Low cost equipment

Types of low-cost equipment

There are many types of low-cost equipment.

Some common ones include:

• special cutlery
• electric can openers
• raisers for a chair or bed
• long-handled hair brushes/combs
• reachers
• dressing aids
• short grab rails
• walking sticks.

If you buy low-cost equipment items yourself, you will not have to wait for an assessment or for the equipment to be provided, and you will be able to get on with doing your everyday tasks.

Equipment provided by Disability Support Services

Disability Support Services is not always able to provide equipment to meet all the needs identified by disabled people.

Generally, DSS will only fund low-cost items for:

• children under 16 years of age
• people who can show that they cannot afford to buy the things themselves, for example, they are receiving either a special benefit or temporary additional support from Work and Income
• people who are living in residential care, are under 65 years of age and need the equipment because it is essential to support their personal safety.

Where you can buy low-cost equipment

There are many companies and pharmacies that sell low-cost equipment that you can buy in-store, over the phone or online.

The following organisations can also help you find places to buy low-cost equipment in your area:

• Firstport external: Brought to you by Enable NZ, this disability information website is for disabled people, their families, whānau and caregivers, health professionals and disability information providers to find a raft of disability related information and is a good place to go to find out about where to buy low-cost equipment.
• New Zealand Federation of Disability Information Centres external: This organisation provides an impartial information and referral service. It has a nationwide network of independent community centres.