Adaptive equipment
Last updated
Adaptive equipment is gear that helps a student with a disability sit, move, eat, write or take part in activities more independently.
Topic: Motor and sensory
In plain terms
Examples include adapted seating and standers, walkers, wheelchairs, adapted utensils and cups, pencil grips, slant boards, adapted scissors and adapted PE equipment. OTs and PTs usually recommend and fit equipment, and train staff to use it safely. Many items count as assistive technology under IDEA.
How it shows up in an IEP
The IEP lists equipment the student needs and where it is used. Goals can target independent use, such as getting into a chair safely or using an adapted spoon at lunch.
Example
A student uses a chair with a footrest and lateral supports during desk work. The PT trains classroom staff, and a goal targets transferring into the chair with standby help only.
Related terms
- Assistive technology deviceAn assistive technology device is any item, equipment or software used to increase, maintain or improve the abilities of a student with a disability.
- Occupational therapy (school-based)School-based occupational therapy helps students take part in school tasks, such as handwriting, using tools, self-care and managing sensory needs.
- Physical therapy (school-based)School-based physical therapy helps students move safely and independently around school, with goals for mobility, balance, strength and access.
- Orthopedic impairmentUnder IDEA, orthopedic impairment is a severe physical impairment, such as cerebral palsy, that adversely affects a student's educational performance.
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