Assistive technology and equipment includes any device or piece of equipment that can be used to help a person perform an activity or improve their ability to function. It may also have been altered in some way to make it easier to use.

For children and young people with CP, there are many types of assistive devices and equipment available, which can help to:

• improve communication, hearing and mobility
• support participation in more sports and recreation activities
• make drawing and writing easier
• improve learning and academic performance
• make socialising easier
• provide greater independence, self-sufficiency and self-confidence
• make things easier and improve quality of life.

If you would like to know about which assistive technology and equipment might help your child or young person, talk to your GP or paediatrician about a referral to an allied health professional, such as a speech pathologist, physiotherapist or occupational therapist. They can provide your child or young person with a comprehensive assessment, and then work out the best technology and equipment for them and you to use.

Children and young people with CP who do not speak or have limited speech become good at using their bodies to communicate, using skills such as sign language and gesturing. There are also many high-tech communication systems available to help improve communication, including touch screens, smart phones, iPads, speech-generating systems and electronic keyboards.

One very common electronic tool is a communication board, which is similar to a tablet. Most of them contain a speech-generating device. The screen can be customised for the child or young person in any way they choose, including preferences like the language they use.

The board has letters, images, photos and symbols that the child or young person can point to using their fingers, a pointer or eye-tracking technology. Words are then formed into sentences about complex thoughts that can be understood by others. If the child or young person has hearing issues, the person they are communicating with can also use the system to generate messages.

Eye-tracking devices are useful for children and young people who are unable to use their arms, hands or fingers to point to or click on images on a communication board. These devices follow where the eyes are moving and looking. When the child or young person looks at a particular word or image on the communication board, it is selected without the need to tap on the surface.

An occupational therapist or physiotherapist can provide advice about assistive technology, home modifications, aids and equipment, suggest ideas to help with mobility, and make sure your child or young person’s school has facilities and processes in place to support their needs.