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Adaptive Equipment

EMPLOYEE ORIENTATION PHASE ONE DDSToday we are going to learn all the basics of adaptive equipment. What it is, what it is used for, how to maintain it, and how do we ensure it is working.

1Participant will develop knowledge and understanding of adaptive equipment, its use, care, replacement, and initial and ongoing identification.Learning ObjectiveDevices that help people do simple, everyday tasks more independently.There are two broad types of adaptive equipment:Assistive Technology Durable Medical Equipment (DME)

What is Adaptive Equipment?3Does anyone here use adaptive equipment?

What are some examples of adaptive equipment?Lets TalkAs an ice breaker after introductions have been made, ask the group what they already know about adaptive or assistive equipment, what are their thoughts, who uses it?

4Dont be awkward!

You must have quicktime on your computer to play this video. Or use this link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv1aDEFlXq8&list=PLbFKGFkIKL21ureNznAlzeQmeB4zECsOc

Tip for Trainers: Participants may say, weve already seen this! You can respond by saying things like:What do you think is important about this section?Im aware that weve viewed this already, however, this segment is particularly important for talking about adaptive equipment or assistive devices.

This is just an opportunity to have a conversation with your group about how people with disabilities may feel about their adaptive equipment or assistive devices. For example, many people feel that their adaptive equipment is an extension of their body and touching or messing with it is an invasion of their space.

5Now Lets Discuss!What did we learn about adaptive equipment or assistive devices?What should we be aware of while supporting people?Talk about the video. Part of interacting with people with disabilities is recognizing that adaptive equipment often assists them in their independence. How do people feel about the clip and what did they learn? What are some general takeaways?

Remember that a persons adaptive equipment is very personal to them, we need to always treat their equipment with respect, keep it clean and presentable, and make sure it is in working order. It can be considered a reflection of who they are.

In some of your other sessions you are learning about important to and Important for lets talk about this in this context.

An example might be someone who uses a communication device in place of their verbal speech. It is important to them to have a one on one conversation with someone. It is important for them to be able to express their feelings and communicate needs

6To Assist people with Activities of Daily Living(ADLs)ADLs INCLUDE:BathingDiningDressingGroomingUsing the RestroomUsing Equipment in the HomeHas anyone heard of Universal Design?

What is the purpose of Adaptive Equipment?

Although Universal Design or inclusive design is the concept of building design or accommodations that are good for all. It is not adaptive equipment per say, but it is something you should be aware of and advocate for as it helps everyone, Young, old, people with disabilities, or people without disabilities. The idea of ramps instead of steps to enter a building, counter heights, buttons on appliances, handles instead of knobs, etc.. Can anyone think of how this is helpful for all people? Any examples?

Sidewalk aprons/curbs also helps people with strollersBusses that have the steps that lowerElevators

7Durable Medical EquipmentBath Safety Rails and chairsDiabetic Supplies Testing suppliesHomecare Beds adjustable, mattressesPower ChairsScooters/Walking AidsStanding AidsWheelchairsMealtime utensils/dinnerwareAssistive TechnologyEyeglasses or magnifiersTalking Dictionary, screen readersSwitches, joysticks, foot pedalsEye controlled computersCommunication BoardsHearing AidsSignaling devices, headphonesElectronic Books, Closed Captioning

Some Examples of Adaptive Equipment:

Do people have any to add?

As technology improves, the types of adaptive equipment may expand and change. Our job as advocates is to always be creative in helping people identify ways they can do things easier, better, faster, etc.8The answer is EVERYONE!

The Direct Support professional works the closest with people and knows what could help them be more independent. Family members, advocates as well as the person may let you know a need exists!

So when you know there may be a need for adaptive equipment, tell someone such as the nurse, your supervisor, or someone in the circle of support!

Do not wait!

Identifying the Need for Adaptive Equipment Who is Responsible?Step 1: Someone notices a need. A persons circle of support should be informed that an assessment is being obtained.

Step 2: A specialized assessment should be completed by the specialist (e.g., OT, PT, speech therapist) to truly determine the need for the equipment and what type of equipment is right for the person.

Step 3: The proper equipment is ordered and/or obtained

Step 4: All staff and the person are trained by the specialist or vendor on the proper use, cleaning and maintenance of the equipment.

Everyone is trained on how to properly use the adaptive equipment!DO NOT use something if you do not know how to!

Obtaining Adaptive Equipment and Using ItRemember that many different people could identify the need for adaptive equipment. It could even be a visitor or community member that could give you an idea of a way to help someone do something easier or more independently. When you, the person, or someone else has an idea please discuss it with the person and/ or with their support circle. A team meeting DOES NOT have to be convened to get permission for a person to be assessed. There are many ways to communicate with team members and everyone plays a role in ensuring equipment is obtained timely. Keep advocating until all questions are answered and until adaptive equipment issues are resolved!

Now that we have the adaptive equipment, what is it that we need to know?How to use itHow to keep it working (upkeep)How to clean it

Lets have a conversation about what happens when we are not aware of how to use equipment properly.

10Anti-tippers on custom wheelchairs can break easilyIf you do not know how to properly load someone into their van and secure them, anti-tippers on wheelchairs can be broken and damaged. This then may prohibit a person from getting out of their house until the problem is fixed.Can you imagine if this was you? What if you had really special things scheduled in your day that you had to miss?

HOW WOULD YOU FEEL?Lets talk about a real example of how equipment gets broken when we do not know how to properly use it.

This is just one example of a common thing that gets broken with adaptive equipment, but may have consequences that prohibit the person from exercising their freedom. Keeping adaptive equipment clean and in good working order is paramount in protecting a persons rights. Discuss other things that can get easily broken. What can we do to prevent these things?

11BROKEN EQUIPMENT OR EQUIPMENT THAT IS NOT USED PROPERLY IS:Unsafe!Can cause injury!Using broken equipment or equipment that you have not been properly trained on could cause an injury to someone!If something is broken, tell someone! If it is dirty, clean it!If you see something, say something!

SAFETY FIRST

Your agency will have a protocol for reporting this information. Please know your protocol. Please share any checklists and protocols needed

In most cases, a soapy warm water solution and a clean rag is all you need to clean equipment. Do not use harsh, abrasive chemicals that harm the environment.12The role of the Direct Support ProfessionalBe observant!Your information is valuable to the person and the teamReceive training on proper use of equipmentPractice using itBe familiar with the equipment and or protocol for its useEncourage proper use and cleaning by the person and by othersWhen you are confident on how to use something, this helps build trust with a person.Dont use damaged equipment. Ask if there is authorized backup equipment.

Continually report damage of adaptive equipment until it is fixed.If needed call and call again! REMEMBER YOU ARE AN ADVOCATE!

Discuss in detail each area and allow for questions and feedback.

13As advocates we need to be aware that a persons adaptive equipment is a support that allows them freedom and independence. As a value statement, we must recognize, that we are the frontline of ensuring a person can exercise independence and rights!

People have a right to have their equipment available to them and in good working order. If we value people, then we value the whole person. Equipment is often part of the package and allows people to have freedom to do what others often take for granted.

14THE USE OF ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT SHOULD NEVER BE FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF STAFF OR OTHERS!

AN EXAMPLE OF THIS WOULD BE PROVIDING A WHEELCHAIR FOR SOMEONE JUST BECAUSE THEY WALK SLOWLY.

Lets discuss this, why is this important?

NEVER DO THIS!Discuss with the group all the factors around why people use and should not use adaptive equipment. Equipment should help someone maintain a skill, or perform a skill they may not have. Someone may use leg and arm braces in order to walk, without them they may not be able to walk on their own. It is very important that people maintain the level of functioning they have. Mobility is especially critical for all people. We all want to maintain the highest level of functioning as we age or encounter medical challenges.

So there is a big difference between providing a wheelchair because someone is slow, and providing a wheelchair for someone who can not any longer walk long distances. These are discussion you should have with the person you are supporting and their support team. Remember we are all here to support people at whatever level THEY are at. We help people over their entire lifespan, so lets help people live!

15All adaptive equipment is tracked. We do this so:Each person has an inventory.We know who the vendor is.We know who to contact when we need a repair or replacement.All equipment should be continually assessed to ensure it does what the person needs it to do.If there are any questions, the team should consult with the specialist.Medicaid has limits on what they will replace so we need to help people maintain their equipment in good, clean working order.Independence is power! What happens behind the scenes?There will be some DSPs at agencies that are responsible for completing adaptive equipment checklists on their shifts. This can help identify when something is broken, needs cleaned, or needs replaced. Managers then must take this information and input it into the Government MCIS (data management) System monthly.

16What questions do you have?What did you learn?Questions