Assistive technologies

Common assistive technology for Parkinson’s

Assistive technologies help maintain or improve your functioning related to cognition, communication, hearing, mobility, self-care and vision, thus enabling you to maintain your health, wellbeing, inclusion and community and workforce participation.

What is assistive technology?

When we talk about assistive technology, or AT, we mean the equipment, technology and devices that help you do things you can’t do because of your Parkinson‘s. These can be things that help you do something more easily or safely and may include items that:

mean you need less help from others
allow you to do tasks independently
are personalised for you.

Assistive technology comes in many forms, such as:

continence products
orthotics
a ramp to enable someone to enter and exit their home without support
a device to help someone turn the pages of a book
a walking stick or frame to assist with balance and mobility
a wheelchair to promote mobility and independence
voice dictation software to enable someone with limited dexterity to use a computer
a shower chair and grab bars
freezing (of gait) aids
an electronic communication device to help someone who cannot use their voice to communicate their thoughts.

How do I get assistive technology?

We recommend you consult with allied health practitioners to get advice before you buy any assistive technology (AT). You should make sure the AT is right for you, helps you to achieve your goals and works in all the places you need to use it. Some professions that can advise you include:

occupational therapists (OTs)
physiotherapists (PTs)
podiatrists
speech pathologists
assistive technology mentors, who have a recognised qualification in assistive technology advice
mobility specialists
continence nurses.

You can access purchasing AT through private, government and not-for-profit schemes. For example, if you are on an approved NDIS plan, supports must meet all funding criteria and the level of evidence needed from your allied health professional assessing you depends on the category of the item you are purchasing: <$1,500 low-cost AT, $1,500-$15,000 mid-cost AT, and >$15,000 high-cost AT.

Check with My Aged Care if you are over 65 or veteran schemes if applicable.

The Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) provides a payment to help with some of the costs of your continence products.

What kinds of assistive technology are there?

Assistive technology can include:

disability-related health supports
home modifications
vehicle modifications.

Types of assistive technologies:

Mobility aids (walkers, canes, wheelchairs)
Bathing and grooming aids (shower chairs, grab bars)
Dressing aids (magnetic fasteners, dressing sticks)
Meal preparation and feeding aids (adaptive utensils)
Home safety aids (voice-activated lights, fall detectors)
Speech and communication aids (voice amplifiers, communication apps)
Memory and visual aids (reminder signage, calendars)
Recreation and leisure aids (adaptive gaming, audiobooks)
Toileting aids (raised toilet seats and stools).

Benefits of assistive technologies

Improve daily functioning and independence
Enhance quality of life
Reduce caregiver burden
Increase safety
Reduce risk of falls
Improve communication and social interaction.

How do I access assistive technologies?

Accessing assistive technology can make a significant difference in managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s and maintaining independence. Therapies that recommend or prescribe assistive technology can include occupational therapy and speech pathology.

It’s advisable to explore all available pathways to find the support that best suits your individual needs: