Finding the right equipment for your child’s physical needs is essential. We have purchased several pieces of ill-fitting equipment that we have had some hard regrets about. Equipment is expensive and typically takes a while to receive once it is ordered. This is why you want to make sure you have knowledgeable therapists and vendors working with you. How do you know if you do? Ask fellow parents. The purpose of purchasing equipment is to provide support to your child (and caregivers) often to encourage independence and growth. If your equipment is ill-fitting it may “lock” your child into positions that may increase habits and patterns that professionals are trying to help your child unwind. In this case your equipment is not serving your child well. Take your time in determining what equipment you would like to order.
You have the ultimate say to the therapist and vendor working for you and your child. In fact, I suggest that for items that will receive daily use or are for travel, that you begin your search by making a list of what you need equipment to do for your child and for you. What is difficult for both of you that you are hoping will be made easier with the equipment?
We have found that a combination of doing our own internet and catalog research, along with having Maya try out several different pieces of equipment (ask vendors, therapists, fellow parents), has been essential in determining what will work and will not work for us. We then combine this with the knowledge that the therapists and vendors have in order to determine the best option to purchase.
Our equipment related blog posts:
Finding Mainstream and Adaptive Seating Solutions
Reflections On Our First Wheelchair Purchase: Lessons Learned
Innovative Devices and Helpful Accessories:
HeadPod dynamic head support device: A device that promotes head control for children with combined hypotonia of the neck and trunk. The company lists indications for use on their website. Consult with your therapy and medical professionals for guidance and appropriate use.
I presented the HeadPod device on the CP Daily Living facebook page because I had never seen anything like it. I was curious to know if anyone had purchased one and how it was working for them. It is not a device that we have tried nor that is indicated for our daughter, but I wanted to share it here as something for people to research. Head and neck control can be a problem for people with cerebral palsy and for this reason I solicited input from followers.
Here is what one parent had to say:
“We purchased the HeadPod a year and a half year ago for our son Kyle who’s 5.5 yrs old and it was the best piece of equipment we’ve ever purchased. Kyle has Athetoid CP and this was our answer, for him, in seeing the world the proper way. It made a HUGE difference for Kyle as far as his interaction with people, made feeding easier, helped him with building his neck muscles in the correct way. I can’t stop recommending the HeadPod. The staff are extremely helpful and professional (they know their product). The kit comes with different attachements that you can use on different pieces of equipment.” -Mom Carine, UK
The following universal cup holder by Valco was so great for our Combi stroller that when we changed to a Convaid wheelchair I was hoping it would still fit. It did! I love this cup holder and it fits so many different size drinks (including Maya’s sippy cup). Of course, you don’t know if it will fit your child’s chair before you buy it but boy is it worth it if it does. It has been very durable!
Super cool spoke guard covers! Check out the fun designs they offer to personalize your chair!
Online consumer equipment review databases:
USA Tech Guide: This is a program of the United Spinal Association. It is the best resource I have found for equipment and assistive technology reviews by consumers. You may submit and read other people’s reviews here. The site also offers some good resources about disability travel and wheelchair adaptive sports.
ABLEdata: AbleData provides objective information on assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment available from domestic and international sources to consumers, organizations, professionals, and caregivers within the United States.
Equipment funding assistance/relief agencies–Is there a piece of equipment that your child needs that is not being covered by insurance? Are you having difficulty putting the money together to purchase it?
Check out these resources:
Variety The Children’s Charity National Mobility Program– provides much needed assistance to children with mobility concerns.
If you are in the SE part of the US you may wish to contact Friends of Disabled Adults and Children.
Canadian families may wish to contact President’s Choice Children’s Charity.
e-Special Needs online marketplace has a great funding resources page.
International relief agencies:
Agencies/groups working to bring wheelchairs & other equipment to children throughout the world who have limited access to equipment (some of these are faith based organizations).
Knights of Columbus Global Wheelchair Mission
First Hand Foundation-Worldwide assistance for medical and equipment funding
*Also be sure to check out the equipment resale and exchange directory below*
Daily living aids/specific products
*We have separate sections on our website for information and products related to eating, sleeping, using the bathroom, and clothing/wearable items.
Grocery/Retail shopping supportive items:
Prop ‘R Shopper: Suggested to us by a follower of our website and facebook page this product is certainly a better alternative than the bags of sugar and flour we were using at the suggestion of our physical therapist.
For older children there is a cart available for purchase by retailers called Caroline’s Cart. You may wish to bring information to your local stores about it to inspire them to start having them available for use in their stores. I think it is fantastic!
Some equipment & supply developers
Achievable Concepts: Offer adapted recreation and sports equipment for people with disabilities and the aged.
Advance Mobility: A division of the Baby Jogger, Advance Mobility aims help children and adults with special needs to pursue and be a part of an active lifestyle by offering all-terrain push chairs.
Firefly by Leckey: They say their products are inspired by fostering participation. They offer a variety of products that are fun and practical for on the go.
Kaye Products: The maker of the the Kaye bolster chair which has been the only chair Maya has been able to use comfortably without having her pelvis slide forward. Remember all children with CP present with different physical issues, so if you are curious about it check with your child’s therapy and/or medical professional to see if it may be appropriate for your child.
Prime Engineering: Makers of the KidWalk Dynamic Mobility System.
Miraflex Eyewear: This company offers glass frames for kids that we love! They are very flexible, light weight, and very durable. They have a stretchable band that snaps onto the sides. They come in tons of colors.
R82-Convaid-Etac: Three companies have merged into one that offers a variety of mobility products.
Special Tomato: Started by a father to a child with Down Syndrome, Special Tomato is an extraordinary company. Dad was an engineer and decided to take his ideas for helping his daughter to a larger audience. Special Tomato products are characteristically light weight, soft and cushiony, easy to clean and well-priced. This family also started the online equipment store Adaptive Mall.
Rifton: Well known for producing quality products (that also tend to be expensive), Rifton has been a staple of the special needs equipment market for a long time.
Purchasing equipment
Tadpole Adaptive: This shop offers a registry feature (similar to a wedding registry but for special needs equipment)
The Therapy Shoppe: Provides an assortment of therapy merchandise, specialty toys and games.
Rehabmart: Started by two occupational therapists who are both parents of special needs children, this site offers discount rehabilitation and medical supplies by most of the top brands on market. They have also started some new content sites with the goal of creating a social network/portal where professionals & caregivers can learn about the latest interventions in the special needs / assistive technology / therapy / rehabilitation community.
Here are the links: www.otshow.com, www.ptshow.com, www.slpshow.com.
Adaptivemall: This site also offers equipment, and medical supplies. I find the site easy to navigate and have had good experiences with their customer service.
e-Special Needs: provides an extensive selection equipment and therapy related products for children and adults with special needs.
Liftran Mobility: Patient lifts, slings, and mobility devices.
Equipment exchanges/local classifieds
Online marketplaces:
Different Needz-The Special Needs Marketplace-Buy and sell special needs items
The Share Network-Special Help and Respite Exchange Network. This site does not look like it’s in good use. I think it would be wonderful for people to start equipment exchanges in their area.
Zach’s List-An online exchange network for Canadian families seeking and selling special needs equipment (I have seen adapted vehicles on here as well)
Online marketplaces on Facebook:
Special Needs Swap Meet-a special needs marketplace on facebook to swap, sell, or give away special needs related items.
Special Needs Gently Used Medical Equipment for Sale
Resources by state-Equipment exchanges/lending/assistive tech:
Pass It On Center-A national AT reuse center and directory.
The R.E.A.L. Project-Alabama
Easter Seals-Central Alabama
Goodwill/Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast-Alabama
The Arizona Assistive Technology Exchange-Arizona
Arkansas Department of Workforce Education-Arkansas
National MS Society-California
AbleCloset-California-Northern, focus on pediatrics
AT Exchange-California-online classifieds for CA
Kids Mobility Network-Colorado
Get AT Stuff-Connecticut/New England
DATI-Delaware
The Equipment Link-Delaware and other neighboring states
Lollipop Kids Foundation-District of Columbia/DC
FAAST-Florida
Friends of Disabled Adults and Children-Georgia and SE US
Special Needs Kids-An Adaptive Equipment Lending Library-Georgia
gTrade-Georgia
ATrc-Hawaii
Idaho Assistive Technology Project-Idaho
Idaho Assistive Technology for All-Idaho
Project Mobility-Illinios
UCP of Greater Chicago-Illinois
Infinitec DME-Illinois
Riddick’s Ride-Illinois-has a loan closet
Great Lakes Loan Closets-A directory of lending closets and/or low cost equipment for Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin
Indiana Assistive Technology Act-Easter Seals Crossroads-Indiana
Iowa Compass-Iowa classified listings
OCCK Inc.-Kansas
KATS Network-Kentucky-short term loan program
LATAN-Louisiana
get AT stuff-Maine/New England
Equipment Connections for Children-Maryland
Kennedy Krieger Institute-Maryland-pediatric focus
Unified Community Connections-Maryland
get AT stuff-Massachusetts/New England
AT Xchange-Michigan-buy, sell, give away classifieds
Great Lakes Loan Closets-A directory of lending closets and/or low cost equipment for Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin
STAR program-Minnesota
Project Start-Mississippi
Swap n Shop-Missouri
MonTech-Montana
AT 4 All-Nebrasaka
NATC-Nevada
get AT Stuff-New Hampshire/New England
Back In Action-New Jersey
Goodwill Home Medical Store-Ewing, NJ
Back In Use-New Mexico
TRAID-New York
NC Assistive Technology Exchange Post-North Carolina
IPAT-North Dakota
Assistive Technology of Ohio-Ohio check the menu at the top of the web page.
ABLE Tech-Oklahoma
Access Technologies Inc-Oregon
The Equipment Link-Pennsylvania & surrounding states
REEP-Pennsylvania
Three Rivers Center for Independent Living-Pennsylvania
Changing Hands-Central Pennsylvania program run by UCP
get AT Stuff-Rhode Island/New England
South Carolina Assistive Technology Program-South Carolina
Touch The Future-South Carolina
South Dakota At 4 All-South Dakota
UCP Middle Tennessee-Tennessee
Lifeline-Chattanooga, Tennessee
DME Exchange of Dallas-Texas
Project Mend-Texas
Good Wheelchairs-Texas
Ability First-Utah
VATS-Virginia
Equipment Connections for Children-Virginia, D.C, & Virginia
MSHH Donor Closet-Washington- Has a Donor Closet that recycles durable medical equipment and mobility equipment for people in need.(not just people diagnosed with MS). New and refurbished adult and pediatric equipment are available for minimum suggested donations. Financial assistance is available. Located in Edmonds, WA.
Kaitlin’s Mobility Foundation-Washington- Helps children with special needs with w/c’s, ramps, etc.
WATAP-Washington-Loan program
Equipment Connections for Children-Washington D.C. & Maryland, & Virginia
Great Lakes Loan Closets-A directory of lending closets and/or low cost equipment for Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin
Independence First Mobility Store-Wisconsin
27 comments
Laura says:
Sep 14, 2012
Hi I am a blogger with cerebral palsy and I found this very interesting thank you for taking the time to write this important post
cp daily living says:
Sep 14, 2012
Hi Laura. Wow, I am thrilled that you found this post interesting. I have always felt a bit unsure about whether it was relevant or relatable. I will have to check out your blog. Thank you for stopping by and for giving us your feedback.
Michele
Michele says:
Jun 17, 2014
Love the blog! Thank you so much for all the useful information!!
Michele
cp daily living says:
Jul 3, 2014
Thank you Michele!
Steven Lafountain says:
Aug 3, 2014
I need strap that goes around the neck that can hold a cup for young men
stella veloz says:
Aug 4, 2014
Thank you for the informative blog.. alot of useful information
Tanya says:
Nov 12, 2014
In addition, we used My Little Seat all the time when eating out or traveling. I worked from infancy until my daughter was almost 5 and we switched to the Togo seat from Firefly. I am still considering making a bigger My Little Seat because it was so easy and convenient. http://www.mylittleseat.com/
cp daily living says:
Dec 2, 2014
Wonderful! I will add this.
Sandy Hanebrink says:
Feb 23, 2015
Visit Touch the Future’s website…we have a lot to offer. If not in our store, just ask as we can probably get it for you at a discount.
http://www.touchthefuture.us
Jay Tagustos says:
Apr 27, 2015
Hi! I’m from the Philippines and I find the information in this website very valuable for a parent like me with an 11 year old daughter with cerebral palsy. Since we do not have a local company able to cater to the equipment needs of children with cp, I build an adaptive seat for my daughter when she was 2 1/2 years old. She was born with no sense of balance, no trunk and head control. The rehab doctor thought that she’ll struggle for balance for the rest of her life. But through prayers and assistance of the seat I made for her that she used for more than eight years, she now have better head and trunk control. Her sense of balance have also improved though she still find it difficult to counter her fall. She is now using the second seat I made for her with all the necessary provisions for her growth. When her doctor found out about the seat I made for her, she convinced me to help other kids with the same condition by manufacturing it for them. So I’m leaving my career in the automotive industry to make seats and help children with cerebral palsy that I sell in our local online shop like e-bay.
cp daily living says:
Apr 27, 2015
Jay I am so moved by your story and at the same time dishearten by the lack of resources and disparities in access to equipment worldwide. I have heard from at least four families in the Philippines eager to find resources of all kinds. I am thrilled that you are taking on this new endeavor and I am delighted to hear about your daughter’s progress. Please keep me posted on how things evolve with your efforts. Just beautiful!! Oh, I would love to see photos of the chair you made if you would like to send some at some point. My email is cpdailyliving@gmail.com -Michele
Jay Tagustos says:
Apr 27, 2015
Michelle, it is really disheartening in this part of the world to not have readily available equipment for cerebral palsy. I remember about nine years ago when we first brought our daughter to one of the oldest local therapy center, I was surprised when the therapist showed me a makeshift corner chair and my immediate reaction was, ‘oh my! I can’t bear to see my daughter sit in that massive thing that appears more like an electric chair for convicts’. So I put it to myself to make one after learning what is required for such a chair. I guess, I made a correct decision.
And yes, certainly. I’ll send you some of my daughter’s photos.
Anonymous says:
Apr 27, 2015
Michelle, it is really disheartening in this part of the world to not have readily available equipment for cerebral palsy. I remember about nine years ago when we first brought our daughter to one of the oldest local therapy center, I was surprised when the therapist showed me a makeshift corner chair and my immediate reaction was, ‘oh my! I can’t bear to see my daughter sit in that massive thing that appears more like an electric chair for convicts’. So I put it to myself to make one after learning what is required for such a chair. I guess, I made a correct decision.
And yes, certainly. I’ll send you some of my daughter’s photos.
Donna says:
Nov 10, 2015
Hello we need help advice ect. Out little angel is 17 and we are in the usa for minimum of 2 years for medical treatment for her
However we need some more equipment are there any sites tht sell used equipment.
Thank you so much
cp daily living says:
Nov 12, 2015
Hi Donna! I do have a list of information on the website about locating used equipment through a variety of sources. It will vary depending on where you are but there are also some Facebook pages that support networking to locate equipment as well. One of them is: https://www.facebook.com/groups/427536230597165/?fref=ts. Here is a link to the section of CP Daily that offers more resources as well: http://cpdailyliving.com/types-of-equipment/#Equipment_exchanges/local_classifieds
Michele
Amy says:
Mar 5, 2016
Hello, I’m from Philippines and I have a 4 year old son with cerebral palsy. I happen to come across your site and read Mr. Jay Tagustos comment. I would like to know if do you have his contact number because i’m interested to buy an adaptive chair that he is making especially for CP kids. I will appreciate it very much if you can connect me to him. Thank you and God bless….
Anonymous says:
Mar 28, 2016
Thank you po Sir Jay for the reply.
Jessica says:
Jun 22, 2016
This post has been so helpful for us in finding/choosing equipment for our 3.5 year old son with CP. Thank you! He is getting his first manual wheelchair in a few days and we’re so excited. How do you secure Maya’s wheelchair in your car when she is riding in the car seat? Do you have tie-downs? Thanks for your help!
shelia d says:
Apr 5, 2018
i think this is awesome and very useful info, my so mike is 26 almost 27, they didn’t have these easily accessed web sites and i just am thankful for our technology and kind hearts that share info like this now. thank you !!!!!!
Alicia says:
Dec 20, 2018
Where to buy equipment for CP in the Philippines.
Leslie F Walker. ( mother) says:
Nov 10, 2019
I live in Florida. My daughter 51 yrs old.has CP from birth. I need help. I can’t seem to find sup coordinator to get equipment she needs. She getting older and so am I. I have been het care taker all of her life. It’s becoming harder everyday to keep het mobile. She needs equipment that she can actually use to help with everyday life. Please if anyone can help me find any organization to get help. Would be forever grateful. Thank you. Very tired Mother. Leslie
Banuelos says:
Nov 25, 2019
Every one of us has a suitable understanding of the information supplied to the general public, so that I truly
liked the guide and expected you to supply us with more things like this one.
Alejandra says:
Nov 27, 2019
I didn’t have any expectations concerning that title, but the longer I was astonished.
The author did a great job.
Eugenie says:
Dec 2, 2019
The more I read, the better your substance is.
Lorna says:
Dec 27, 2019
I am trying to find a suitable laptop or desktop fpr my son who has a cerebral palsy with spastic quadratiplic . He now loves to be in facebook….
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Ophelia says:
Sep 22, 2020
I hope in the near future this kind of physical impairment will have cure.