Resources and Equipment

Sometimes specific equipment will be available from the local health trust, from private suppliers or from voluntary groups and/or charities. However, it should be noted that sometimes there are certain rules and regulations to be followed before obtaining certain equipment, and sometimes an assessment of need has to be carried out. But this should not put parents off.
Requests for specific equipment for a disabled child often have to go through an occupational therapist from the local health and social services trust or child development clinic.
Many disability organisations, eg Disability Action, Mencap, Down's Syndrome Association etc, will have directories and contact details of organisations, trusts and charities such as Whizz Kidz or the Variety Club which provide equipment to disabled children who meet their particular criteria.
Other more general financial support comes from charities such as the Family Fund, who again have their criteria but who have built up a very positive relationship with parents in Northern Ireland and include assistance towards holidays in their package of assistance to families.
Many of those who have worked with families of disabled children, both in the voluntary and statutory sectors, have built up a knowledge of which organisations are best to contact for specific items and what their criteria are. Often those who work with families need to support applications for specific equipment. In the first instance it is probably better for parents/carers to check out from someone who works closely with them what is available, before rushing off to a directory or to the Internet.
However, all avenues are worth exploring when the aim is to enhance the quality of life of the disabled child and his/her family.

Family Information Group is grateful to Derry City Council Community Services for supporting this project.