Aids, equipment and adaptations - Information for families
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Aids, equipment and adaptations
Information for families
1 Aids, equipment and adaptations
UK
Introduction
Caring for a disabled child can sometimes be made
easier with the use of certain aids, equipment
and/or adaptations. For some families, having the
right equipment can also enhance a child’s ability
to become more independent and help ease the
process of transition into adulthood.
Some items, such as mobility aids or special
beds, are expensive and the range available is
vast. This guide has information on how to obtain
equipment from statutory sources and where to go
for further advice. It also has sources of information
on equipment for play and leisure, second hand
equipment, financial help, VAT relief on equipment,
help adapting your home, and useful contacts.
Information in this guide
Although great care has been taken in the production of this
guide to ensure accuracy, Contact a Family cannot take any
responsibility for any errors or omissions.
2 Aids,
Aids,equipment
equipmentand
andadaptations
adaptations
Contents
Who provides equipment? ................................................................................................. 3
Health ........................................................................................................................................ 5
Communication ..................................................................................................................... 6
Continence .............................................................................................................................. 7
Mobility ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Education .............................................................................................................................. 11
Play and leisure ................................................................................................................... 12
Second hand equipment ................................................................................................ 13
Information technology ................................................................................................... 14
Financial help ....................................................................................................................... 14
Value Added Tax (VAT) ..................................................................................................... 15
Commercial suppliers ....................................................................................................... 16
Consumer rights ................................................................................................................. 18
Adapting your home ......................................................................................................... 18
Challenging decisions ....................................................................................................... 22
Further sources of help and advice ............................................................................. 23
Frequently asked questions ............................................................................................ 24
Explanation of terms ......................................................................................................... 26
Who provides equipment? your area there may be a local agreement
which clarifies who is responsible for
National Health Service (NHS) and different types of equipment.
local authority responsibilities
Both the NHS and your local authority Who does what?
(LA) can provide aids and equipment to The NHS is responsible for providing
disabled people. equipment to meet nursing or medical
needs. Often, the LA’s children’s services
Section 2 of the Chronically Sick and are responsible for providing equipment
Disabled Persons Act 1970 (England & for daily living, and the non-medical
Wales), and the equivalent legislation needs of disabled children and young
for Scotland and Northern Ireland, state people.
that a local authority (LA) has a duty to
provide practical assistance and additional Equipment needed to help your
facilities for the greater safety, comfort or child’s independence or meet any of
convenience of people who are assessed
as needing them.
Freephone helpline: 0808 808 3555
This often means providing equipment Web: www.cafamily.org.uk
as well as other forms of practical help. In
Aids, equipment and adaptations 3
their social care needs is usually the
responsibility of the LA (social work In general, the health
department in Scotland or health and
social services trust in Northern Ireland).
service cannot charge
This includes help with arranging for any of its services,
adaptations to the home, or any
additional facilities for your child’s greater
including medical aids
safety, comfort and convenience. It also and equipment needed
includes aids and equipment to help
with lifting and transferring your child,
for health reasons.
their personal care, eating, bathing and
washing.
Equipment to help a child access the Who to contact
curriculum may be arranged by the In the first place, contact your social
school or the education department of worker if you have one, social services
children’s services. (social work department in Scotland), or
your GP, and tell them about the kind
Equipment choice of help you’re looking for. You can also
Local authorities and the NHS approach other healthcare or personal
increasingly operate a self assessment care professionals, such as a district
or self selection schemes, enabling you nurse, physiotherapist or school nurse.
to choose some items of equipment
yourself. In some areas of England, Assessing you and your child’s needs
a needs assessment will result in an An occupational therapist (OT) or social
equipment ‘prescription’ being issued. worker will usually visit you in your
This prescription may be taken to a retail home to discuss the situation further
outlet and the equipment supplied up to and carry out the assessment. An OT
a specific cost; you may choose a more is a professional who can advise on
expensive version of your prescribed equipment for daily living and managing
equipment and pay the price difference more easily in the home. When you’re
yourself. visited by the OT or social worker, it is
important that your needs as a carer and
Items which must be provided free those of other family members are taken
In general, the health service cannot into account. This includes any health and
charge for any of its services, including safety concerns.
medical aids and equipment needed for
health reasons. If you live in England, If your child also needs equipment to
certain aids and equipment provided by help with medical or health needs, then
the local authority cannot be charged a joint assessment should be carried out
for. These include equipment for daily and the social worker or OT may contact
living such as a shower chair, and minor the community nursing service or
adaptations costing £1,000 or less. your GP.
4 Aids, equipment and adaptations
Where a need is identified, the social
worker or OT must consider ways of
meeting that need. This may include
practical advice about doing things
differently to make things easier,
providing aids and equipment, and/or
arranging alterations to the house. See
‘Adapting your home’ on page 18.
Making a complaint
If you’re unhappy with the outcome of
the assessment, then you can make feeding aids, mobility aids and aids
a complaint using the local authority’s for hearing.
complaints procedure. When making
a complaint, it may be useful to get Complaints
help from a local disability or carers If there is any aspect of health provision
organisation. The Contact a Family that you’re unhappy with, then you
helpline can provide further advice and should raise this with the person
tell you about any local organisations responsible. Families in England can
which can help further. also ask their local patient advice and
liaison service (PALS). Community health
We have guides to Disabled children’s councils in Wales can offer support and
services in England, Scotland and Wales guidance on how to make a complaint.
which have more advice about making a Families in Scotland and Northern Ireland
complaint, available from our freephone can make a complaint with the help of
helpline. If you live in Northern Ireland, their local health council or health and
our helpline advisers can give you social services council respectively. For
more information about the complaints contact details, search online or call our
process in your area. freephone helpline on 0808 808 3555 .
Hearing
Health Your GP can make a referral to an
Aids and equipment needed for nursing audiologist for an examination and
and medical care at home are usually hearing test. If a hearing aid is necessary,
the responsibility of the local health another referral is made to a hearing aid
authority. Equipment can be supplied department where an appliance will be
through the NHS on a free loan basis, supplied and fitted. NHS hearing aids
with certain items being prescribed are serviced, maintained and supplied
by the GP or a consultant. This
might include special beds and bed
equipment, hoists, incontinence aids, Freephone helpline: 0808 808 3555
Web: www.cafamily.org.uk
Aids, equipment and adaptations 5
with batteries free of charge. Hearing Vision impairment
aids can also be bought privately. For Low vision aids such as hand and stand
more information, you can contact the magnifiers can be prescribed under the
organisations below: NHS through the hospital eye service,
along with more complex appliances.
NDCS (The National Deaf The following organisations can provide
Children’s Society) further information on aids for visually
Helpline: 0808 800 8880 impaired children:
Textphone: 0808 800 8880
Web: www.ndcs.org.uk RNIB (Royal National Institute for
the Blind)
Provides information and advice to Helpline: 0303 1239 9999
families with a deaf child. Web: www.rnib.org.uk
Action on Hearing Loss Offers information, support and advice to
Freephone helpline: 0808 808 0123 people with sight loss.
Web: www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk
Offer information advice and support on
Communication
any aspect of deafness, hearing loss
Any concerns about your child’s
or tinnitus.
communication should be discussed with
a speech and language therapist. You
can either contact the therapist directly or
ask your GP to refer you. Therapists are
usually based in hospitals or clinics in the
community. Following an assessment of
your child’s needs, the therapist may be
able to loan any required equipment.
Please note that speech and language
therapy for children is often an
educational provision. This means that
funding for it can be provided by the local
authority (LA) as well as by a health trust.
This provision should be identified in your
child’s statement of special educational
needs, or co-ordinated support plan
if you live in Scotland. Please call our
freephone helpline for information on
0808 808 3555.
6 Aids, equipment and adaptations
The following organisations can also Continence
provide further information:
You can ask for advice on continence
Afasic matters from health visitors, district
Helpline: 0845 355 5577 nurses, learning disability nurses,
Web: www.afasic.org.uk community nurses, or social workers.
Most health authorities will also have
A parent led charity that helps children a designated continence adviser for
and young people with speech and specialist help and advice. Once your
language impairments. Also provides child is no longer an infant, continence
information and training for parents and aids can be supplied by your local
professionals. health authority, provided your child’s
difficulties with continence are due to a
I CAN disability. These may be charged for, or
Tel: 0845 225 4071 free, depending on where you live. Aids
Web: www.ican.org.uk such as bedding protection, disposable
nappies, catheters, pants and odour
I CAN supports the development of controls may be provided by the health
speech, language and communication authority, or can be bought privately.
skills in all children, with a special focus
on those who find this difficult. The Department of Health report on
Good Practice in Continence Services,
Aidis Trust (published 2000), states that, ‘In most
Freephone helpline: 0808 800 0009 cases it will not be appropriate to provide
Web: www.aidis.org free pads before the age of four, but
flexibility should be allowed for special
Helps disabled people make best use of cases such as children with multiple
information and communication technology handicaps and decisions should be
by giving information, help and support on made in liaison with the designated
all aspects of disability computing. paediatrician.’
The Sequal Trust Help might also be available with water
Tel: 01691 624 222 charges. If your water supply is metered,
Web: www.thesequaltrust.org.uk then you may be able to get your bill
capped. Please contact our helpline for
The Sequal Trust fundraises on behalf further advice. Other help for families
of its members with speech and/ dealing with continence difficulties is the
or movement difficulties to provide laundry service, although not all local
communication equipment. They also
provide equipment on a ‘life-long free
loan basis’. Freephone helpline: 0808 808 3555
Web: www.cafamily.org.uk
Aids, equipment and adaptations 7
authorities offer this. Where available, it is Provides information, support and
usually attached to the home help service resources to children and young people,
of the social services department. In other their families and health professionals.
areas, it is operated by the NHS.
The Bladder and Bowel Foundation
Families with severely disabled children Tel: 01536 533255
can apply for help with washing, such Nurse helpline: 0845 345 0165
as a washing machine, from the Family Web: www.bladderandbowelfoundation.org
Fund. See ‘Financial help’ on page 14.
Formerly Incontact and the Continence
You may live in an area where you can Foundation, they provide information and
get a donated or recycled machine. support for all types of bladder and bowel
The Furniture Re-use Network is the related problems. Run a specialist nurse
national co-ordinating body for 400 helpline, providing clinical support for
furniture and appliance re-use and patients and carers alongside its general
recycling organisations in the UK. They enquiry line.
collect a wide range of household
items to pass onto people in need. For
information about a project in your area,
Mobility
visit the website www.frn.org.uk Any concerns about your child’s mobility
should be discussed with your GP first,
The following organisations provide who can then make a referral to the
practical information and advice on physiotherapist at your local hospital.
continence issues: There your child’s mobility needs will
be assessed. Basic walking aids can
ERIC (Education and Resources for be provided on loan from the local
Improving Childhood Continence) hospital or community health service,
Helpline: 0845 370 8008 usually on the recommendation of the
Web: www.eric.org.uk physiotherapist.
Information on local
health services
Northern Ireland
Web: www.n-i.nhs.uk
Scotland
Web: www.show.scot.nhs.uk
England
Web: www.nhs.uk
Wales
Web: www.wales.nhs.uk
8 Aids, equipment and adaptations
Assessment and provision of a wheelchair
(powered, attendant-controlled powered
or manual wheelchairs) is carried out
by your local NHS wheelchair service. In
Wales, the Artificial Limb and Appliance
Service (ALAS) is responsible for
providing the wheelchair service.
Children’s buggies can also be supplied
through the wheelchair service.
The service should help you to choose a
wheelchair that meets your child’s needs.
This includes extras such as cushions,
armrests or trays. Your GP, local health
centre, physiotherapist or occupational
therapist should be able to tell you where
your local wheelchair service is. Families Usually, you have to buy outdoor electric
in Wales, can call NHS Direct Wales on wheelchairs, scooters or specialist sports
0845 4647. Parents in England and chairs. If you’re unhappy with the choice
Northern Ireland can ring NHS Direct 111 available and need something other
and in Scotland, families can ring NHS 24 than a standard chair, then you could
on 08454 242424. Alternatively, visit the consider the wheelchair voucher scheme
wheelchair services section of the NHS (England only). This allows you to pay
website at the difference between the costs of a
http://preview.tinyurl.com/cu7hyo4 basic manual wheelchair, provided by the
wheelchair service, to a more expensive
The wheelchair is supplied to someone wheelchair of your choice.
whose need for a chair is permanent.
The service will also be responsible for Additional sources of help with
its maintenance, provided any problems wheelchairs include:
are not caused by misuse or neglect. You
should be given the number for a local Whizz-Kidz
approved repairer who will be responsible Tel: 020 7233 6600
for repairs. Web: www.whizz-kidz.org.uk
In theory, any wheelchair can be supplied Whizz-Kidz can provide essential mobility
by the NHS wheelchair service. However, equipment for children up to 18 that is
this will depend on local criteria,
resources available and the circumstances
of the individual. In Scotland, there are Freephone helpline: 0808 808 3555
national criteria for the provision of Web: www.cafamily.org.uk
powered wheelchairs.
Aids, equipment and adaptations 9
Any concerns about your
child’s mobility should
be discussed with your
GP first, who can then
make a referral to the
physiotherapist at your
local hospital.
not available from the NHS. Also provides For more information, contact Motability
wheelchair skills training. operations on 0800 953 3060, or visit
Go Kids Go! (Association of Wheelchair www.motability.co.uk
Children)
Tel: 01482 887163 Starting from June 2013, Personal
Web: www.wheelchairchildren.org.uk Independence Payments (PIP) will
replace DLA for people aged 16 to
64. If you get the enhanced mobility
This is a small, national charity enabling
component of PIP, you will be eligible for
young wheelchair-users throughout the a car under the Motability Scheme.
UK to become independently mobile.
They provide practical wheelchair skills
Other mobility services
training, assessment and support to
young wheelchair-users and their families.
Forum of Mobility Centres
Also provides disability awareness training
Tel: 0800 559 3636
in mainstream schools.
Web: www.mobility-centres.org.uk
Mobility schemes The Forum of Mobility Centres is a
If your child receives the high rate of network of 17 independent organisations
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) mobility covering England, Scotland, Wales and
component, and has at least twelve Northern Ireland. They offer information,
months award length remaining, then advice and assessment to individuals
you can join the Motability Scheme. The who have a medical condition or are
scheme can help disabled people hire recovering from an accident or injury
or buy a car, or a powered wheelchair, which may affect their ability to drive,
or a buggy. You can only be on the Car access or exit a motor vehicle.
Scheme or the Wheelchair and Scooter
Scheme, not both at the same time. The Blue Badge scheme and road tax
If your child gets the highest rate of DLA
10 Aids, equipment and adaptationsmobility component, you can apply for you information and help you through
road tax exemption and for a Blue Badge the complaints process. Visit the website
for disabled parking. The Blue Badge www.healthwatch.co.uk for contact details
may also be awarded where a child is of your local Healthwatch.
aged two or over and has a permanent
disability which makes walking difficult,
or where they are aged under two and
Education
either need to be accompanied by Aids that a child or young person needs
bulky medical equipment or kept near a for education may be supplied by local
vehicle so that they can receive medical authorities, the school or college. The
treatment at short notice. school may arrange for an occupational
therapist to assess your child and may
If you get the enhanced mobility provide aids for use in school and at
component of PIP you will also be home. Contact the head teacher or
eligible and for an exemption from road special educational needs coordinator
tax. If your child qualifies for the standard (SENCO) for further information.
mobility component you may be eligible
for partial help with the road tax. If your child has a statement of special
educational needs, then details of specific
Eligibility for the Blue badge will depend equipment required to help your child at
on the number of points awarded for school should be included. If you have
certain activities which relate to mobility. concerns about your child’s needs, then
Qualifying points will also depend on these should be raised with the school.
which part of the UK you live in. Contact
the Helpline for further information. In Scotland, a child’s co-ordinated
support plan should detail any
Complaints about wheelchair services equipment necessary to meet a child’s
educational needs.
Unfortunately, things can go wrong. If you
feel unhappy with the wheelchair service, Contact a Family’s guides, Special
you can first try to resolve this by letting educational needs for Wales, England,
the service know you are unhappy. If this Scotland and Northern Ireland include
doesn’t work, you can make a complaint. further advice about your rights and lists
Ask the wheelchair service for a copy of other relevant organisations for further help.
their complaints procedure which will
explain how to make an official complaint. Further and higher education
For young disabled people in further and
If the wheelchair service is based in a higher education, additional help may
hospital in England, they will have what
is called a ‘patient advice and liaison
service’ (PALS) that should be able to Freephone helpline: 0808 808 3555
help you with this. In England, your local Web: www.cafamily.org.uk
Healthwatch organisation can also give
Aids, equipment and adaptations 11Tel: 028 9024 4274
Web: http://egsa.org.uk
Egsa provide information and advice to
students studying in Northern Ireland.
Play, leisure and child
development
be available. This can be in the form of
specialist aids and equipment or allowances All children, including disabled children,
to help pay for equipment or practical help. have the right to play, have fun and
To determine what help is necessary, your take part in recreational activities. This is
child will need a special assessment. important as play has a very important
role in a child’s development. Play can
help develop speech, sensory skills,
Disability Rights UK imagination, independence and social
Disabled students freephone helpline: skills. Toys and play can be fun as well as
0800 328 5050 educational and therapeutic. It is crucial
Web: www.disabilityrightsuk.org that all children, whatever their abilities,
are given the opportunity to play and
Disability Rights UK can provide further access leisure facilities.
information and advice to students
studying in England. Toys, play and development
For further advice and information
Lead Scotland on suitable toys, you can speak to
Freephone helpline: 0800 999 2568 a paediatric occupational therapist.
Web: www.lead.org.uk Through activity and play, the paediatric
occupational therapist works with children
Lead Scotland can provide information to help them attain the highest possible
and advice to students studying in quality of life. The paediatric occupational
Scotland. therapist can work in a variety of settings
including the NHS, social services,
Careers Wales educational or charitable organisations.
Freephone helpline: 0800 100 900
Web: www.careerswales.com Find out where your local toy library
is. Toy libraries are usually free for
Careers Wales can provide information children who access local services, (such
and advice to students studying in Wales. as Portage, or speech and language
therapy), or who receive DLA, or are on
Educational Guidance Service for the local children’s services register.
Adults (EGSA) You can borrow a wide range of sensory
toys and equipment. The toy librarian
12 Aids, equipment and adaptationscan help you choose suitable toys for fun Run a range of play projects and offer
and development. Good quality toys and services directly to children and families.
sensory equipment are often expensive Also, help and support toy libraries and
to buy for children with additional needs, play projects in Scotland to deliver quality
so being able to borrow these is really services for children and families.
useful. Toy librarians can also signpost
you to other local play and leisure
services and, in some areas, run their Second hand equipment
own play sessions.
The Spinal Injuries Association and Disabled
Living Foundation have helpful factsheets on
There may be a local play scheme buying and selling second hand equipment.
or parent support group in your area They include details of publications to
where toys and ideas can be shared or advertise in and other helpful organisations.
exchanged. Call our freephone helpline Information from the Spinal Injuries
for local information. Contact a Family Association also lists dealers in second
also has a guide, Holidays, play and hand wheelchairs and adapted vehicles.
leisure, available free for parents from our
reephone helpline.
Spinal Injuries Association
There are a number of commercial Tel: 0800 980 0501
outlets and specialist suppliers. Some Web: www.spinal.co.uk
of these are listed under ‘Commercial
suppliers’ on page 13. Because there are Disabled Living Foundation
so many, it is important for parents to get See above.
the right advice to ensure they get value
for money. The following organisations Disability Equipment Register
can provide further specialist information: Tel: 01454 318 818
Web: www.disabilityequipment.org.uk
Disabled Living Foundation
Tel: 0845 130 9177 A not-for-profit organisation providing
Web: www.dlf.org.uk a service for disabled people and their
families to enable them to buy and sell
Listening Books items of used disability equipment on a
Tel: 020 7407 9417 direct basis.
Web: www.listening-books.org.uk
Mobility Market
Provide audio books for leisure and learning www.themobilitymarket.co.uk
on MP3, CD, and via internet streaming for
anyone who has difficulty reading.
Smart Play Network (Scotland) Freephone helpline: 0808 808 3555
Tel: 0131 664 2746 Web: www.cafamily.org.uk
Web: www.smartplaynetwork.org
Aids, equipment and adaptations 13A website where you can buy or sell used to the provision of special equipment to
mobility aids and equipment. help with learning.
Furniture Re-use Network Funding and provision of equipment
See page 8. like this may be available from your
local authority if you’re assessed as
needing it and you meet the criteria.
Information technology Alternatively, help may also be
available from charitable trusts. Call
Access to the internet can open up a our freephone helpline on 0808 808
wealth of information and networks for 3555 for information about grant giving
families through specialist websites and organisations which may be able to help
social media sites such as Facebook and in this way.
Twitter.
Because of the volume of information
Additionally, there are now a wide variety and products available, it is important to
of websites, applications and products obtain specialist advice. The following
such as laptops and tablets available to organisations can provide further
families with disabled children. These can information:
help in everyday life as well as help with
your child’s development, communication • Ability Net (see page 24)
and learning. • Aidis Trust (see page 7)
• ACE Centre (see page 23)
Young people can also achieve • Disabled Living Foundation (see page 23)
independence through the use of • Meru (see page 24)
environmental controls and assistive • The LiveNet assistive technology loan
technology. These products can help with scheme, N Ireland) (see page 23).
operating certain appliances such as light
switches, TV, phone or opening doors. Financial help
Equipment and packages can also help Charities and benevolent funds
with sound and vision and also help
overcome difficulties with operating a Family Fund
computer and entering information. Tel: 0845 130 45 42
Solutions may include voice recognition Web: www.familyfund.org.uk
or eye tracking systems, touch screens or
replacing the mouse with a trackball. The Family Fund gives grants to low-
income families to meet the additional
Your child may have the opportunity to needs of caring for a severely disabled
trial a piece of equipment or particular child. In England and Wales, the age limit
application. Extra help may also be of children and young people they can
available if your child has a statement of help is aged 17 and under.
special educational needs. This could lead
14 Aids, equipment and adaptationsThe Fund will not help with costs that are
the responsibility of the local authority or
health services.
Turn2us
Web: www.turn2us.org.uk
Freephone: 0808 802 2000
Online service to help people access
information on all benefits and grants
available to them from both statutory and
voluntary organisations in the UK.
Our freephone helpline can also give you
information about grant-giving trusts and
other possible sources of help. helpline for advice.
Benefits and tax credits
To ensure you get everything you’re
Value Added Tax (VAT)
entitled to and you’re not losing out,
our free guides on benefits, and The tax Certain aids and equipment for disabled
credits guide give more detailed advice. people are zero-rated for VAT purposes.
Our Checklist for parents also has a This means that you do not have to pay
brief summary of entitlements. Call our any VAT when you buy these goods for
freephone helpline on 0808 808 3555 the personal use of your disabled child.
for a full benefits check. We may also
be able to supply information on local Not all goods and services for disabled
trusts. For information on benefits and people are zero-rated
local advice agencies, call our freephone Zero-rating applies to:
Contact a Family helpline.
• adjustable beds, chair lifts, hoists and
Using direct payments to buy sanitary devices
equipment • auditory training aids
Families from all over the UK can use • low-vision aids
direct payments to buy equipment. Our • certain medical and surgical appliances
guides Getting direct payments for your • emergency alarm call systems
disabled child in England and Wales and • motor vehicles and boats adapted to
A parents guide to direct payments in meet a disabled person’s condition.
Scotland look at how to ask for them and
how they work in practice. For a copy and
more information about direct payments, Freephone helpline: 0808 808 3555
call our freephone helpline. Families in Web: www.cafamily.org.uk
Northern Ireland can also contact our
Aids, equipment and adaptations 15However, not every vehicle or adaptation from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs
will qualify, so seek further advice (HMRC), via the link below.
• any other equipment or appliances
designed solely for the use of disabled How to make sure you do not pay VAT
people. It is not enough to show that a To avoid paying VAT on the above goods
piece of equipment is one that is often or services, you will need to provide
used by disabled people – it must be your supplier with a written declaration
specifically designed for their use. For that you are entitled to buy these goods
example, an orthopaedic bed would not without paying VAT. A parent can sign a
be zero-rated because it is designed for declaration on behalf of a disabled child.
use by both disabled and non-disabled While there is no official form for making
people alike. Ultimately, it is the a declaration, a suggested declaration
designer or manufacturer of a product can be found at section 10 of VAT Notice
who determines whether goods qualify 701/7 – VAT reliefs for people with
for zero-rating. disabilities. This can be downloaded from
HMRC’s website at www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/
You also don’t have to pay VAT on any sectors/consumers/disabled.htm
charges made for the installation, repair
and maintenance of these goods, or for It is the supplier’s responsibility to check
any spare parts or accessories they need. that all the conditions for zero-rating
are met. If you have been charged VAT
Certain building work may also be incorrectly, your supplier may be able to
zero-rated. This includes work on ramps, make an adjustment to their VAT records
doorways and passages, bathrooms, and refund you this money. You cannot
shower rooms, washrooms and toilets obtain a refund of VAT from HMRC.
and the installation and repair of a lift.
However, the services of an architect, For further advice on zero-rating of VAT,
surveyor or consultant cannot be you can contact our freephone helpline.
zero-rated even if they are providing Alternatively, you can contact HMRC on
services in connection with building work 0845 302 0203.
that does qualify.
If you need to have any general purpose
Commercial suppliers
goods adapted for a disabled child’s Many companies that sell aids and
use, the extra you pay for the adaptation equipment also operate mail order
should be VAT free, although not the services. Because of the vast range
actual goods themselves. available, it is important to seek
independent advice. The following is a list
If you import equipment from abroad to of some of those suppliers. Please note
meet a disabled person’s needs, there are that their appearance on this list should
specific rules allowing VAT exemptions in not be seen as an endorsement by
certain circumstances. More information Contact a Family of their products.
can be found in VAT Notice 371, available
16 Aids, equipment and adaptationsDaily living equipment and products
DCS Joncare Ltd
Tel: 01235 523 353
Web: ww.dcsjoncare.com
Lisclare Ltd
Tel: 028 9079 4000
Web: www.lisclare.com
Nottingham Rehab Supplies
Tel: 0845 120 4522
Web: www.nrs-uk.co.uk
Some of the Disabled Living Foundation’s
factsheets also list commercial suppliers, Other suppliers
(see ‘Other suppliers’ below for contact
details). Bag Books
Tel: 020 7627 0444
Play and sensory resources Web: www.bagbooks.org
Sensory Toy Warehouse Design and produce multi-sensory story
Web: www.sensorytoywarehouse.com packs for people with learning disabilities.
TFH Special Needs Toys Bikedock
Tel: 01299 827 820 Tel: 0845 062 5500
Web: www.specialneedstoys.com/uk Web: www.bikedock.com
SpaceKraft Ltd A bike retail and mail order company.
Tel: 01274 581 007 Also specialise in trikes for cyclists with
Web: www.spacekraft.co.uk special needs.
Rompa International The Disabled Living Foundation have a
Tel: 0845 230 1177 list called Some suppliers of a range of
Web: www.rompa.com children’s equipment on their website at
http://preview.tinyurl.com/cnalokh
Mike Ayres Design & Development Ltd
Tel: 0114 235 6880
Web: www.mike-ayres.co.uk
Freephone helpline: 0808 808 3555
Web: www.cafamily.org.uk
Aids, equipment and adaptations 17The Challenging Behaviour Foundation produced by Trading Standards Central,
Tel: 0845 602 7885 which is a government department, can
Web: www.thecbf.org.uk be downloaded from the website at
www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/index.cfm
The Challenging Behaviour Foundation
supply information about specialist People in Northern Ireland can get further
equipment and safety adaptations. This information from the Consumer Council
includes suppliers of items such as at www.consumerline.org or by phone on
toughened furniture, special flooring, 0300 123 62 62.
beds and bedding.
People in England, Scotland and Wales
can visit the Citizens Advice website for
Consumer rights information at
www.adviceguide.org.uk/consumer
When buying goods you have a right to or call 08454 04 05 06
expect certain standards. This applies (08454 04 05 05 Welsh language)
when you buy in person or by mail order.
If something goes wrong and/or you’re
not satisfied with the service or goods, try Adapting your home
contacting the supplier first. If this fails,
then seek further specialist advice. It is If you need to adapt your home to make
important to do this as soon as possible it easier for you or your child to manage,
as your rights may depend on when the then you may be entitled to a Disabled
transaction took place, otherwise you Facilities Grant (or Home Improvement
could find that you’re out of time. Grant if you live in Scotland). For anyone
considering an application for a grant, it is
Your local advice service or trading advisable to seek further help and advice
standards service can provide further as the system can be quite complex.
advice. Information on your rights,
Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs)
(England and Wales)
Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) are
usually paid by your local housing
authority. To be eligible you must be an
owner occupier, a tenant (private, local
authority or housing association) or a
landlord with a disabled tenant.
A DFG can help with the cost of, for
example:
• building a safe play area
• installing a stair-lift
• adapting a lighting or heating system
18 Aids, equipment and adaptations• building a suitable bathroom, or However, nowhere in the legislation
• kitchen facilities, or does it say that an OT assessment is
• to enable access to a garden, and a requirement of a valid application.
other works.
A DFG is a mandatory grant, this means It is important to be aware that
you must be given a grant if your local contacting social services or an
council are satisfied that works are both occupational therapist (OT) to ask for an
‘necessary and appropriate’ to meet the assessment is not the same as making a
disabled person’s needs and ‘reasonable formal application. There are no specific
and practicable’ taking into account the time-limits on how long you may have
age and condition of the property. to wait to see an OT. Because of this,
some families have endured lengthy
If a grant is made to meet the needs delays before their formal application is
of a disabled child or young person even submitted.
under 19 years old, the parent’s financial
circumstances should not be taken into To help them decide if your request is
account, except where a young person is ‘reasonable and practicable’ your local
getting certain means-tested benefits in authority will ask for an assessment
their own right or is in advanced education. from an environmental health officer
or a building surveyor (local authorities
Your local council must decide if you are tend to use members of their own staff
entitled to a DFG within six months after where possible). You may also need
receiving your valid application. to get approval for building regulations,
planning, listed buildings or conservation
An application for a DFG would only be areas purposes. Your local authority has
valid if all the following information is the right to ask for these but it should not
provided: use these to exceed the six month time
limit for assessing a claim.
• details of the property
• details of the work needed To minimise delays, you should make
• at least two estimates of the cost from a formal application to your local
two different contractors, (unless the council for a grant as soon as you
local authority specifies otherwise) can. You can do this even if you are
• details of other services and charges still waiting for an OT to visit to do an
needed, for example, supervision of assessment. A formal application can
the work, disconnection of electricity, be made on a special form available
water or other utilities. To help them from the local authority or in a letter.
decide if your request is necessary Your local authority cannot refuse to
and appropriate to meet the needs
of the disabled occupant most local
authorities will routinely ask for an Freephone helpline: 0808 808 3555
assessment from an occupational Web: www.cafamily.org.uk
therapist (OT) or from social services.
Aids, equipment and adaptations 19allow you to make a formal application, If a Disability Facilities Grant (DFG) is
or refuse to give you a grant application awarded for adaptations for a dependent
form. Seek advice from our freephone child, the parents/guardians will not be
helpline if they do refuse, or if you are means tested.
experiencing long delays in the grant
process. You can get up to £25,000 for a DFG. In
some circumstances, this award can be
It is important to remember that you increased by a further £25,000 at the
cannot get a grant for work that you have discretion of the Housing Executive and
already started. with approval from the Department for
Social Development.
The maximum grant is £30,000 in
England, £36,000 in Wales. However, It will be necessary for an occupational
if costs are over this limit, the council therapist to recommend that the
has the discretion to give a further adaptations are ‘necessary and
grant covering the full costs of the appropriate’ for the disabled child. These
mandatory works. Local authorities also rules only apply to home owners or those
have discretionary powers to provide who rent in the private sector. Different
financial and other assistance for arrangements exist for families who live in
improvements or repairs to the home. public sector housing, housing executive
This can be in the form of a grant, loan, or housing association tenants.
labour, relocation expenses, materials
or advice. Contact your local housing Applicants in Northern Ireland should
authority to find out how these powers contact their local housing executive
apply in your area. office for a preliminary enquiry form.
If your application is successful then the Grants for improvements and
grant will usually only be paid if the work adaptations in Scotland
is carried out within 12 months of the Each local authority in Scotland must
date the application is approved. have a ‘Scheme of Assistance’ statement
which explains how they will support
If your application fails you can make home owners and tenants in their
a complaint. If you are unable to get area who have to carry out repairs,
enough financial help from your local improvements and maintenance to their
council you could apply to charitable houses. Under the scheme of assistance
trusts for assistance. Please contact our local authorities are obliged to provide
helpline for further information. grants for work to meet the needs of
disabled people in certain circumstances.
Disabled Facilities Grants
(Northern Ireland) Councils must provide a grant to adapt
The system for getting help with a house to enable a disabled person
adaptations in Northern Ireland is to have access to standard amenities.
similar to that for Wales and England. Standard amenities are:
20 Aids, equipment and adaptations• a toilet
• bath or shower If you need to adapt your
• wash hand basin and sink (in each
case with hot and cold water supply).
home to make it easier
for you or your child to
Councils must also provide grants for
other work that is deemed essential to
manage then you may
meet the needs of a disabled person. be entitled to a Disabled
Your local council will decide whether or
not an adaptation is essential during their
Facilities Grant
assessment of the disabled child’s needs.
A grant cannot be made for an
extension that provides additional living
accommodation. If an extension provides of adaptations work covered by grant.
a standard amenity (for example, The only limit is that provided by the
a downstairs bathroom) alongside assessment of need, which will set
additional living accommodation, a grant out what work is required to meet the
is only awarded for the portion of the applicant’s need.
work providing the standard amenity.
If an extension only makes space for a An application will be refused if the work
standard amenity and no additional living has already started, unless you can satisfy
space is created, then a mandatory grant the local authority that there was good
should meet these costs. reason why the work had to be carried out
in advance of an application being made.
If you are refused a mandatory grant,
(for example, because you need an Grants are usually only made to owner-
extension that does not qualify), you occupiers and private tenants. If you rent
should ask your local authority about a from a council or housing association you
discretionary grant instead. are expected to approach your landlord
for help with adaptations, and can only
The minimum level of a mandatory grant apply for a grant under the scheme of
awarded due to disability is 80 per cent assistance in exceptional circumstances.
of the eligible cost. It should be 100
per cent if the applicant is in receipt
of certain means tested benefits. Each
local authority decides when it will make
grants of more than 80 per cent in other
circumstances.
It is unlawful for a local authority to Freephone helpline: 0808 808 3555
apply a fixed upper limit on the cost Web: www.cafamily.org.uk
Aids, equipment and adaptations 21Challenging decisions
If you’re unhappy about the outcome of
an application for a grant, or the length of
time it has taken to reach a decision, then
seek further advice. Ways of challenging
decisions include talking to your local
council, complaining using the local
authority complaints procedure, or asking
the local government ombudsman to
investigate. A local citizen’s advice bureau
or home improvement agency may be
able to give additional advice.
Getting further help and advice
Home improvement agencies, sometimes
called ‘care and repair agencies’, exist disability advice project should be able
to help home owners or private tenants to help. You can also visit the website
improve their living conditions. This involves of the Northern Ireland Housing
giving technical and financial advice as Executive at
well as help and guidance through the www.nihe.gov.uk/index/advice/disability
application process for grants. They may
also be able to identify other sources of You can also contact our office in
financial help if the grant isn’t enough. Northern Ireland on 028 9262 7552 or
email: nireland.office@cafamily.org.uk
For information about local agencies in
England, contact: For families in Scotland, more detailed
Foundations information can be found in the
Tel: 0845 864 5210 Guidance for Local Authorities called
Web: www.foundations.uk.com Guidance on the provision of equipment
and adaptations available here:
For Scotland contact: www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/publications/
Care and Repair Forum Scotland CC2009_05.pdf
Tel: 0141 221 9879
Web: www.careandrepairscotland.co.uk You can contact our Scotland office on
For Wales contact: 0131 659 2930 or email us at
Care and Repair Cymru scotland.office@cafamily.org.uk
Tel: 029 2067 4830
Web: www.careandrepair.org.uk People in England and Wales can find
Or phone 030 111 333 to contact further information in the good practice
your local care and repair agency (calls guide, Delivering Housing Adaptations,
charged at your cheapest rate). for Disabled People, at
If you live in Northern Ireland, a local www.gov.ukgovernment/publications
22 Aids, equipment and adaptationsAssist UK
It is important to Tel: 0161 832 9757
Web: www.assist-uk.org
remember that you
cannot get a grant for Assist UK leads a UK-wide network of
locally-situated Disabled Living Centres.
work that you have Each centre includes a permanent
already carried out. exhibition of products and equipment
that give people opportunities to see and
try products.
Further sources of help LiveNet (Northern Ireland)
Tel: 028 9049 4907
and advice Web: www.livenet.org.uk
Ace Centre
The LiveNet assistive technology loan
Tel: 0161 358 0151
scheme provides an opportunity for
Web: www.ace-centre.org.uk
people in Northern Ireland to preview a
variety of items of software or hardware
Work alongside young people with
that have been specially designed to help
communication difficulties to design
improve access to a computer.
software that enables, rather than
restricts, the user.
The loan scheme is available to any
member of the learning disability
Disabled Living Foundation (DLF) community free of charge. This includes:
Tel: 0845 130 9177
Web: www.dlf.org.uk • children, young people or adults with
a learning disability (under 18s must
DLF produces a comprehensive range get a responsible adult to sign the
of factsheets on choosing daily living agreement)
equipment. This includes advice on • family carers
equipment for children who need help • staff or volunteers who support
to dress, personal care (toileting, bathing, people with a learning disability.
washing) and beds and bed accessories.
The factsheets can be downloaded from MERU
their website or you can ring the equipment Tel: 01372 725203
helpline where up-to-date product and Web: www.meru.org.uk
supplier information can be given.
They also have a website SARA (Self
Assessment, Rapid Access), you can visit Freephone helpline: 0808 808 3555
atwww.asksara.org.uk with information on Web: www.cafamily.org.uk
products that may help.
Aids, equipment and adaptations 23MERU aims to improve life for children British Red Cross
and young people with disabilities Tel: 0844 412 2804
by designing custom-made specialist Web: www.redcross.org.uk
equipment when no ready-made solution
exists to meet a child or young person’s Has a volunteer-led medical equipment
needs. MERU also has an information service that provides wheelchair hire and
and advice service for parents and short-term loans of equipment in almost
therapists worldwide. 1,000 outlets in the UK.
Remap Other useful websites
Tel: 0845 130 0456
Web: www.remap.org.uk There are numerous suppliers of disability
equipment, mobility products and daily
Design, manufacture and supply living aids in the UK. It can be difficult
appliances to meet the individual needs to find a suitable company. Below is a
of disabled people where they cannot be small number. Again, please note that
sourced commercially. their appearance on this list should not
be seen as an endorsement by Contact a
Ricability (Research Institute for Family of their products.
Consumer Affairs)
Youreable
Tel: 020 7427 2460 Web: www.youreable.com
Web: www.ricability.org.uk
Ricability is an independent research A community based website that has
charity that provides consumer information on products and services for
information for disabled and older disabled people.
people. Guides are available on request
or through their website. Independent Living
Web: www.independentliving.co.uk
Abilitynet
Tel: 0800 269 545 A site providing news, views and product
Web: www.abilitynet.co.uk information designed to assist with living
independently.
Offer advice and information on
information and communications
technology (ICT). Also supply a range
Frequently asked questions
of factsheets and skillsheets (available I bought a trike for my disabled son and
on their website) that give detailed was told by the supplier that I have to
information on a wide range of assistive claim back the VAT. How can I do this?
technology. First of all, you need to establish whether
or not the trike should be zero-rated (see
24 Aids, equipment and adaptations‘Value Added Tax (VAT)’ on page 15). To
reiterate this advice, VAT relief does not
apply to general purpose goods which
are of benefit to disabled people. So
you will have to pay VAT, unless the trike
has been solely designed to be used by
your disabled son. You should also be
aware that Her Majesty’s Revenue and
Customs do not refund VAT to customers.
Instead it is the responsibility of the
supplier to determine whether or not
the item in question is subject to VAT. If
you have been charged VAT incorrectly,
your supplier may be able to make an
adjustment to their VAT records and
refund you the VAT.
I’ve just enquired about applying for
With help from the Disabled Facilities a Disabled Facilities Grant and I’ve
Grants Scheme (Disabled Persons been told by the occupational therapist
Allowance in Northern Ireland), I’ve (OT) that there’s a waiting list for the
just turned one of my reception assessment. It could be months before
rooms into a special playroom for my I’m seen by the OT and two years
disabled child. I’ve been told I can before I get a grant. What are my rights?
get some help with the Council Tax The assessment by the OT is a crucial
because of this. Is this true? part of the grants process. Following
This is possible under the Disability on from the OT’s recommendations, a
Reduction Scheme. When a property formal application is often submitted to
has been altered in a certain way to the housing authority. But you can still
accommodate the needs of a disabled make a formal application to the housing
person, then the ‘band’ for your property authority for the grant before the OT’s
can be lowered. The lower the band, assessment. This can help speed up the
the smaller the bill. In your case, you process as the authority is then required
qualify because you have a room which to make a decision within six months of
is needed by and predominantly used receiving the application. Within that time,
by your disabled son. It is worth noting the OT will hopefully visit your home to
that if the dwelling is in band ‘A’, then you carry out the assessment.
can get a reduction of one-sixth of your
bill. And also that the reduction can be
fully backdated. Properties in the lowest
band already, (A), only have the right to
backdate to 1 April 2000. Freephone helpline: 0808 808 3555
Web: www.cafamily.org.uk
Aids, equipment and adaptations 25If you don’t get a decision within the it brand new, and I can’t return it if
time limit, you should write to them there’s a fault. Is this true?
asking why you haven’t heard anything No, you have the same rights as if you’d
and asking for a decision to be made. bought a new one, and the trader is also
If there is still no decision, then seek obliged to point out any faults before you
advice on other possible remedies; such pay for it. If any faults have been pointed
as making a complaint using the local out, then this may affect your rights.
authority’s complaints procedure or the Contact your nearest advice service or
local government ombudsman. See trading standards office for further advice.
‘Adapting your home’ on page 21 for See ‘Consumer rights’ on page 20.
more information.
I bought a second hand wheelchair
from a trader, but I’ve been told I don’t
have the same rights as if I’d bought
Explanation of terms In Wales, Local Health Boards assess
health needs.
Health services
Throughout this guide, we refer to the In Scotland, the department of your
‘health service’. In your area, this might local authority involved in providing
also be known as the Primary Care equipment services is usually called
Trust (or Health and Social Services ‘social work’.
Trust if you live in Northern Ireland). In
England, local Clinical Commissionig In Northern Ireland, equipment services
Groups, led by groups of local GPs, buy will be part of the Health and Social
local hospital and community health Services Trust.
services, including wheelchair services.
However, some equipment services Local authority
are provided by the local authority. Please also note that throughout the
guide, we use the term local authority, or
In England, services for adults and LA, when referring to the part of the local
children from the local authority are authority that’s responsible for education,
usually provided separately. Previously which used to be known as the Local
known as social services, it is likely Education Authority (LEA). In your area,
that the office in your area responsible it may now be called ‘Education and
for children will be called ‘children’s Learning’ or ‘Children’s Services’.
services’. They will be responsible for
delivering education and practical help Note: The Code of Practice for Special
for disabled children, in addition to that Educational Needs still refers to Local
available from the health service. Education Authority (LEA).
26 Aids, equipment and adaptationsYou can also read
