotiate buying my work's Ergonomic chair from them - it cost £1000 new. Due to cut backs they are trying to hang on to aids like this. At the moment I use a standard chair to sit in and after a while my back really becomes painful - when I stand up it's like someone thrusting a couple of knives in my kidney area. With an ergonomic chair I don't have that problem. Let's hope the Health and Safety guru will allow me to buy the chair off them at a reduced rate. I'll let you know . . .

http://www.backinaction.co.uk/grahl-...airs#anc_sps11

[andypandy]

Apparently LT, we aren't normal either - see the first paragraph

[Lighttouch]

Apparently LT, we aren't normal either - see the first paragraph

You're right AP I didn't notice that 'normal' phrase.

After all what is 'normal'! There is no such thing as normal - everyone is different but still a person!

[andypandy]

well apparently not LOL

[andypandy]

having re-read the OP, I had no idea that I could get a wheelchair because I cant walk - wow thanks mate

[Lighttouch]

Well I had a phone call today from Health and Safety. It seems they are chewing over my idea of buying the chair back from the council for £300. This H&S Officer needs to make a 'business case' for selling it. He'll let me know the outcome by the end of the week.

I hope they agree to the idea as that'll improve my back pain to some degree.

[Account removed]

Like washing like washing and dresssing like normal people,,,,, good old American living on planet zog

[jmcevans]

Well I had a phone call today from Health and Safety. It seems they are chewing over my idea of buying the chair back from the council for £300. This H&S Officer needs to make a 'business case' for selling it. He'll let me know the outcome by the end of the week.

I hope they agree to the idea as that'll improve my back pain to some degree.

If the chair was acquired under the Access to Work scheme, your rights might be greater than you or your employer realise. This is not an area that I know a great deal about, but a very kind person who has been in a similar situation recommends that you contact Dr Alan Blacker via the online forum below:

http://www.workplacelaw.net/forums/m...osts/id/121455

All best wishes

Jonathan

[Lighttouch]

Incidentally they never got back to me so I guess that was a 'no'.

A friend of mine who is also disabled took voluntary severance.

She recently was interviewed and was offered a job. One thing she didn't want to tell them was that she has chronic back pain and needs an ergonomic chair and raising desk.

She rightly thought it be better to get the job based on 'merit' but now this new employer will need to find about £700 plus to meet her access needs as Access to Work no longer fund these items.

It seems to me that the government are keen on getting disabled people into work but have now reduced the support to purchase aids or adaptations.

If a disabled candidate and able bodied candidate are of equal merit then the employer will choose the able bodied person as there is no cost implication.

Once again the coalition haven't consulted or thought things through.

Thanks for the web link - I thinks it's mainly for employers but that hasn't stopped me from adding a comment. lol