[Overcoming problems in the provision of technical aids: options for their solution submitted by the German...

An association of professions, administrations and facilities as well as expert and self-help associations involved in rehabilitation, the German Association for Rehabilitation, DVfR has for several years been dealing intensively with the issue of technical aids provision in Germany. For many people with health problems, technical aids and assistive devices are an indispensable prerequisite for their equal participation in society. In light of the issue's considerable relevance for people with disabilities, the German Association had already in 2006 presented an expert opinion on the current status of technical aids provision, pointing out a number of quality problems in various fields. In the paper now presented, options are set out for overcoming these problems. Initially, fundamentals of technical aids provision are pointed out; apart from an overview of technical aids, this comprises conceptual and legal aspects of provision and, above all, issues involved in assessment of need and in quality including economical aspects. In the main section, suggestions are set out for optimizing the provision of technical aids, first in relation to the basic information processes of provision, followed by suggestions for improvements in the fields of professional education as well as further and continued education, including improvements in research. Another important section refers to suggestions for optimizing assessment of need, indication and prescription. Subsequently, the decision-making processes of the financially responsible agencies are dealt with as well as the process of clarifying which agency is in charge. The following sections deal with production and adaptation processes, outcome quality, as well as further development of the framework conditions at hand. Concluding annexes refer to legal issues in respect of the participation focus of technical aids provision and to considerations to be heeded in elaborating a provision concept.