Children’s Assistive Technology Service

Our Assistive Technology service is available for children across a range of settings and services.

However, the processes are different from the adults’ service:

  • there is no eligibility criteria that a child has to meet to be referred into the service
  • the reablement service does not apply
  • if, following assessment, assistive technology is provided by us there will be no charge for this service
  • if you were assessed via the Children’s Occupational Therapy Service and assistive technology was identified as not appropriate to meet your child’s needs, a children’s private pay offer could be explored
  • if a child’s parent or guardian feels that assistive technology would benefit your child or you require a general occupational therapist assessment, please contact us - the information will be referred to children’s occupational therapy team and processed appropriately

Case studies

Case Study 1

Situation

Child having to share a bedroom with parents so that they can monitor and be aware of any epileptic seizures requiring urgent attention.

Solution

Two epilepsy sensors were provided. One monitors the child’s heart rate and subsequent changes caused by epileptic seizure. The second sensor is a mat under the mattress that alerts to tonic clonic style seizures (shaking). These sensors are linked to a pager that the parents are alerted on.

Outcome

Child was able to sleep in their own room. Parents have confidence in knowing that if the child has a seizure, they will be alerted of this. It also allowed for parents to be able to ensure their own quality of sleep.

Case Study 2

Situation

Child with mobility difficulties, and with a lack of safety awareness. Child at risk of leaving their bedroom at night time, and using the stairs without supervision. As such, risk of falls and injury.

Solution

Door sensor provided on the child’s bedroom door. This is linked to a pager that parents held, and they are alerted if the child opens their bedroom door to leave at night.

Outcome

Child can still play in their room, but as soon as they open their door to leave, parents are alerted so they can respond and safely assist on the stairs as required. Safety achieved for the child, and peace of mind for the parents.

Case Study 3

Situation

Child being supported to manage their continence. However, still having accidents in bed at night, and as such requiring changing at these times to ensure cleanliness and prevent risk of damage to skin.

Solution

Enuresis sensor installed on the mattress. This sensor alerts parents via a pager if moisture is detected in the bed.

Outcome

Child can now be left undisturbed to sleep at night, and parents not having to manually check for any continence issues. Instead, parents are now able to only disturb and wake the child for cleaning when this is essential.

Useful Information

A to Z of council services

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z