Aids and equipment for the disabled in the community

The redefinition of disability from a medical problem inherent in the individual, to a socially constructed problem affected by the world in which that individual lives, has led to an emphasis and exploration of the interrelationship between disease/disorder, impairment, disability and handicap. It is clear that those who are disabled do not necessarily need to be handicapped by their disability. One method of professional intervention designed to prevent disability becoming a handicap and to promote independence is the provision of aids and equipment. Despite its evident importance it appears that the provision of aids and equipment in the community is poorly co-ordinated, complex and time-consuming. Some of the reasons for this are examined in this paper. Key themes that are addressed include the legislative framework, the conceptual confusion arising from poorly defined terms, the link between health and social services, the consumer perspective, and wastage.