Adaptations, Aids or Equipment

KIDS for Families
NHS GGC
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decorative imageSome children and young people may benefit from using aids or equipment to support their participation. Some may benefit from adaptations to the home environment.

Adaptations

Adaptations to the home environment for children and young people with disabilities can be managed by Social Care. If you require support it may be helpful to contact to Social Work Occupational Therapy.

Aids and Equipment

Some equipment can be purchased by families without the need for services to be involved. For example toilet seat inserts and toilet steps are easy to find and can help children to feel safe and stable when using an adult sized toilet. Children with and without disabilities might benefit from these.

Some of this equipment may be provided by health or social care professionals depending on the needs of the child or young person. If this is the case then you can find information below about who to contact to discuss equipment provision or what to do if you're worried about your child's equipment.

Bathing and Toileting Equipment

Provision

If a child or young person is having difficulty accessing the toilet, bath or shower due to a physical disability then an Occupational Therapist may be able to assess for and provide toileting or bathing equipment. If your child is known to Community Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapy contact your named therapist or the local team. If they are not known to services then contact your local Social Work Occupational Therapy Department.

Maintenance 

Any equipment loaned to you by health or social care should be cleaned and maintained by you. The therapist working with your child/young person will provide you with information on how to do this.

Review and Adjustment

If your child or young person has been provided with equipment and you think it needs adjusted or reviewed because they have grown or their needs have changed, then contact the Occupational Therapy Team who provided the equipment.

Repair

If the equipment is broken and requires repair:

If you live in East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City, Renfrewshire or West Dunbartonshire then you should contact Equipu on 0141 287 6300.

If you live in Inverclyde then contact the Inverclyde Centre for Independent Living on 01475 714 350.

Mobility Equipment

Provision

If a child or young person is having difficulty with mobility then a physiotherapist may be able to assess for and provide a mobility aid. If your child is known to Community Specialist Paediatric Physiotherapy contact your named therapist or the local team. 

Maintenance 

Any equipment loaned to you by health or social care should be cleaned and maintained by you. The therapist working with your child/young person will provide you with information on how to do this.

Review and Adjustment

If your child or young person has been provided with a piece of equipment that requires adjustment or review because of growth or a change in needs then contact the Physiotherapy Team who provided the equipment.

Repair

If the equipment is broken and requires repair:

If you live in East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City, Renfrewshire or West Dunbartonshire then you should contact Equipu on 0141 287 6300.

If you live in Inverclyde then contact the Inverclyde Centre for Independent Living on 01475 714 350.

Specialist Seating

Provision

If a child or young person requires postural support to sit and participate in mealtimes, play or relaxation due to a physical disability then an Occupational Therapist may be able to assess for and provide specialist seating. Contact your named therapist or the local team.

Maintenance 

Any equipment loaned to you by health or social care should be cleaned and maintained by you. The therapist working with your child/young person will provide you with information on how to do this.

Review and Adjustment

If your child or young person has been provided with equipment and you think it needs adjusted or reviewed because they have grown or their needs have changed, then contact the Occupational Therapy Team who provided the equipment

Repair

If the equipment is broken and requires repair:

If you live in East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City, Renfrewshire or West Dunbartonshire then you should contact Equipu on 0141 287 6300.

If you live in Inverclyde then contact the Inverclyde Centre for Independent Living on 01475 714 350.

Splints and Orthoses

Splints and orthoses are provided by the Orthotics Department. You can find out more on the Orthotics page.

Standing Equipment

Provision

If a child or young person requires postural support to stand then a physiotherapist may be able to assess for and provide a standing frame. If your child is known to Community Specialist Paediatric Physiotherapy contact your named therapist or the local team. 

Maintenance 

Any equipment loaned to you by health or social care should be cleaned and maintained by you. The therapist working with your child/young person will provide you with information on how to do this.

Review and Adjustment

If your child or young person has been provided with a piece of equipment that requires adjustment or review because of growth or a change in needs then contact the Physiotherapy Team who provided the equipment.

Repair

If the equipment is broken and requires repair:

If you live in East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City, Renfrewshire or West Dunbartonshire then you should contact Equipu on 0141 287 6300.

If you live in Inverclyde then contact the Inverclyde Centre for Independent Living on 01475 714 350.

Wheelchairs and Specialist Buggies

Wheelchairs and Specialist Buggies are assessed for and provided by WestMARC. You can find out more from WestMARC Wheelchair and Seating Services.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 28/11/2024

Next review date: 30/11/2026

Author(s): Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists, Specialist Children's Services.

Approved By: KIDS Content Group, SCS Clinical Governance Executive Group

Reviewer name(s): KIDS Content Group.