Department of Health

Website of the Department of Health

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Where to look

To be confident you are making the right choice, there is nothing like seeing the equipment - and preferably trying it out - before deciding.

Disabled Living Centres (DLCs)

These centres around the UK aim to increase opportunities for people to live independently.They offer disabled people the chance to see and try out a wide range of products to find those that suit their needs.

They also offer free and independent advice about what is available, how much it costs and where to get it. Many centres also arrange training on a variety of topics of interest to disabled people, carers and professionals, for which there is generally a fee.

The Disabled Living Centres Council (DLCC), the national organisation for DLCs, can give you up-to-date information about your nearest centre.
Tel: (0161) 834 1044;
Website:www.dlcc.org.uk.

Reference point: Equipped for Life. Leaflet free from DLCC.

The DLCs vary in size, scope and opening hours, so it is best to telephone before visiting.

Other places to view equipment and get information

Hospital occupational therapy departments often have small displays of equipment and offer advice to people who are in hospital or attending as out-patients.

Social services departments often have assessment centres where equipment can be tried out.

Local authority education departments may have a selection of equipment on view for use in schools.

Chemists Larger branches often stock continence aids and basic aids for eating, drinking and bathing.Ask your social services department or Disabled Living Centre where to buy items.

Specialist retailers and disability equipment manufacturers often have showrooms where equipment is displayed.Ask the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) for the address of your nearest retailer who subscribes to their code of practice.They also have a free directory of dealers/repairers.
Tel: (01732) 458868 (Mon-Fri 9.00-17.00);
Website:www.bhta.com.

Emap Health Care organises the Naidex exhibition and the Independent Living London and Independent Living Scotland exhibitions.They cover a wide range of equipment and services for disabled and elderly people.An exhibition information pack is available.
Tel: (020) 7874 0200;
Fax (020) 7874 0217;
Website: www.emap.com or www.independentlivingevents.co.uk or www.naidex.co.uk.

AbilityNet is a charity formed by the Computability Centre and the Foundation for Communication for the Disabled to give information and advice on computer access at home and at work, including adapting technology to the needs of disabled people. An assessment service is available for individuals and companies and a wide range of free information is available.
Tel: (01926) 312847;
National Freephone: 0800 269545;
Website:www.abilitynet.org.uk.

Ricability (RICA: Research Institute for Consumer Affairs) is an independent charity that carries out consumer research of interest to older and disabled people. It publishes free consumer guides on easier living, newer technology products, telephone services, driving and mobility. It looks at equipment and services for ease of use. Guides are also available in Braille, large print, on tape and on the website.
Tel: (020) 7427 2460 (Mon-Fri 9.00-17.30);
Textphone: (020) 7427 2469;
Website:www.ricability.org.uk.

RNIB (Royal National Institute of the Blind) (see 'For people who are blind or partially sighted' in the section 'Help with particular needs')

RNID (Royal National Institute for Deaf People) (see 'For people who are deaf or hard of hearing' in the section 'Help with particular needs')

SCOPE This voluntary organisation supports people with cerebral palsy through news, factsheets and a helpline. Regional offices provide contact with services and local groups.
Free helpline: 0808 8003333 (Mon-Fri 11.00-21.00, Sat & Sun 14.00-18.00);
Website:www.scope.org.uk.

The Disabled Living Foundation (DLF)

The Disabled Living Foundation gives impartial advice about equipment for overcoming problems in daily living to people with disabilities, older people and carers. It offers the following services:

The National Disability Helpline provides advice and information on equipment and gadgets and can put you in touch with other organisations.
Tel: 0845 1309177 (Mon-Fri 10.00-16.00).

DLF-DATA Specific information can be obtained from DLF-DATA, one of the UK's most comprehensive databases of disability equipment.

The subscription service provides comprehensive in-depth information through the off-line version of DLF-DATA on CD-ROM, or the DLF Hamilton Index, a paper directory of equipment. Information on the off-line version of DLF-DATA can be obtained from the DLF.

Publications contain very detailed information, and range from specialist resource packs on equipment such as wheelchairs to factsheets and product guides on choosing and using equipment.

The DLF Equipment Centre displays a wide range of useful equipment and gadgets for older people and people with disabilities of all ages.The range includes wheelchairs,walking equipment, hoists, kitchen, bathing and toileting equipment as well as a display of children's equipment. It is staffed by information advisers who will demonstrate items and discuss practical problems and is open Monday to Friday 10.00-16.00.
Tel: (020) 7432 8008.

Training courses focus on the needs of healthcare professionals and social services staff.

For information about the DLF and its services:
Tel: (020) 7289 6111 (Mon-Fri 9.00-17.00);
Helpline: 0845 1309177 (Mon-Fri 10.00-16.00);
Website:www.dlf.org.uk.

Reference point: The following two books are available from the Foundation for Assistive Technology.
Tel: (020) 7253 3303;
Website:www.fastuk.org.
Children with Disabilities.
Older and Independent.

Reference point: Disability Equipment Assessment Reports.
Available from the Medical Devices Agency of the Department of Health. Based on user trials and technical assessment, these are mainly intended for therapists, other professionals and purchasers of equipment.They are available free to health and social care professionals and for an appropriate charge to others. For a free list of publications and details of how to obtain these reports, contact the Medical Devices Agency.
Tel: (020) 7972 8000 (Mon-Fri 9.00-17.00);

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