The Disabled Living Foundation & The Disability Information Trust

The Disabled Living Foundation (DLF)

The Disabled Living Foundation makes everyday life easier for people with disabilities, older people and carers by giving impartial advice about equipment for overcoming problems in daily living.

The National Disability Helpline is staffed by a team of information officers who provide advice on equipment, clothing, footwear and other sources of information. Enquiries are either answered directly over the telephone or for more detailed information, sent by post. Open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm.

Specific information can be obtained from DLF-DATA, the UK’s most comprehensive database of disability equipment

The subscription service provides comprehensive in depth information through the off-line version of DLF-DATA or the CD-ROM, or the DLF Hamilton Index, a directory of equipment containing 23 individual sections published in four parts, each in a separate binder containing five or six sections. One part of the Index is updated every four months, giving a 16 month cycle. Information on the off-line version of DLF-DATA can be obtained from the DLF

Publications contain very detailed information, and range from the specialist resource packs on equipment such as wheelchairs to fact sheets and product guides on choosing and using equipment.

The Equipment Centre displays a wide range of useful equipment and gadgets for older people and people with disabilities of all ages. The range includes wheelchairs, walking equipment, hoists, kitchen, bathing and toileting equipment as well as a display of children’s equipment. It is staffed by information advisors who will demonstrate items and discuss practical problems. Monday, Tuesday and Friday are open days, open 10.00am - 3.30pm , Wednesday and Thursday are by appointment.

Training courses are focused on the practical issues surrounding disability

For more information call:

Tel: 0207 289 6111 Fax: 0207 266 2922

Helpline: 0870 603 9177 Minicom: 0870 603 8176

Email: dlfinfo@dlf.org.uk internet: www.dlf.org.uk

The Disability Information Trust

The Disability Information Trust publishes a series of reference books providing in-depth information on a wide range of equipment and self-help devices currently on the market, as well as some everyday consumer goods. Each product included has been examined and assessed by professionals; most have been tested in use by disabled people. The books also offer suggestions for coping with various difficulties and solving problems.

Each publication gives a description and comments, with guidelines to help choose equipment and points to consider before buying. There is a photograph of each item together with addresses and phone numbers for contacting the makers or distributors.

The titles are completely revised and updated in rotation and new titles are added from time to time. New editions are announced in professional journals and voluntary associations’ magazines as well as through an extensive mailing list of users, maintained by the trust.

Current titles:

A Practical Guide to Manual Wheelchairs
A Practical Guide to Powered Wheelchairs and Scooters
Arthritis-an Equipment Guide
Communication and Access to Computer Technology
Children with Disabilities
Employment and the Workplace
Furniture
Gardening-an Equipment Guide
Hoists, Lifts and Transfers
Home Management and Housing
Outdoor Transport
Parents with Disability
Personal Care
Sport and Leisure
Walking Aids and Standing Aids

UK prices: books range from £5 to £15 each and binding cases (two hold a complete set) cost £5 each. Posting and packing are free. The books are now in many libraries. The Trust is also publishing smaller ‘popular’ versions of some titles. Contact them for details. Orders or requests for a free, descriptive leaflet should be sent to : The Disability Information Trust, Mary Marlborough Centre, Nuffield Hospital Centre, Headington, Oxford OX3 7LD Tel: 01865 227592

Medical Devices Agency Disability Equipment Assessment Reports from the Medical Devices Agency of the Department of Health. Based on user trials and technical assessment, these are mainly intended for therapists, other professionals and purchasers of equipment. They are available free to health and social care professionals and for an appropriate charge for others. For a free list of publications and details of how to obtain these reports contact the Medical Devices Agency (see Addresses)

Computer Help for Disabled People: Jargon free guide by Lorna Ridgeway and Stuart McKears, Souvenir Press £12.95

See ‘Addresses’ for full addresses of organisations mentioned in ‘Equipment’

Other places to view equipment and get information:-
Hospital occupational therapy departments

These often have small displays of equipment and offer advice to people who are in hospital or attending as out-patients

Social services departments

These often have assessment centres where equipment can be tried out.

Local authority education departments
These may have a selection of equipment on view for use in schools.

Chemists
Larger branches often stock continence aids and basic aids for eating, drinking and bathing. Ask at your social services department or Disabled Living Centre where to buy items. 

Specialist retailers and disability equipment manufacturers
These often have showrooms where equipment is displayed. Ask the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) for the address of your nearest retailer who subscribes to their code of practice.

Tel: 01732 458868

Naidex Care Management
Each year Naidex holds exhibitions in the UK covering a wide range of equipment and services for disabled and elderly people. For details call: 0208 910 7873, or fax: 0208 910 7926

Research Institute for Consumer Affairs (RICA)
An independent consumer organisation which carries out research and publishes information for elderly and disabled consumers. RICA publishes reports on disability equipment and other subjects, including Equipment for an Easier Life.

Tel: 0207 704 5208

AbilityNet
This is a charity formed by the Computability Centre and the Foundation for Communication for the Disabled to give information and advice on computer access at home and at work, including adapting technology to the needs of people with a disability. Tel: National freephone number 0800 269545

SCOPE
This voluntary organisation gives advice, assessment and training with an emphasis on the needs of people with cerebral palsy. Helpline available free on 0800 626216. Regional offices provide contact with services and local groups.

RNIB
Royal National Institute for the Blind

RNID
Royal National Institute for Deaf People

See ‘Addresses’ for full addresses of organisations mentioned in ‘Equipment’