Assistive Technology (AT) is all the equipment and devices that exist to make a life living with a disability easier. One of the advantages to parenting a child with cerebral palsy now, as opposed to years ago, is that assistive technology is so much improved. From wheelchairs to tablets, the technological revolution of the last fifty years has provided many benefits and solutions to people living with CP. 

Assistive Technology (AT) is a collective term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for children with disabilities.

AT has the potential to impact all areas of your child’s and your family’s lifestyle. Some AT can assist with communication and learning, some with participation in school and community. It’s amazing what can be adapted to make life easier for you and your child. Baths, bikes, bowls, trikes! Even little things like paintbrushes and staplers! The aim with AT is always to support your child to achieve independence and improve their quality of life. It can be quite miraculous to watch a child compose a song or write a story using AT, when speaking or controlling a pen has been impossible.

The AT required by your child could vary from ‘off the shelf’ and readily purchasable items to much more specialised and customised equipment. There are hundreds of products available to support children with CP in their everyday life. These can include;

• Eating and drinking equipment: adapted cutlery, plates, bowls and cups.
• Personal care and safety products: adapted beds and pressure care mattresses, specialised clothing.
• Communication and information equipment: speech generating devices or adapted computer devices to assist in accessing a computer or a tablet. There are also voice amplifiers and computer software such as voice recognition software and screen readers which exists.
• Personal mobility items to assist with transfers: slings and transfer belts, prosthetics and orthotics, walking sticks and frames, wheeled mobility items like manual and powered wheelchairs, specialised strollers and seating supports.
• Recreation equipment: switch adapted toys, specialist tricycles or bikes, beach wheelchairs or specific sport wheelchairs.
• Home modifications: installing a stair lift or modifying a bathroom, kitchen or other areas of the home.
• Vehicle modifications including adapting car seats and wheelchair accessibility.

It’s been an era of innovation and invention when it comes to AT. The result has been fewer barriers to daily life for young children with CP and a more inclusive society for everyone.

Your allied health or medical team can work with you and your child to develop a safe and effective AT for child’s needs. They can also suggest what to do with old equipment that is no longer the right size for your child, or no longer useful.

Below you will find information resources on assistive technologies and specialised equipment to support your child.