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Disability equipment is designed to assist people who are restricted in the way they can move, due to a physical disability. Disability equipment allows those with limited mobility to experience more independence and freedom, leading to a better quality life.

There are numerous types of mobility equipment, from simple crutches to the PolySpine supportive exoskeleton. Below is some brief information about just some of the disability equipment that is available for those that would like to achieve greater mobility.

PolySpine Exoskeleton

PolySpine is a customisable supportive exoskeleton, designed for people with moderate to severe physical disabilities. PolySpine mobility equipment is designed to provide support to users with physical disabilities so that they are able to participate in rehabilitative and recreational activities; outside of their main wheelchair or accessibility equipment. PolySpine acts as an additional support to work in conjunction with physical disability equipment, furniture, and the like, that usually does not meet the accessibility or support requirements for an individual with high level physical disability.

Crutches
Crutches can be used as a pair or one at a time, in order to shift weight away from weak or injured legs to the upper body. Crutches help the user to remain in an upright position and stay balanced. They can be used by those with short term injuries, pain or strains, in addition to people with long term physical disabilities.

Canes
Canes are a type of walking support equipment that work in a very similar way to crutches, by shifting weight from the legs to the upper body. Canes are used to increase stability and assist with maintaining balance. Some canes are adjustable, so that the height can be easily changed. Others are foldable, so that they can easily be transported. There are different types of canes including White Canes which assist the visually impaired; Quad Canes which have four feet to improve stability and Forearm Canes which offer greater support.

Walkers
A walker is a very effective type of walking support equipment that consists of a metal frame, four legs, and quite often a seat that encloses a storage bag. Some walkers have wheels that allow the user to push the walker, which is very beneficial for those with minimal arm strength. Whilst other walkers rely on the user lifting the frame and moving it forward so that it is one step ahead of them. They then need to step forward to where the walker is situated and then lift and move the walker again, repeatedly.

Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs support those who are unable to walk, though they also provide support to those who aren’t strong enough to use a walker for long distances. There are different types of wheelchairs, with some being electrically powered, whilst others require the user to manually turn the wheels or have someone push them. There are wheelchairs that are designed specifically for sporting activities also, so that people with walking disabilities can still enjoy physical activities and sport.

Mobility Scooters
Mobility Scooters are battery powered motorised vehicles and work in a similar way to electric wheelchairs. However, users are able to steer the scooter in the direction they wish to go, whilst sitting down. They are often used as a secondary option for when someone needs to travel a larger distance or to carry items with them, which they cannot safely do with their primary mobility equipment.

For more information and resources for disabled adults can be found at NDIS and Physical Disability Australia.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a physical disability that impacts your mobility, you may be able to benefit from PolySpine’s customisable supportive exoskeleton. Polyspine’s disability equipment can be used to increase mobility and allow the user to take part in physical activities that they would otherwise not be able to. Disabilities which impact the spine and cause limited mobility are a particular focus of the Polyspine team. Progress is underway to get our project into the hands of people who need it. For more information about Polyspine, contact our team or sign up for a trial.