"The power of technology to transform and enhance the lives of people with disabilities is limitless."

—Stevie Wonder

When a life-altering health condition happens, the path to rehabilitation often branches into two distinct routes: restoration and compensation. The primary objective always centers around restoring functionality to its premorbid level, aiming to bring individuals back to their prior state of health. The reality, however, is that achieving complete restoration isn't always feasible. It's during these instances that the invaluable role of adaptive equipment comes into focus, serving as a vital tool for increased independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs).

As an occupational therapist (OT), I have been recommending various adaptive equipment solutions to my patients for years. Sometimes they’re met with resistance and sometimes they just flat out don’t work but most of the time, finding the right tools for the right situation can have a significant impact on their function and quality of life.

What Is Adaptive Equipment?

Let's take a step back and define adaptive equipment, a.k.a. adaptive devices, assistive devices, adaptive aids, and assistive technology. 

Adaptive equipment encompasses a diverse range of specialized tools, devices, and modifications designed to empower individuals facing physical or cognitive challenges, enabling them to perform daily activities with increased independence and ease.

No piece of adaptive equipment works for every person. Everyone’s diagnosis, functional status, and rehab trajectory is unique. What’s important, however, is knowing what options are available when the time is right.

So, with help from my colleagues, here is a list of some of the best pieces of adaptive equipment (and durable medical equipment, DME) that we’ve recommended to patients over the years.

Affiliate Disclosure

Adaptive Equipment

Cutting & Cutting Boards

• Fstcrt Rocker Knife

• Angled Rocker Knife

• Rocker Knife

• Single-Handed Cutting Board (spiked)

• One-Handed Cutting Board (grater, peeler, stabilizer)

 Eating

• Eazy Hold Silicone Hand Grip

• Weighted, Non-Slip Utensils

• Plate Guard

• Automated Drink Dispenser

• Foam Tubing For Building Up Utensils

• Scooper Bowl with Suction Base

• Water Bottle with Long Straw

• Universal ADL Cuff

• Universal Holder Strap

• Right Angle Double Pocket Tool for Universal Cuff

• GYENNO Adaptive Utensils for Essential Tremors

• Dining with Dignity Utensils

• Obi Self Feeder (expensive but insurance may cover)

Cooking

• Folding Pot and Pan Stabilizer

• Chopper

• Staybowlizer

• Oven & Toaster Rack Puller

• Oven Rack Shield Guards
  

Miscellaneous Kitchen Stuff

• Glass Washer With Suction Cup Bottom

• EZ Off Jar Opener

• One-Handed Bottle Opener

• Electric Jar Opener

• Ring Pull Can Opener

• Bag Opener Holder

• Silicone Openers

• Universal Knob Turner

• Jar Opener Key

• Party Pal: All-In-One Food Tray

• Ingenuity Bokee One-Handed Bottle Holder
  

Bathing & Showering

•  Wall Mounted Back Scrubber

• Suction Cup Foot Scrubber

• Silicone Back Scrubber with Hook

• Terry Cloth Scrub Mitt

• Wall Mounted Soap & Shampoo Dispenser

• Shower & Bathtub Mat

• Shower Chair with Armrests

• Tub Transfer Bench

• ShowerGlyde Shower Chair

• Shampoo Basin

Toileting

• Bidet Hygiene System

• Bottom Buddy Toileting Aid

• Toilet Wiping Aid Tongs

• Long Handled Bottom Wiper

• Portable Bidet

• MTG Eagle® Board Adaptive Self-Catheterization Device

• Shittens: Disposable Mitten-Shaped Wet Wipes

• KCushion Toilet Seat Pads

Dressing

• Button Hook

• Bra Angel Dressing Aid

• Pocket Dresser

• Duzzy Patient Turning Device

Adaptive Clothing Brands

• IZ

• Easy Access Clothing

• Magna-Ready

• Victoria Secret

• JCPenny

• Kohl’s

Footwear

• Friendly Brand Shoes

• Billy Footwear

• Nike Flyease

• Anodyne Diabetic Footwear

Laces & Shoe Horns

• Elastic No Tie Laces

• Zubits Magnetic Laces

• Long and Short Handle Shoe Horns

• Sock Aid

Grooming

• Suction Brush for Nails

• One-Handed Nail Clipper

• Toothpaste Tube Squeezer

• Electric Toothpaste Dispenser

• Long-Handled Comb and Brush

• Hair Dryer Stand

• 1-Up One-Handed Hair Tie

Home

• Door Handle Extension

• PICKSY Sticker Picker-Upper

• Grip Toggle

• EZPIK® Grabber Reacher

• Heavy Duty Grabber Reacher

• KeyGrip

• Rechargeable Electric Candle Lighter

• Large Pill Organizer

• Med-E-Lert Medication Dispenser with Automatic Lock Box

• Standing Transfer Aide

• Lightswitch Extender

• Lightswitch Extender for Decora Switches

• Peta Easi-Grip Push Down Table Top Scissors

• Duzzy Patient Turning Device

• Faucet extender

Electronics

• Smart Plugs

• SimplySmart Smart Outlet with Timer/Automation

• Smart Light Bulbs

• Indoor/Outdoor Security Camera with Lightbulb Socket Attachment

• Smart Garage Door Opener

• Typingclub.com: Free One-Handed Typing Tutorials

• Ablegames.org: Adaptive Gaming

   

 

Car

• Auto Life Auto Assist Car Handle

• Portable Car Assist Handle

• Seatbelt Extender

• Gas Cap Wrench

• Lumbar Support

Wheelchair Accessories

• Wheelchair Cup and Phone Holder

• Portable Ramp

• Wheelchair Backpack

• Wheelchair Umbrella Holder

• Hands-Free Umbrella Holder Shoulder Strap

• Gooseneck Phone Holder

• Lumbar Support

• DIYAREA Portable Electric Chair Track Climbing Wheelchair Assist Stair Chair

• RibGrips (Hardrim covers)

Books

• Different Is Awesome by Ryan Haack

• One-Handed in a Two-Handed World by Tommye Mayer
  

Related:

• 10 Life Lessons I Learned as an Occupational Therapist: Part 1

• 10 Life Lessons I Learned as an Occupational Therapist: Part 2

• The Body by Bill Bryson: 3 Takeaways