Equipment

Some links to equipment support

We can’t offer a comprehensive directory for equipment, but here are a few pointers to companies who can help with common issues that families ask about.

Please note that these suggestions do NOT constitute advice or recommendations, and we cannot be held responsible for your decision to purchase any equipment shown.

Fledglings

A good place to start is Fledglings fledglings.org.uk which has a range of equipment and toys for different needs.

Sensory Needs

CLOTHING

Sensory Smart Store sensorysmart.co.uk has clothing for children with sensory issues.

Some supermarkets and shops do school-wear for sensory issues, with fewer labels & seams and adaptive waistbands – Marks and Spencers ‘easy dressing‘ and Asda easy on, easy wear.

SENSORY TOYS

Run by a neuro-divergent West Lothian teenager, the Diversified website sells a good range of affordable sensory toys.

For larger toys and outdoor play equipment, Sensory Education has a good range, including bikes and trikes, play tables and more.

BIKES AND TRIKES

For bespoke bikes, trikes and hand-bikes that can be tailored to your child’s exact needs, contact Theraplay Ltd.

If your child has a physiotherapist or occupational therapist, it is always worth asking for their advice on what would work best for your child.

Car Harnesses and Seats

If your child undoes their seat belt, or needs a harness for postural support, a good place to start is Crelling Harnesses. They can advise you, or even send out a harness on a 14 day trial (there is a charge to return unsuitable ones – see website FAQs for details.

Picky Eaters

Fred Dinner Winner Plate

A fun way to encourage eating, which keeps each type of food separate.

Which Food Will You Choose?

A book for younger children.

Beds

If your child destroys normal furniture, or needs a ‘safe space’, you may consider getting a specialised bed such as the range supplied by the Reinforced Bed Company or the Safety Sleeper (warning, expensive!)

You may also be able to claim a reduction in Council Tax, if your child’s needs mean that a room has to be specially adapted for their sole use e.g. a bedroom with very little furniture and window locks, to stop them hurting themselves or damaging furniture

If your child just needs somewhere to retreat to if the world is too much, you could use your imagination to convert the space under a cabin bed into a ‘safe space’, perhaps by stringing blackout curtains around the space, buying a few handheld sensory toy lights or similar, and laying a soft rug/snuggly cushions on the floor (ask relatives to help out with costs for a special birthday present).

Funding for Equipment

It may be possible to get some help with costs for special toys or equipment, which tend to be very expensive. A few funders and sites which can help you find funding are listed below.

You can find more information on funding assistance on our Financial Support page.

What you’ll need

Each funder has their own rules (read carefully and make sure you do what is asked), but most will need similar information which you can get ready before you apply:

a letter from a professional who can tell them about how your child’s disability affects them and how they would benefit from having the equipment
some information about your income
one or two price quotes (can be website pages) showing the cost of the equipment you are asking them to help with.

Funders

Challenger Children’s Fund physically disabled children under 18, max £500
Family Fund – children with high support needs under 18, from low income families
Cash for Kids – Forth Radio grants, under 18s, sometimes flexible about unusual requests
Newlife – equipment loans or grants, and free 12 -week loans of specialist toys
Independent Living Fund (ILF) has a technology grant for 16-25 year olds, or a transition grant which can be used to fund other types of equipment, subject to certain conditions

Sources of funding (research required!)

Disability Grants UK – search the children’s section, grants for lots of different things
Turn2Us grants search and benefits checker

VAT and disability

When you buy equipment specifically designed or adapted for a disability, many suppliers will exclude VAT from the price, saving you 20%, if you can give written confirmation of your child’s condition (this may be as simple as ticking a box confirming this on an order form).

See this gov.uk page for more detailed information.

Signpost closed on 31st March 2023, and we are no longer able to offer you personal support.

However, this website will remain online and is full of resources, links and support information for you to use and download. Remember to bookmark this site and pop back whenever you need assistance.