There may be certain items of equipment that would be of assistance to a person with a learning disability and to family members, for example, to help with a range of tasks, care needs and access.  As well as physical access or assistance with mobility, smaller items of equipment, such as special cutlery, a non-slip place mat or equipment to enable a person to enjoy computer games, can all make a great deal of difference. There are many very innovative ideas available which may be useful.

In the first instance it is advisable to ask your local Occupational Therapist for advice.  They will help with information and also help you to assess your own needs and suggest useful pieces of equipment for particular needs. 

Contact for children:
The Child Development Centre                                  
Telephone: (01609) 780471

Contact for adults:
The Community Learning Disability Team   Telephone: (01609) 751356 
Gibraltar House, Thurston Road, Northallerton
or:
Adult and Community Services                     Telephone: (01609) 779999
Occupational Therapists
Via Customer Services
 

ADAPTING YOUR HOME

Adaptations can be large or small e.g. stair lifts, ramps, a shower for someone who finds climbing into a bath very difficult, a handrail, an extra bedroom.  Think creatively about your needs. You then need to contact Customer Services (Telephone: 0845 034 9410) because you need the Community Occupational Therapist to come and assess your needs.  An application can then be made for a Disabled Facilities Grant from the District Council to pay for work to be done to adapt your home.  For adults, this may be subject to a financial assessment.  It is vital that you do not start any work until your grant has been approved, as grants cannot be paid retrospectively.

Adult and Community Services can sometimes make a contribution to any costs left outstanding after a Disabled Facilities Grant has been awarded – this would be subject to a financial assessment (of the person with a learning disability if they are an adult, not the carer).

If there is no need for major adaptation then you may need to apply for a Minor Works Grant.  These are only available if you meet certain criteria.  If you live in Council Housing or Housing Association property, work on adaptations should be free, although in some districts the housing authority may ask you to apply for a grant.

If you need further information or help, contact:

Customer Services                                  Telephone: 0845 034 9410
Or a Citizens Advice Bureau
 

ADAPTATIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

There is a booklet available from the Adult and Community Services Customer Services about adaptations.  An Occupational Therapist from Adult and Community Services will visit your home and talk about what you need to make life easier for you.  There may be some equipment that could help or a minor or major alteration to your home e.g. downstairs toilet or bedroom.  The Occupational Therapist will tell you whether you are eligible.  You will then approach the District Council who will make a decision and also decide if you have to pay a part of the money.