Devices and equipment

Trunk support ring

Device used in the bathtub to provide external stability of the torso for children seated upright during bathing, typically used in the presence of mild hypotonicity

Overhead trapeze

Type of durable medical equipment with an overhead hoist attached to a bedframe or portable stand, used to facilitate bed mobility or transition from supine to sitting by pulling up on a handle affixed to the base

Adaptive stroller

Dependent mobility stroller used for optimal positioning and support for a child with moderate to severe disabilities

Suction denture brush

Adaptive grooming device consisting of a small brush with bristles on both sides secured to a base with suction feet to hold the brush upright, beneficial for persons with weak grip or decreased active ROM of the digits, tremors or hemiplegia

Bed rope ladder

Assistive device used to assist with sitting up from a supine position, secured at the foot of the bed and positioned within reach of the client

Mobile arm support

Low tech adaptive device typically attached to a wheelchair frame or floor stand device that supports the weight of the arm and has swivel components, used to provide assistance to weak muscles of the arm during a functional activity

Bath mitt

Adaptive device made of sponge or terry-cloth material to hold a bar of soap and worn on the hand during bathing, designed for persons with weak or no grip, intention tremors, incoordination

Swivel utensil

Adaptive spoon or fork with a moving component designed to minimize food spillage, may be beneficial for persons with decreased forearm supination or intention tremors

Hammock chair

Device used in the bathtub to safely position a child in supine for bathing, typically used in the presence of poor trunk and head control

Toileting sling

Type of sling used with a mechanical lift system that supports the torso, has straps under the thighs, and has a cut-out to allow for use during toileting and personal hygiene

Wheelchair Measurement: Seat height

Measurement used as part of a comprehensive wheelchair prescription, determined by measuring from popliteal fossa to the bottom of the heel

Wheelchair Measurement: Mid height back

Measurement used as part of a comprehensive wheelchair prescription, determined by measuring from the seat surface to the inferior angle of the scapula

Secondary driving control adaptations

Adaptations made to a vehicle that allow the driver to interact with features in the vehicle (e.g., turn signal, wiper blades, horn) that are not considered primary driving controls (e.g., gas, steering, brake)

Planar foam wheelchair seat cushion

Type of wheelchair seat cushion with the following characteristics:
• composed of viscoelastic material
• lightweight and inexpensive
• absorbs moisture
• multiple density and thickness options
• least effective option for pressure distribution

Adaptive tools for handwriting

Instruments used during interventions in the classroom to enhance proprioceptive feedback during handwriting, examples include:
• felt-tip pens
• vibratory pens
• crayons (scented, glittered, glow-in-the-dark)
• weighted pens/pencils
• chalk

Feeder chair

Positioning aid that provides trunk support for feeding or other short term activity

Adjustability allows for upright or reclined position

Front-wheel drive wheelchair

Feature of a powered wheelchair in which the casters are located toward the rear of the chair and the drive wheels located at the front of the chair, designed to enhance maneuverability up and down sloped terrain

May be more difficult to maneuver at higher speeds

Wheelchair measurement: Seat width

Measurement used as part of a comprehensive wheelchair prescription, determined by measuring the widest point across the hips when client is in sitting then adding 2 inches (5 cm)

Power-assist units

Battery-operated device attached to a seating and mobility system for enhancing independent mobility, types include:
• joysticks
• sit-to-stand lifters
• head controls

Wheelchair measurement: Seat depth

Measurement used as part of a comprehensive wheelchair prescription, determined by measuring from the base of the posterior aspect of the buttocks to the popliteal fossa, then subtracting 1-2 inches (2.5 – 5 cm)

Recommended to measure each leg individually

Mid-wheel drive wheelchair

Feature of a powered wheelchair that requires a third set of stabilizing caster wheels, designed with smaller turning radius which increases overall maneuverability

Drive wheel position

Feature of a power wheelchair that influences the maneuverability, stability, traction, and performance of the chair on a variety of terrains/surfaces, types include:
• rear-wheel
• mid-wheel
• front-wheel

Safe patient-handling equipment

Lift systems used to prevent injury of the healthcare worker and to assist the process of safely transferring a client from one surface to another

Wheelchair measurement: Armrest height

Measurement used as part of a comprehensive wheelchair prescription, determined by measuring from the seat surface to the olecranon process with elbows flexed at 90°

Caster cart

Type of wheeled seated mobility device that enables a child with limited lower extremity function navigate on flat surfaces, can be self-propelled, with option for battery operated joystick, may be difficult to maintain upright sitting for children with tight hamstrings or LE contractures

Adaptive writing surfaces for the classroom

Modification made during handwriting interventions often involving a slant-board, upright easel, or white board to enhance upper extremity control for:
• manipulation of a writing instrument
• promoting upright posture
• tracking of the hand’s movement during writing

Gel-filled wheelchair seat cushion

Type of wheelchair seat cushion with the following characteristics:
• contains viscous filling
• minimizes shear forces
• provides effective equal pressure distribution
• heavier and harder to maintain
• may cause moisture build-up

Work simulator

Electromechanical isotonic and isometric strengthening device used for work evaluation and intervention to improve upper extremity functional abilities [e.g., Baltimore Therapeutic Equipment (BTE™)]

Air-filled wheelchair seat cushion

Type of wheelchair seat cushion with the following characteristics:
• bladder design with adjustable inflation level
• provides even distribution of pressure relief
• lightweight design feature
• potential for air pressure variability inherent in overall design

Electric lift chair

Adaptive device used to assist a client with impaired mobility to transfer from sit to stand

Wheelchair accessory: Lap tray

A wheelchair accessory used for various purposes, including:
• upper extremity positioning and support
• solid surface to perform functional activities

Primary driving control adaptations

Adaptations made to a vehicle that allow the driver to perform key functions of driving

Includes:
• accessing the gas pedal
• maneuvering the steering wheel
• accessing the brakes

Doorknob extender

An assistive device that attaches to a doorknob and has an extension handle used to assist a client who has decreased coordination or strength to open a door

Wheelchair Tiedown Occupant Restraint System (WTORS)

A system used to secure a wheelchair to the floor of vehicle (i.e., wheelchair tiedown) and to safely restrain the occupant (i.e., occupant restraint) in the wheelchair
• must meet the Society of Autmotive Engineers standards

Three-in-one commode

Type of durable medical equipment that is portable and designed to increase safety and independence, designed to be used as a/an:
• bedside commode
• shower seat
• elevated toilet seat