Assistive Devices

The assistive devices service aims to assess, prescribe and maintain assistive devices such as wheelchairs, mobility aids, devices for daily living and hearing aids for people who need them.

These devices are provided once you have been assessed by the appropriate rehabilitation professional and a device prescribed. The core rehabilitation team who works with assistive devices are:

• audiologists (hearing aids),
• occupational therapists (wheelchairs and/or devices for daily living),
• physiotherapists (wheelchairs and/or mobility aids),
• speech therapists (communication aids), and
• orthotists and prosthetists (built-up shoes, orthopedic inner soles, ankle foot orthoses, custom-made devices etc.).

There are various health facilities in the province where assistive devices can be accessed (prescribed, maintained and repaired). These range from primary healthcare facilities to tertiary-level hospitals and specialised facilities.

If you need an assistive device, go to your nearest primary healthcare facility where you will either be assisted at the facility or be referred to the most appropriate rehabilitation professional for an assessment based on the device that is needed. It is important that you receive the correct device that has been programmed or adjusted according to your specific needs.