RESOURCES TO ASSIST DAILY LIVING
The MDI knowledge base aims to be a one-stop resource for every child, adult, and family living with a neuromuscular condition. Here you can find some suggestions regarding resources, products, and organisations to assist daily living.
As a community resource, we need your help to develop this knowledge base in order to most effectively reflect your needs. To add to or update an existing resource, email your suggestions to communications@mdi.ie
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of these web links, and expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions in the contents of this site. Reference to these sites do not constitute endorsement or recommendation by Muscular Dystrophy Ireland.
Assistive technology explained – and how to get funding for it
Jump to topic:
Aids to Daily Living
Smart Home Technology
Alexa, Google Nest, Apple HomePod
Plugs and Bulbs
Doors and Smart Locks and Smart Doorbells
Windows and Blinds and Curtains
Heating
Eating and Drinking
Smart Security Systems
Personal Care
Beds
Clothing
Exercise
Eye Controls and Head Controls
Watch
Education Assistive Technology
Gaming
Assistive Technology Ideas for Electronics, Software and Computer Access
Assistive Technology for Writing
Assistive Technology for Reading
Assistive Technology for Communicating
Assistive Technology for Organising
Robotics and More Resources
Grants for Home Adaptions
Grants for Assistive Technology
Aids to Daily Living
Access Now– search for accessible businesses in your local area.
Assistive Technology and Adaptive Equipment for Children - Assistive technology and adaptive equipment for children with cerebral palsy include any device or equipment to help perform an activity or improve the ability to function. For a child with cerebral palsy, many different types of devices can be used to allow for participation in more activities, enhance learning, improve communication, hearing, and mobility, and make life easier.
Homecare Medical– a wide range of quality consumables, equipment and furniture.
Amazon Echo– Amazon Echo is a hands-free speaker controlled by voice. The Echo can connect to appliances, keep a shopping list, set alarms, play music and shop on Amazon.
EaZyHold – silicone cuff to aid with gripping.
Wheelchairs – Ireland’s Wheelchair Specialist Shop –accessibility equipment manufacturer including aids to daily living.
Play grounds Inclusive –discover these fantastic inclusive playgrounds in Ireland.
Med Guard– a wide range of medical devices and consumables.
Promed– partners with Irish primary care practices to offer diagnostic, consumables and technology solutions.
Murrays– providing solutions for: mobility, seating, pressure relief, aids for daily living, sensory and paediatrics.
Active Hands– Active Hands make gripping aids that gently, yet firmly hold your hand into a gripping shape enabling you to hold tightly onto objects, from hammers to garden tools, gym equipment to drumsticks, ski-outriggers to boat tillers, adaptive bike handles to musical instruments, and many more.
Beechfield Healthcare– Daily living, mobility aids, bathroom, kitchen and bedroom.
Essential Aids– a wide range of aids including crutches, wheelchair accessories, bathroom aids, toilet aids, kitchen aids and dressing aids. Aids for children too.
Adaptative can opener– for users with weak grip or limited dexterit;y
Mobility Genie– mobility aids, physio aids, footcare, daily living aids.
Assistive Technologies– This site is dedicated to Assistive Technology (AT) and aims to raise awareness of the various technologies and resources that are available.
The Armon Edero arm support– especially designed for those who have limited strength in their arms and hands, or for those who- can only use their muscular strength for a limited time.
Ireland's Premier Beach Wheelchairs - So, we set ourselves the goal of making every beach in Ireland wheelchair accessible. We launched the HIPPOCAMPE all-terrain beach wheelchair in Ireland in 2003, which for the first time opened up beaches all the way around Ireland from Louth right around to Donegal. Its low centre of gravity allowed users the freedom to go to places never dreamed possible.
The NTUTORR GenerativeAI Champions Project is a group of learners from NTUTORR institutions who are experimenting with and researching GenAI tools for learning and education. These students are specifically students with disabilities, and they are researching through that lens. - Online Learning Platform - Technological Higher Education | N-TUTORR
15 Assistive Technology tools and resources for students with disabilities
Specialists in Vehicle Adaptations | Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles | Drive from Wheelchair Vehicles
CleverCo Movin Sit Wedge Cushion – Junior – ABC School Supplies
The best smart glasses 2024: the top AI and AR glasses you can find | TechRadar
Acorn tablet which is aimed at older adults/ those who are experiencing digital exclusion. - Learn More About Acorn Age-Friendly Smart Tablet - MyAcorn
Smart Home Technology
Alexa
Alexa video resources - Amazon Alexa - YouTube
Google Nest
Google Nest video resources - Google Nest - YouTube
Apple HomePod
Doors and Smart Locks and Doorbells
Automatic Doors and Buttons
Nokego Smart Door Lock | Locksmith Dublin - Nokego Security Solutions
Wheelchair Door Activation Sensor / Wheelchair Access Button
Smart Handicap Door Opener with Wireless Handicap Push Button and Electric Strike – olidesmart
Smart Locks
Halo Wi-Fi Enabled Smart Door Lock and Deadbolt for Front Doors | Kwikset
Smart Doorbells
Nest Hello - Amazon.co.uk : nest hello ringer
Windows and Blinds and Curtains
Heating
Nest Learning Thermostat -The Nest Learning Thermostat is smarter and sleeker than ever (blog.google)
WiFi Smart Thermostat Control Voice Control Electr... – Grandado
Honeywell Home T9 - honeywell home wireless thermostat
Sensi Touch Smart Thermostat for Total HVAC Control | Sensi US (copeland.com)
Hive Smart Thermostat - Amazon.co.uk : new hive thermostat
Smart Security Systems
Eating and Drinking
Straws – Can assist if have difficulty bringing cup to mouth – valve/non-return straws, large diameter.
Personal Care
Adjustable height baths - Accessible Baths: High-Low, Adjustable, Powered with Bath Hoist Options
CO-Z 360° Swivel Shower Chair, 12-Level Tub Transfer Bench with Sliding Shower Chair, Bathtub Chair
Aquatec Toilet Seat Raiser with Armrests – Homecare Medical Shop
Wash dry toilets – Closomat, Gerberit, Bio Bidet, Porta Bidet - BEST CLOSOMAT PALMA VITA (Automatic Wash & Dry WC) in Ireland - MMS Medical
Toothpaste dispenser Toothpaste Dispenser - The Active Hands Company
Beds
Pressure mattress – for pressure relief/management
Hospital Profiling Beds & Elegant Homecare Profiling Beds Ireland
Exercise
FitBeast pull-up bands set– Five different levels resistance band for calisthenics, crossfit, powerlifting, muscle toning, yoga, stretch mobility.
Adjustable grip strength trainer– (10-60KG), grip ball, ring grip exercise, finger exerciser and finger s
Balance exercises– NHS UK
Wobble cushion– for core training, agility, gym workouts, yoga, comfortable sitting etc.
Resistance exercise band kit–for mobility,strength and rehab.
Eye Controls and Head Controls
Eye Gazing Apps
A curated guide to eyegaze-accessible apps across operating systems with Hiru - AAC eye-tracking apps | IRISBOND App Wheel
Software & apps for communication, AAC and eye control - Tobii Dynavox US
Face Tracking and Eye Gaze for the iPhone and iPad: Access and AAC – AAC Community
Devices & Head Control
Make the Switch: How to Control Your iPhone or iPad With Head Movements
Safe Care Technologies - communication devices
How to use head movements to control your iPhone or iPad with Switch Control | Tom's Guide
Eye Gaze
Vida - Smartbox - Experience a new level of eye gaze interaction with Vida.
Eyegaze - Experience a new level of eye gaze interaction with Vida.
Ideal Technology TM5 Eye-gaze - The TM5 Eye-gaze allows control of AAC, AT, PC and Tablet devices using eye control.
TD I-Series - eye tracking-enabled SGD - The TM5 Eye-gaze allows control of AAC, AT, PC and Tablet devices using eye control.
Clothing
ADAPTAFASHION– provides specifically adapted clothing for people with disabilities and additional needs or any temporary disability or restrictions in movement.
Able2 Wear– specialist wheelchair clothing and adaptive c
ComfortClothing – design, manufacture and delivery of clothing for men and women with reduced mobility, reduced shopping opportunities or those recovering from surgery.
CHARIOT– A clothing brand for wheelchair users.
Special Kids Company – a range of adaptive clothing and accessories designed for children with special needs. Suitable for 2 to 16 year-olds.
Adapted clothing – joggers, Velcro instead of buttons, no fastenings, elastic laces
GPS Watch
TASK Online Store :: GPS Personal Location Devices :: 4G Personal Alert GPS Watch - The 4G Personal Alert Watch from TASK Community Care can keep you connected to a 24-hour monitoring centre, or a nominated contact, day or night, wherever you are and whatever the season.
Equipped with cellphone connectivity, GPS tracking, an SOS button and much more. The two-way speech function when activated allows a trained operator to ascertain the nature of the emergency, enabling them to provide an appropriate response.
Education Assistive Technology
National Council for Special Education– overview of Assistive Technology (AT). Computer-related applications.
AHEAD, a non-profit organisation working to create inclusive environments in education and employment for people with disabilities, lists.– some assistive technology commonly used in higher education in Ireland (grouped by disability).
AT Hive– the aim of ‘AT Hive’ is to guide through various technologies that can help people with disabilities in many different ways.
ABC School Supplies– special needs educational equipment
HuntOffice– health and safety supplies.
Enable Ireland– whether you’re an Assistive Technology user, a parent/family member, a personal assistant, a clinician, an educator, or just someone with an interest in AT, you’re likely to find training courses/workshops here to help you get the most out of what technology can offer.
Inclusive Technology– hardware, software and learning resources.
All Play Learn–accessible online evidence-based tools and resources to assist and support children and young people with developmental challenges and disabilities and their families to successfully participate in mainstream activities.
Enable Ireland - AT Loan Library
Assistive Technology Ideas for Electronics, Software and Computer Access
Enable Ireland– guide to accessible apps games and toys.
Inclusive Technology– range of engaging, colourful and cuddly switch adapted toys. Switch adapted toys are toys which have been adapted so that their original switches are redirected to a larger switch that is easier for the child to interact with.
Amazon Echo – a hands-free speaker controlled by voice. The Echo can connect to appliances, keep a shopping list, set alarms, play music and shop on Amazon.
Apple Accessibility – accessibility options for Apple products.
AutoHotkey – free, open-source software for Windows that can be used to automate computer functions.
Camera Mouse – Free, downloadable tool that turns a webcam into a head tracker.
Accessible features and appson your smartphone.
Wearable assistive technology– device that functions like a mouse.
Safe Care Technologies – a range of different communication (AAC) devices to help users with different disabilities or impairments that can be assisted through touch, Eye-Gaze or switch a Eye-tracking assistive technology for tablet and desktop.
Microsoft Accessibiity– website for Microsoft’s accessibility features.
Polital Enterprises– free tools for computer access.
TechCheck – Powerful but simple tool to help employers assess their technology accessibility practices. Whether you have a formal accessible technology effort or not, TechCheck can help give you a benchmarking ‘snapshot’ of the current state of your technology, the accessibility goals you want to reach, and what steps you might take to achieve them.
Tobi ATI – eye-tracking devices for speech, tablet and computer accessibility.
EyeGaze – eye-tracking hardware and software communication solutions.
WebAIM Assistive Technology for motor disabilities – article highlighting types of assistive technologies for individuals with motor disabilities.
15 Assistive Technology tools and resources for students with disabilities.
Accessibility information from Irish telecoms providers and details of the services and devices that are designed to assist in ensuring accessibility including vision, hearing, mobility or dexterity requirements:
Assistive Technology for Writing
Bubbl US– free brainstorming tool and information organizer
Mindomo – visual tool to aid mind mapping, concept mapping, and outlining
Popplet –tool for the iPad and web to capture and organize ideas.
Writing Bird from Essential Aids
Writing Aid, Pencil Gripper, Pen Gripper For Writing Support
Speech-to-Text Software - For those who face difficulties in physically writing, speech-to-text software provides a seamless alternative. These tools convert spoken words into written text, allowing users to compose emails, documents, or even creative writing using only their voice. Leading options include Dragon NaturallySpeaking and Google’s Speech-to-Text API.
Clear Acrylic Ergonomic Writing Slope, Extra Wide For Better Writing Posture
Assistive Technology For Organising
Aida Reminder Reminder app
Evernote – Note-taking app
Simplenote – Note-taking app.
Assistive Technology for Reading
Bubbl US– free brainstorming tool and information organizer
Mindomo – visual tool to aid mind mapping, concept mapping, and outlining
Popplet –tool for the iPad and web to capture and organize ideas.
Amazon Audible’s Immersion Reading –website that highlights Audible Kindle products that support Immersion Reading – a tool that allows you to read a Kindle eBook and listen to its professionally narrated Audible companion Audiobook at the same time.
Speechify–text-to-speech reader.
Natural Reader – text-to-speech reader.
Rewordify – free, online reading software.
Snap&Read – complete toolkit to help students comprehend everything they read with tools to assist reading, organise information and annotate PDFs.
Tar Heel Reader – website with access to accessible books.
Viozon Book Stand, Rotatable Wooden Book Display Stand with Height Adjustment, Foldable Metal Base
Reader 3 is an alternative to our widely popular and award-winning Reader 2 with additional features accessible through an online connection. Scan printed text to hear it read back to you via its text-to-speech function, or receive immediate definitions using its built-in dictionaries. Reader 3 - C-Pen
Assistive Technology for Communicating
Proloquo2Go - AAC app with symbols - AssistiveWare - Proloquo2Go is an award-winning AAC app that enables nonspeaking children and adults to express themselves confidently and initiate conversations.
Our mission is to enhance communication with advanced audio-to-audio AI, empowering people in every situation to reclaim their voices and express themselves clearly and confidently. Whispp’s real-time voice AI gives people with a voice condition their voice back and enables private, discreet calls simply by whispering.- Company - Whispp
Robotics and More Resources
Kinova Robotics – assistive robotic solutions to support increased independence: a robotic arm, eating device and arm supports.
Pudu Robotics | Commercial Cleaning, Service Delivery, Industrial Delivery & Embodied AI
Aids and Appliances - The HSE provides a range of aids, appliances and assistive technology for people who have a clinical requirement for devices which can support them in their daily living