Adaptive Equipment at Reach for Speech: Simple Changes That Make a Big Difference

Did you know that our OT team here at Reach for Speech can sometimes help change an activity that is a challenge for your child by simply adding a piece of equipment? This is called adaptive equipment. Adaptive equipment includes everyday tools designed to help people with physical or cognitive challenges complete daily tasks. Whether it’s eating, dressing, or using a phone, the right equipment can promote independence and make life a little easier! These tools support what are known as ADLs—activities of daily living—and help people complete necessary, everyday tasks on their own, with more comfort and less frustration. 

Our OT Team has compiled this list of different types of adaptive equipment that we are able to introduce to help our patients thrive. If you believe that any of these tools would help your child feel more confident completing daily tasks, do not hesitate to talk to your OT about introducing them as a part of your child’s treatment plan!

Dressing and Grooming Aids

Sock Aid 

A device that helps users put on socks without bending down. Also great for those with back pain, limited flexibility, or mobility. 

Pictured here is our friend Pascal who had trouble putting his socks on independently and is now able to use a sock aid to help him in the process.  

Long Shoehorn 

Assists in sliding feet into shoes while standing or sitting, without needing to reach down to put on shoes. 

Dycem 

A non-slip material, which is used to keep items steady. It’s useful for brushing teeth, opening containers, or stabilizing dishes during meals. Dycem can be cut to any shape/size for ease of use and specific activities.  

Fine Motor and Technology Support

Universal Cuff 

A soft strap that wraps around the hand and holds items like forks, spoons, pens, or toothbrushes. The universal cuff is perfect for users with a weak grip or limited range of motion of the hands/wrists. 

Guided Hands 

An adaptive device that supports painting, writing, or using touchscreens. Designed for individuals with limited hand or arm movement. 

Here you can see our friend Keira using a piece of guided hands equipment that Miss Libby was able to rent from the PA TechOWL program.  Keira has limited ability using her hands on her own and the guided hands allowed her to use an iPad and color a picture all on her own for the first time! 

Feeding and Drinking Equipment

Nosey Cup

This cup has a cut-out for the nose, so users can drink without needing to tilt their head back. This is ideal for those with neck stiffness or limited neck mobility, or those learning to drink from an open cup for the first time. 

Weighted Utensils

Weighted utensils are used to add stability for users with hand tremors. 

Bendable Utensils 

Bendable utensils can be angled to make eating easier for those with limited wrist or hand movement. 

Scoop Dishes

Scoop dishes have raised edges to help scoop food without spills. 

Partitioned Plates

Partitioned plates separate food and make it easier to load utensils. 

Pictured here is a partitioned plate designed to help kids more easily eat independently.

Plate Guards 

Plate guards attach to regular plates and act as a barrier to prevent food from sliding off the utensils being used. 

Rocker Knife 

A knife that uses a rocking motion to cut food. It’s shaped for an easier grip and reduces strain on the hands and wrists. Typically, rocker knives are “T” shaped.  

Obi Feeding Robot 

Obi is a self-feeding robotic arm. It uses switches or buttons to select and serve food, helping people who have limited or no arm movement. 

Adaptive equipment doesn’t need to be high-tech or expensive to make a difference in someone’s life. These tools help people be more independent in their daily activities and feel more like themselves in the process! Even small changes, like switching to a nosey cup or using a universal cuff, can make a big impact on a person’s ability to complete daily tasks and live independently!  

 

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